LEON - IRAPUTO (Mexico) - The countdown to the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 will soon expire quickly and there's simply no time to list all the reasons why you will be captivated by it.
However, here are 10 reasons why you seriously need all things #FIBAU17 in your life when the action gets underway in Leon and Iraputo, Mexico between July 13 and 21.
10 - It's the top global talent showcase
Even if there is an argument that the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup trumps this one, there is no denying that the U17 Women's Basketball World Cup is the top showcase for new global talent.
This is the first global competition that players can compete in at the FIBA level, meaning rising stars can take the opportunity to truly put themselves onto the radar for the first time. That's a serious 'Wow' factor because fans have mostly not seen most of these ballers before.
9 - The Mexican fans are ready for a fiesta
Even if the host nation are massive underdogs at the event having not been able to make a big impact at the FIBA U16 Women's Americas Championship last year, there is a chance of being competitive in arguably the best group they could have been placed in. If they do manage to get a win on the board, it's going to be quite the fiesta!
8 - Continental rivalry and revenge can be delicious
All of the teams who have qualified for this competition have done so after playing in their respective U16 Continental Championships last year. As part of that process, some real rivalries have developed and not least around those nail-biting games during tournament crunch-time.
From France only just beating neighbors Spain to gold, Australia only just edging out Japan for the Asian title, Mali beating Egypt by just a single point to be crowned African winners and Italy beating Finland to bronze by only one point also, there's going to be potential payback and a thirst for revenge on the cards if these matchups are repeated.
7 - Because Jerzy Robinson's got game
This competition is littered with ballers who progress to the elite level and it looks like Jerzy Robinson could be another. The MVP of the FIBA U16 Women's Americas Championship 2023, she is currently ranked as ESPN's number one recruit in the 2026 High School class. That is following in some strong footprints. But will she take a first global MVP award?
6 - Four rookie teams are taking historic first footsteps
Yes, it's going to be a special feeling for everyone associated with Croatia, Finland, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei as the quartet get to make their maiden FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup appearances.
It's thrilling to see three new national team jersey's being worn in this competiton and all three teams also have some exciting young guns expected to fire and make a big impact. Plus, even more history is guaranteed early, since Puerto Rico and Croatia face each other in the first phase, so one of them is going to experience the elation of a first ever triumph.
5 - Gigantic upsets (and near misses) do happen
You can take nothing for granted in the women's game generally, which is known for being predictably unpredictable. While USA have dominated this competition since its inception back in 2010, they were taken down in the Semi-Finals by Australia in Zaragoza during the 2016 edition.
While that was the most high-profile upset, there have been many more and a lot of near missed and edge of your seat nail-biters. Including Spain almost toppling USA in the 2014 Final as well.
4 - Because we might just see that next dunk
One of the highlights of the last edition was when Toby Fournier of Canada famously threw down a dunk in the game against Korea. It was a sensational moment and everyone loved seeing it, so will we get another one at this edition?
Maybe, with Sara Okeke of Spain maybe a contender since she did one this season which picked up plenty of traction on social channels! Or, will someone else replicate Fournier's spectacular play? Certainly as the women's game gets more and more athletic with each passing year, we're going to get throw downs more consistently!
3. The rise and rise of African hoops
One of the standout features of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup (also mirrored at U19 level too) has been the last 10 years of African teams making a splash. Leading the way has been Mali who incredibly, reached the Semi-Finals of the competition two years ago.
That historical high has been coming and many will remember an entire decade ago when they got that landmark first success against a European side when they took down Italy. It was a seismic shock and the rise of Mali and African hoops is so exciting and a sign that the competitiveness of global basketball just gets stronger and more unpredictable.
2 - Seeing future Women's World Cup and Olympian stars first
It feels even more relevant than usual in an Olympic year in particular and with this edition in Meixco taking place right on Paris 2024 eve. Everyone will get the chance to see future global stars taking their first footsteps on the world stage.
The 14 year history of this famous competition is stacked with ballers who are now at the elite level and indeed many who are about to lead their respective teams in the French capital. From Breanna Stewart of USA, to Emma Meesseman of Belgium, Ezi Magbegor of Australia and Xu Han of China. And that is just a quick glance down the list!
1 - The greatest basketball dynasty on the planet
Even if some people get (understandably) frustrated that USA universally dominate, having won every edition except 2016, you have to tip your hat in admiration at this relentless reputation and heritage.
This is not even any longer about whether they will win it or be favorites since it almost always feels like they will. It's simply a joy as a neutral fan to watch and see who is suiting up with USA emblazoned across their chest and how they compare to those that went before them in this greatest ever basketball dynasty.
FIBA