Group C Preview: The most finely balanced fight lies in wait

MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017) – We throw a light on a tight Group C of the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017 and see who might shine between Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Hungary and Slovenia.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sara Hejic has been unstoppable in the paint in past tournaments

Players to Watch: The sensational Melisa Brcaninovic was the young rising star that helped her country survive their first ever top-flight campaign last year with some stunning displays that resulted in her signing for Galatasaray. Throw in the equally talented but even younger 2000-born Sara Heljic and there are two players of significant class to enjoy.

Outlook: Don’t be surprised if Bosnia and Herzegovina repeat their success and remain in Division A. They’re a dangerous unit with several returnees from last year’s historic maiden campaign when they won twice. Also promoted from U18 Division B last year, they are a nation on the rise!

France

Berkani will be favored to push for All-Star Five honors in Matosinhos

Players to Watch: The spotlight will be firmly on Lisa Berkani in the wake of her being drafted to the WNBA by the Minnesota Lynx. Her guard play will be the focal point, and maybe she has a point to prove after being cut before FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017. Also watch out for the interesting Marie-Paule Fopossi, who is always offering the key cameo.

Outlook: France head to this tournament as a competitive unit with a genuinely class leader in Berkani, although they will have to step up collectively to make an outstanding third Final in four editions. They’ll be helped by the momentum of their U18 team's success last summer in Sopron.

Hungary

Debora Dubei had the thrill of playing at the Final Round in Hradec Kralove last month

Players to Watch: Debora Dubei will arrive on Portuguese soil with her senior tournament debut under her belt after appearing at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017. Her wing play and scoring ability will be priceless. Similarly, Eniko Kuttor returns from the 2016 edition when Hungary gained promotion from Division B and the Duquesne star will be hugely influential.

Outlook: Hungary should be comfortable with the talent they have on paper and will be eyeing up a Quarter-Finals finish with some big talent on their books. They may even have the capacity to challenge for a medal if they play to their full potential, although they are missing the pick of a gifted 1999 generation who will stay at U18 level and won’t play up.

Slovenia

Prezelj is a phenomenal scorer at youth level, while recently tasting senior action

Players to Watch: Annamaria Prezelj and Larisa Ocvirk have both just appeared at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 and so they will be oozing confidence and especially after being part of the team that got their country’s first ever win. The former is a prolific scorer in the backcourt, while Ocvirk is a flexible forward and a tough defensive assignment.

Outlook: With so many 1997 experienced players and with some who have now played at the elite level, Slovenia look like a lock to make a positive impression with the momentum from last year’s promotion from Division B. Although the warning is that it is a hugely competitive opening group.

FIBA