PARIS (France) - It's all eyes on France at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 as the host nation looks to lock top place in Group B and ride onwards to Bercy, fuelled by a feelgood factor and the search for a medal.
Here's how Group B is looking ahead of the first games.
The Favorite: France
It's a tough-looking group to try and take control of, but with home support behind them, a great looking and well-balanced roster, as well as a strong preparation program now in the books, there's a lot to love about France.
In the recent warm-up games, the leaders have executed nicely and others have played smart cameos, so it's clear everyone knows their respective roles.
There is a real verve and dynamic feel to the team and considering they have special talents and game-winners, a podium spot is in France's own hands. Australia and Canada will be formidable opponents, but everything is lined up for the hosts to get it done.
The Underdog: Nigeria
Winless at Tokyo 2020, Nigeria still recieved a lot of deserved praise for their performances and the way they competed relentlessly. They found themselves with seriously tough fixtures and the same will be the case at this edition.
Even if they don't have the same depth or proven elite quality of roster than their peers, D'Tigress will be ready for the fight and can't be taken lightly. They're capable of an upset and in Amy Okonkwo, have a towering and powerful presence to lead their quest of being the Group B 'fly in the ointment'.
The Pivotal Game: Australia v Canada
What a fascinating matchup this will be, since at the last FIBA global event in Sydney, these two clashed in the Third Place Game. Australia eventually stood on the coveted last podium step after a 30-point blowout. Many of the same players are still involved, so Canada will have added motivation to avenge that FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 loss.
It will be a battle royale in the paint, with both teams hugely physical, aggressive and unrelenting in their approach. Canada's Natalie Achonwa will try and drop anchor for her team in what is her swansong and helped by Kayla Alexander, will will go up against Opals' veterans Lauren Jackson, Marianna Tolo and Cayla George.
The winner of this one might just take a leap towards snapping up first place and at the very least, second spot in the Group.
The Open Question: Is it all about Marine Johannes?
From so many standpoints, the answer is obviously no. France have to play as a team to get it done and it can never be a one-player team with their overall level of talent. But on a different level of thinking, it is almost impossible to imagine France winning this Group and then landing a medal without their marquee baller on top form.
The guard hitting shots from all angles and getting the crowd off their seats with her crazy-good assists would surely see the energy and belief cascading through the veins of every French player and fan. That extra edge of a happy MJ, with MVP mode activiated means it probably is all about her in reality.
More?
Don't forget to check the Team Profiles for: Australia, Canada, France and Nigeria.
FIBA