Group A Preview: Wide open pool means anyone can make a splash

EILAT (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017, Division B) – We look at Group A of the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017, Division B with all six participants ready to push the door of opportunity towards promotion.

Czech Republic

Krejzova is also part of what could be an exciting future generation at ZVVZ USK Prague

Players to Watch: Michaela Krejzova brings her dynamic wing-play up from U18 level and she has the capacity to be highly productive too, after pouring in more than 16 points per game. Look out for Lucie Hoskova as well who is a great scorer and rebounder, and also excelled in Sopron.

Outlook: After only just missing out on a return to the top-flight in Podgorica last summer when they made the Semi-Finals, they will be hoping to go one better. And, they might achieve that aim if their big guns can fire - although the loss of Petra Holesinska to an ankle injury is a  big blow!

Germany

Satou Sabally will be back after a year's absence

Players to Watch: The return of Satou Sabally will be pivotal after she missed last year. Now with EuroCup Women minutes under her belt and a strong season with Eisvogel Freiburg, she will be a leader. There is also a big performance expected from Leonie Schutter, who was a standout on the U18 team last year.

Outlook: After finishing bottom of the ladder in Division A, Germany will be looking to make an instant return and while that might be difficult, it can’t be ruled out. After all, they're a nation who have regularly moved up and down frequently. Much will depend on what contributions the supporting cast behind the headline acts can offer.

Greece

Fasoula will be difficult to guard in the paint for her opponents

Players to Watch: Mariella Fasoula has just returned from duties with the senior team at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017. She was part of a fairytale and historic run to the Semi-Finals by Greece, who also landed a place at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018. She will produce under the hoop and be the focal point. Also look out for Zafeirenia Karlafti, who has been in good form during the warm-up games.

Outlook: It was a heart-breaking finish in Matosinhos last year as Greece took the last trap door ticket down to Division B after losing a nail-biter 67-65 to arch rivals Turkey. With the towering Fasoula, they have a dominant anchor in the paint to build around, while some encouraging preparation results also bode well.

Iceland


Agustsdottir is a great long-term prospect for her country

Players to Watch:  Thelma Agustsdottir was highly effective in the backcourt at the FIBA U18 Women’s Championship Division B last year and will lay the platform for a potential shock. Elin Hrafnkelsdottir also did great in the same competition.

Outlook: Having not participated last year, it’s a welcome return for Iceland and they will be out to cause some surprises. That is built off the back of many of their U18 players moving up in the wake of stunning everybody by reaching the Semi-Finals last year and almost making it to Division A. But it will be a blow to be without Sylvia Halfdanardottir, who was a sensation last year, but has not played since last summer.

Slovak Republic

Mistinova is destined for more senior team action in the future

Players to Watch: Miroslava Mistinova is one of the most improved players across all the Slovak Republic categories and was unlucky not to make it to FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017. She has a great skill-set, with Alexandra Haskova also ready to step things up after impressing at the 2016 edition of this competition.

Outlook: Having endured the pain of relegation on Portuguese soil in 2016 despite having three wins on the board from their seven games, there is every chance that this feeling of injustice, combined with some good quality players, can fuel a return to Division A.

Ukraine

Karp must produce the goods again for Ukraine to improve on 2016

Players to Watch: Last year’s top two performers for Ukraine are likely to be so again as Natalia Tsiubyk and Kristina Karp look to carry the scoring load for their team as they did in Podgorica during 2016.

Outlook: Having finished in a modest ninth place last year in Montenegro, and 13th at U18 level, it’s difficult to envisage a huge improvement.

FIBA