28 Jul
    11 Aug 2024

    10 early takeaways: Power rankings shredded, legends, ladders and rising stars

    5 min to read
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    Nigeria ripped up the script - and the power rankings

    The first set of group games have been banked in Lille and there were plenty of talking points.

    LILLE (France) - It's been an action-packed and breathtaking first set of Group Phase games at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 and as the pause button is pushed briefly, we're checking out the main takeaways.

    Here's our top 10.

    #1 Maybe hold the power rankings upside down?

    Nigeria defied their 12th place power ranking

    Trying to predict the predictably unpredictable women's game is tough at the best of times, but it has been taken to new heights in this competition.

    Read more on the power rankings here

    Paris 2024 Women's Power Rankings, volume 2: Who's up and who's down?

    The teams have generally shredded the pre-tournament volume 2 of the rankings, with bottom placed Nigeria a prime example.

    #2 LJ... What. A. Legend.

    It was a historical Olympic moment for Jackson in the first game

    There are almost no words left to describe the accomplishments of the Opals legend and indeed women's basketball legend, Lauren Jackson. Even if she was on the wrong end of the result in her first outing at Paris 2024, she made history by becoming the oldest ever Olympics baller - women or men.

    Read more about Lauren Jackson becoming oldest ever Olympic baller

    History maker Lauren Jackson becomes oldest ever Olympic basketball player

    Throw in the fact she is also leading multiple Olympic all-time lists in other categories and you just have to tip your hat in utter admiration and respect.

    Read more about Lauren Jackson's journey here:

    In Depth with Lauren Jackson: The Olympic Journey

    #3 Defense is the identity of France and key to the Final

    France and their defense made life super tough for Canada

    The disruptive qualities of France in terms of defense is awesome and will be the fuel that potentially powers them to the title game in Paris. Their ball denial has been elite, they are so long, athletic, aggressive and deep. So, they can sustain the effort.

    Read more about the record-breaking defense of France

    Two points only: France's Fortress shuts down Canada in historic quarter

    For any other teams in Europe, they've sounded the alarm longer-term that they look like they could dominate at the next couple of Women's EuroBasket tournaments. Watch out!

    #4 Germany are the real deal. Watch out in 2026 too!

    Leonie FIebich is a class act for Germany

    To step into a first ever Olympics game and not just win, but to take down the European champions and to do it emphatically sent a message Germany are staying at the top table.

    Read more about Germany building for 2026

    Germany building big with Satou Sabally and rising star Frieda Buhner

    Huge, talented, with young guns coming through and the newly arrived Alexis Peterson directing traffic in the backcourt, whatever happens in Lille and Paris, they look capable. All eyes will soon turn to the Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 which they will host!

    #5 Africa's Got Game Again!

    Nigeria took a famous upset win against Australia

    The only African team in the Women's tournament did their continent proud with that stunning double-digit victory against Australia. They not only beat the Opals, they did so in real style and with authority. Something which shows that maybe they have more in them to push on.

    Read more about Nigeria's focus on defense

    Ferocious defense a difference-maker for Kalu and Nigeria

    The foundation of their success and their first win at the event in 20 years was some stellar defense. It was rugged at times, but it did the job and completely knocked Australia out of their offensive stride.

    #6 'Goosebumps' from the crazy big crowds

    Lille has seen huge crowds for the women's games

    The atmosphere inside Stade Pierre Mauroy has been absolutely electric so far. The fans have turned up in huge numbers to watch women's hoops and brought the noise off the court!

    Read more about the huge crowds in Lille

    Paris 2024 is chasing the All-time olympic basketball tournaments attendance record

    It has everyone now checking to see if a record will be broken for Olympic attendances and certainly the games and players have dished out plenty of entertainment in return so far!

    #7 Calculators out!

    Basket difference will come into play and the Opals might worry after their loss

    Every team has only made one appearance so far, but already the prospect of calculating basket difference is coming firmly into focus.

    Here's what you need to know about the Quarter-Finals:

    Breaking down the Olympic Tournament Basketball Quarter-Finals Draws

    It's not just a surprise loss - or win that is important - also the margin too. Something that could decide if you are on the plane home, or the train to the French capital.

    #8 MVP ladder being lifted up by Wilson and Stewie

    A'ja Wilson - USA

    Will it be a two-way race for MVP with A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart of USA? They were on the podium of the first MVP ladder before the tournament started and look like they might be ready to lift up that ladder and leave everyone trailing in the race.

    Read more about the MVP Ladder 1

    The MVP Ladder: Who are the main candidates?

    Wilson started the competition with a blistering and powerful double-double against Japan while Stewart was only just behind with a fantastic display. MVP warning shots fired early!

    #9 Turnover town is a bad place to be

    Australia had 26 turnovers against Nigeria

    The pressure applied by Nigeria and France caused Australia and Canada to perhaps unexpectedly crack. The Opals turned the ball over 26 times in their shock loss, while Canada were not much better as they spilled it 25 times in the defeat to France.

    Canada had 25 turnovers against France

    Yes, turnover town is not a good place to be. Plus, it's not like these nations are new to this level having played for the bronze medal at the Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.

    #10 Buhner jumped onto the rising star radar

    Buhner dropped 11 points in 11 minutes on debut

    Jumping across from representing her country at the U20 Women's EuroBasket 2024 recently, the forward has found herself thrust into the limelight. She is now part of a history-making team and she played her part with 11 points in 11 minutes on court.

    Buhner is loved by all her teammates for her attitude to learning

    That super cameo has placed her onto the radar as one of the rising stars of the tournament and will be someone to continue tracking in the next years at the Women's EuroBasket 2025 and the Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.

    FIBA

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