Group A preview: Who can challenge frontrunners Spain?

TEL AVIV (Israel) - The unpredictable nature of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket down the years should be taken firmly into account when considering what is an intriguing Group A in Tel Aviv.

There will be almost universal approval of powerhouse Spain as likely group winners as they look to bounce back from that under-par 7th place finish a co-hosts two years ago. With a confident Latvia looking to secure second place having impressed in the Qualifiers, it's a 1-2 finish that will feel locked in for many.

However, both Montenegro and Greece will have other ideas and will been keen to tear up this particular script. As underdogs, they are both potential disruptors with the former needing a lot of respect at what is their seventh straight appearance at the event since their 2011 debut and Greece having made the Semi-Finals just six years ago. 

GREECE  

Having finished last in 2021, few will expect Greece to make a strong run, but they can cause some upsets. They will happily be underdogs, knowing anyone who underestimates them could be stung.

The terrific Maria Fasoula is a phenomenal force and leader who will likely lead in scoring thanks to her size, skill and fantastic shot selection. She forms a nice one-two punch in the paint with warrior Artemis Spanou, whose relentless and aggressive approach epitomizes the way Greece will play.

There is incredible experience with Aikaterina Sotiriou and Evdokia Stamati, plus youth with the dynamic Eleni Bosgana and Elena Tsineke. The talented Eleanna Christinaki will produce from the wings while Anna Stamolamprou and Pinelopi Pavlopoulou must raise their game in the backcourt

Matching the heroics of 2017 looks unlikely but improving on that 16th spot last time is something they will certainly be aiming for at the very least.

Star Player: Maria Fasoula 

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v Latvia	6	2	4	33%
v Montenegro	2	1	1	50%
v Spain	2	0	2	0%

 

MONTENEGRO 

Still one of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket all-time fairytales, Montenegro are racking up an amazing seventh straight appearance. Amazing for a country who only debuted at the event in 2011.

The injury to Jelena Dubljevic who had planned a swansong at the event is tough to stomach, but at least they have naturalized talented forward Natasha Mack who will play alongside Milica Jovanovic – one of the most underrated frontcourt stars around.

As usual, the backcourt and wings will determine success or otherwise. The trio of Bozica Mujovic, Jelena Vucetic and Jovana Pasic have experience and so they will carry the main load and must perform. Meanwhile, there is excitement over teenage playmaker, Marija Lekovic who continues to be on an impressive upwards trajectory.

Head coach Jelena Skerovic will make sure Montenegro will make life difficult for everyone they face and their track record of upsets should serve as a major warning notice.

Star Player: Milica Jovanovic

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v Greece	2	1	1	50%
v Latvia	2	1	1	50%
v Spain	4	1	3	25%

LATVIA 

After a very positive and unbeaten qualifying campaign, as well as some positive preparation results. they have made people sit up and take notice again - not least because they didn't even make it to the 2021 edition.

Losing veteran playmaker Elina Babkina to retirement is a setback, but they have big-game players in Anete Steinberga and Kitija Laksa. The former is always capable of a double-double in every game and will play hard-nosed defense, while Laksa will rain down triples and be the main scoring threat.

There is also precious experience and capability in guard duo Ieva Pulvere and Ilze Jakobsone, plus frontcourt star Aija Jurjane. The emergence of forward Aleksa Gulbe also looks to be critical.

The main challenge looks set to be replacing the influence of Babkina who dished out more than 7 assists per game in the Qualifiers, but overall there is plenty for Latvia fans to be excited about.

Star Player: Anete Steinberga

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v Greece	6	4	2	66%
v Montenegro	2	1	1	50%
v Spain	8	1	7	12%

 

SPAIN 

Finishing seventh as co-hosts and reigning champions was a blow in 2021 – as was missing out on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022. A reboot saw Miguel Mendez take the coaching reins and they’re frontrunners again – even without 2019 MVP Astou Ndour.

Young Raquel Carrera must show why she's one of the best players of her generation and repeat her stunning club form with Valencia to help fill the void in the paint. Meanwhile the experience of Laura Gil will be vital.

The guard spots and wings are stacked with 2017 MVP Alba Torrens and the classy Maria Conde alone making them podium contenders. The guard rotation is quality with Silvia Dominguez, Cristina Ouvina, Maite Cazorla and Leo Rodriguez.

The 'Spanish way' of playing should be back on the agenda with trademark tempo, defensive intensity and transition engaging fans and catapulting the former champions back on the podium.

Star Player: Maria Conde

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v Greece	2	2	0	100%
v Latvia	8	7	1	78%
v Montenegro	4	3	1	75%

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by NIKE

WORLD RANK	COUNTRY	ZONE RANK	CURRENT POINTS
4.	Spain	1.	665.4
17.	Greece	8.	355.0
21.	Montenegro	12.	294.8
25.	Latvia	16.	271.7

FIBA