Field set for historic 2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship

MIES (2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship) - All sixteen tickets have snapped up for what promises to be an incredible experience at next year’s FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship in Spain.

Set to be a fantastic festival of youth basketball, the fourth edition of the tournament will take place alongside the men’s competition - complimented by a Solidarity and Creative Talent Congress, as well as a Music Festival.

There will certainly be some history made on the floor, with three nations making their first appearances – including Portugal, who will hop cross the border full of confidence after a landmark year.

Roared on by an astonishing crowd of over 4,500 and with many more locals locked out of the venue in Matosinhos, Portugal finished in second place at the U16 European Championship Women, in what was a first ever Final appearance and podium finish at a youth event.

2,000 people LOCKED OUT. Doors shut for 4500 lucky ones who do this @fpbasquetebol #OnlyinMatosinhos #FIBAU16Europe pic.twitter.com/l6QlLXnFta

— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) August 23, 2015

MVP Ana Ramos led the way, with Beatriz Jordao lighting up the highlights reel in the paint with a flurry of mammoth swats as Portugal hit another historic note with a maiden spot in a global FIBA youth competition.

It was 2014 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship host nation Czech Republic who were crowned champions - taking a first title after being inspired by Veronika Sipova who led in points and rebounds.

Also representing Europe will be Italy, who took third place - helped by All Star Five center, Lorela Cubaj. A relieved France only just squeezed out a pass to their third appearance at the U17 Worlds in four editions, while there was a big chunk of history for Latvia.

The Baltic side will land in Spain as newcomers on the global stage and relish returning to the Iberian Peninsula, with the likes of leading scorer and rebounder Aleksa Gulbe in their ranks.

The hosts will be looking to recover from being humbled by 20 points in the Semi-Final by neighbours Portugal. They of course came within a whisker of being crowned FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship winners last year, when Angela Salvadores poured in 40 points to take her county to the cusp of a glorious first title.

Beating them in successive Finals, USA completed an U17 Worlds treble to retain their status as the only team to have won the prize so far. They will be hoping to successfully defend their coveted title, although found a major bump in the road at the FIBA Americas U16 Women’s Championship earlier this year as they suffered a shock first loss.

They had to settle for third place after being beaten by Brazil in the Semi-Finals, who have the exciting Izabela Leite to call upon – so impressive she was fast-tracked to the senior Brazil side. Canada wrote history as they finished top of the pile thanks to the dazzling play of MVP, Alyssa Jerome. Meanwhile Mexico cemented consecutive U17 World appearances by coming fourth.

Mali emerged triumphant for a third successive edition of the FIBA Africa U16 Women’s Championship and they will return to the U17 Worlds looking to repeat their landmark success against Italy in 2014. They will be joined by Nigeria, who will make their debut and their prospects will largely hinge on the form of one of their big-hitters in Chinelo Ibeh.

Nobody was able to stop China and specifically powerhouse center Yueru Li at the FIBA Asia 16 Women’s Championship. They stormed to victory behind a tournament double-double from Li – although runners-up Japan have their own major talent and a potential star in Izumi Abe, who fired 31 points in the Final. Korea will also go to the party after edging out Chinese Taipei thanks to some great working the paint from Hyunji Park.

Finally, Australia triumphed in the FIBA Oceania U16 Women’s Championship as Eziyoda Magbegor led the Sapphires past New Zealand with a breathtaking effort. She also showcased her potential at this year’s FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship in Russia.

The 2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship will take place from Wednesday 22 June to Saturday 2 July and the location will be announced in the following weeks.

FIBA