Everything you need to know about the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021

STRASBOURG / VALENCIA (France/ Spain) - It's time for the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 to tip-off and here is everything you need to know about the event in Strasbourg and Valencia, including a group by group analysis. 

When and where does it take place and what is at stake?

The tournament takes place between June 17-27 and is co-hosted by France (Strasbourg) and Spain (Valencia), with the latter the sole host of the last stage of the competition. A total of 16 nations will compete in four groups to try and make it to the knockout stages - check out the Competition System.  As well as the usual title and podium places, the top six teams will also collect a ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments.

Spain have won the last two tournaments and are looking to become the first nation since 1991 to win three in a row

What is the history of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket?

This is the 38th edition of the prestigious competition which has been in existence since 1938. A total of 11 different nations have celebrated a title triumph, with the Soviet Union having won 21 titles and a staggering 17 in a row between 1960 and 1991. In modern times, no nation was able to defend its crown between 1991 and 2017. However, Spain managed that feat in 2019 and are looking to become the first country since the Soviet Union in 1991 to win three consecutive titles. You can check out the All-Time Medalists here.

Where can I follow and watch the games?

All games will be shown on livebasketball.tv (some geographic restrictions might apply) and depending on the country where you live, by some other television broadcasters. You can follow the latest updates across all FIBA Women's EuroBasket channels including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook - also using #EuroBasketWomen.

Group A - Belarus, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden

Favorites: Spain as the reigning champions. Even if they don't have the experience of previous years and will be without 2017 MVP Alba Torrens again, they still have an array of stars including the likes of Queralt Casas, Laia Palau and 2019 MVP, Astou Ndour. With a leading playcaller like Lucas Mondelo still in situ, they should top the group.

Dark Horse: Belarus could make a deep run if they have some luck and can capitalize on Sweden and Slovakia both missing some key personnel through injury. They have a strong starting five and with the naturalized Alex Bentley at her third tournament, she knows what it takes. Anastasia Verameyenka and Mariya Papova are a classy forward duo and remember they surprised Belgium in the group stage two years ago.

Five To Watch: Astou Ndour (ESP), Queralt Casas (ESP), Frida Eldebrink (SWE), Anastasiya Verameyenka (BLR), Timea Sujova (SVK).

Young Gun: There is a real buzz around Raquel Carrera of Spain after the teenager posted a sensational EuroCup Women Final Four to help Valencia land a first title in the competition. Her major tournament debut could be one to remember on her home court. 

FIBA WORLD RANKING, PRESENTED BY NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	IOC	CURRENT POINTS
3.	Spain	1.	ESP	690.5
11.	Belarus	6.	BLR	470.0
20.	Sweden	12.	SWE	314.9
24.	Slovakia	15.	SVK	279.6

Group B - Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia

Favorites: Serbia haven't had a brilliant preparation and must not get tempted to have an eye on the Tokyo Olympics. However, they should still be expected to come first in this group - even if it is arguably one of the most balanced. They have a lot of experience with Sonja Vasic, Jelena Brooks, Tina Krajisnik and the addition of naturalized playmaker Yvonne Anderson could be a game-changer in keeping them in the hunt for another podium spot.

Dark Horse: Montenegro have an impressive three-pronged frontcourt of Jelena Dubljevic, Milica Jovanovic and Markeisha Gatling. They love the underdog label, but appearing at their sixth consecutive edition, they are an established nation at this level. Their success could hinge on whether backcourt duo Bozica Mujovic and Jovana Pasic can fire and whether they avoid foul trouble and injuries as they are not deep. They pose a big danger to Italy in particular, who will have eyes on advancing. 

Five To Watch: Sonja Vasic (SRB), Jelena Brooks (SRB), Maria Fasoula (GRE), Jelena Dubljevic (MNE), Cecilia Zandalasini (ITA).

Young Gun: Elena Bosgana has been turning heads after showing her potential in the Qualifiers with Greece. She is only 17-years-old but fearless, has nice shot selection and always looks composed. 

FIBA WORLD RANKING, PRESENTED BY NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	IOC	CURRENT POINTS
8.	Serbia	5.	SRB	585.0
13.	Greece	8.	GRE	383.8
14.	Italy	9.	ITA	363.2
22.	Montenegro	14.	MNE	301.8

Group C - Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Turkey

Favorites: Belgium are chasing a first appearance in the title game as they look to improve on their historic bronze medal four years ago. Some feel they could even go all the way. Always great to watch because of their team basketball and passing game, they have some big stars like Emma Meesseman, Kim Mestdagh and Julie Allemand. Notably, the rest of the roster has undeniably gotten stronger and even more competitive in recent years, so the Cats should be seen as the favorites to finish atop the group.

Dark Horse: Slovenia are being tipped by some to make a play for a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup slot and maybe even the podium. However, could Bosnia and Herzegovina be a dark horse in terms of the group itself and prove to be an unwanted fly in the ointment? As soon as the naturalized Jonquel Jones confirmed she was playing, their chances increased dramatically. Remember, they beat Russia on the road in the Qualifiers with her on board.

Five To Watch: Jonquel Jones (BIH), Emma Meesseman (BEL), Julie Allemand (BEL), Teja Oblak (SLO), Pelin Bilgic (TUR).

Young Gun: Billie Massey has shown that she can be a force for the senior team during the Qualifiers with some excellent displays. Physically strong and a great rebounding presence, she is delivering on the promise she showed at the youth level such as the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup and in EuroCup Women. 

FIBA WORLD RANKING, PRESENTED BY NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	IOC	CURRENT POINTS	+/- RANK *
6.	Belgium	3.	BEL	607.1	0
7.	Turkey	4.	TUR	593.8	0
30.	Slovenia	18.	SLO	249.9	0
34.	Bosnia and Herzegovina	21.	BIH	17

Group D - Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Russia 

Favorites: France are not only the group favorites, they are arguably now the outright frontrunners for the competition itself as they seek to go one better after four silver medals in a row. They have incredible quality and a loaded roster, plus a nice mix of experience and youth. With multiple game-winners in waiting, they look an absolute lock to take first place in this pool. 

Dark Horse: Croatia have momentum and belief. They also have no real pressure since after missing the last two tournaments in 2017 and 2019, nobody had expected them to do so well in the Qualifiers. But with Ivana Dojkic, Ana-Marija Begic, Adrijana Cvitkovic and Iva Slonjsak all combining nicely, they could be a thorn in the side of Russia in particular, who will want to nail down the second spot. 

Five To Watch: Sandrine Gruda (FRA), Marine Johannes (FRA), Maria Vadeeva (RUS), Ivana Dojkic (CRO), Katerina Elhotova (CZE).

Young Gun: Iliana Rupert is playing at her second edition and although still a teenager, the Bourges center and reigning EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year should play a full role in trying to get France that overdue silverware.

FIBA WORLD RANKING, PRESENTED BY NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	EUROPE RANK	IOC	CURRENT POINTS	+/- RANK *
5.	France	2.	FRA	639.4	0
12.	Russia	7.	RUS	420.1	0
16.	Czech Republic	10.	CZE	362.0	+1
31.	Croatia	19.	CRO	243.2	0

FIBA