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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
#3 Defense is the identity of France and key to the Final
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
Every team has only made one appearance so far, but already the prospect of calculating basket difference is coming firmly into focus.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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