2016 FIBA WOQT Preview - Intensity, passion and upsets on menu in Nantes

NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - The intensity and passion will be palpable when 12 nations descend on Nantes for the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

Tuesday's draw at the House of Basketball certainly served up some fascinating match-ups - right through all four groups.

Group A
Host nation France will be Group A favourites, drawing on their experience of this tournament four years ago in Ankara, when they booked a spot for the London 2012 Games and then made a stunning and memorable run all the way to the Final. With the fervour likely to cascade from the stands, Celine Dumerc will pull the strings as usual, with Endene Miyem, Sandrine Gruda, Helena Ciak and Isabelle Yacoubou a brilliant rotation in the paint. The only headache is the wing spot and being without the physical presence of Diandra Tchatchouang, who has sustained a serious injury.

Cuba are looking to make a return to the Olympics for the first time in 16 years, and have a global pedigree after featuring at the 2014 FIBA Women’s World Championship. They have some highly talented players of their own in the paint with Yamara Amargo, Clenia Noblet and Marlen Cepeda, while Ineidis Casanova is a very talented guard.

New Zealand head coach Kennedy Kereama could justifiably say he’s been handed one of the toughest draws and the Tall Ferns will have to play well if they want to make up for missing out in 2012 in Ankara. They will need the experience of veteran duo Micaela Cocks and Lisa Wallbutton, while the rebounding of Penina Davidson will be more important than ever.

Group B
As hosts of this event in 2012, Turkey sailed to a first-ever Olympic appearance in London and will be the team to beat in Group B. Although there is an element of transition taking place with a new play-caller in Aziz Akkaya and the ongoing integration of rising stars into the set-up. But throw into the mix the fabulous know-how of Nevriye Yilmaz and Birsel Vardarli Demirmen, as well as the strength of the naturalised Lara Sanders and playmaking ability of Isil Alben and you quickly see why they will take some stopping. Watch out for their trademark passing plays which will light up the highlights reel.

Argentina didn't impress at the recent Rio test event, but head coach Cristian Santander is adamant his team will show up in Nantes. They also played in Ankara in 2012 but didn't make it to London - although this time they have the skills of teenage ace Victoria Llorente to call upon, who plays her club basketball in Spain with national team leader, Gisela Vega.

Cameroon will break new ground as they compete on the global stage for the first time and while underdogs, they bring an enthusiasm and unpredictability which will need to be respected. They also have a real star in Ramses Lonlack, who was scintillating at AfroBasket Women last year.

Group C
Belarus stepped out at the Olympic Games for the first time in Beijing in 2008 and no nation will be glued to the action more, since the women's team is revered. Twin towers Anastasiya Verameyenka and Yelena Leuchanka lead the way, with Katsiaryna Snytsina an 'X-factor' and the naturalised Lindsey Harding orchestrating from the backcourt.

Korea fell short in Ankara four years ago and like Belarus, they last played at the Olympics eight years ago. The phenomenal teenage starlet Ji Su Park will carry the load for her team, just like she did at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship.

Nigeria played in Athens at the 2004 Olympics and might fancy their chances against Korea with their athleticism and all-round depth. Nigeria have plenty of options and don't rely on one key player as such, with the likes of Ndidi Madu, Adaora Elonu and Sarah Ogoke usually combining well to get positive results.

Group D
One of the most interesting aspects of the draw was Spain being paired with China in Group D, since it sees their play-caller Lucas Mondelo with an instant scouting report in his hands because he has coached in the WCBA in recent years.

Spain will be favourites because of the breath taking skills of Alba Torrens, masterful play of point guard Laia Palau, the expected return of defensive powerhouse Sancho Lyttle and because they beat their rivals by 16 points at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship.

China will be eager to bury the memories of their mauling against Japan in the Final of the 2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship and as they try to continue their stunning track record of qualifying for the Olympics. Ting Shao remains the reference point, although whether anybody steps up to provide support is the question in need of an answer.

The other team in Group D is Venezuela, who having crashed at the recent Rio test event have vowed to be much more competitive in Nantes in their first global foray. They will have to be if they want to get anywhere near their opponents, with Roselis Silva and Cleyder Blanco offering the best options of trying to keep pace.

FIBA