Team Profile: Have Hungary got what it takes to end their 44-year wait?
SOPRON (Hungary) - It's more than four decades since their only Olympic appearance and opportunity knocks for Hungary, but can they navigate a tough 'Group of Death' to end that agonizingly long wait?
SOPRON (Hungary) - It's more than four decades since their only Olympic appearance and opportunity knocks for Hungary, but can they navigate a tough 'Group of Death' to end that agonizingly long wait?
The Roster
Head coach Norbert Szekely will rely on largely the same side that delivered their best finish at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 in a long, long time. Riding their way to the Semi-Finals, they just missed the podium but showed enough to suggest they can pack a punch in these WOQT's.
The experience, quality and size of Bernadett Hatar remains precious for Hungary
Central to their prospects is the talented frontcourt quartet of Cyesha Goree, Dorka Juhasz, Virag Kiss and Bernadett Hatar. This frontline has all the elements of height, size, mobility and enough to provide some real headaches for opponents. Reka Lelik is their do-it-all baller on the wings and arguably their 'X-Factor' who could be the momentum-shifter at key times.
The backcourt will largely be taken care of by Agnes Studer, Debora Dubei and Nina Aho.
Who will be the clutch baller if they need someone to hit the big shot? Maybe Reka Lelik?
The Question
While it is Hungary's team strength that saw them do so well at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 and win many new admirers, at this higher global level they might need a player for the clutch plays in crunch time to dig out wins. Unlike some of their rivals, there is not necessarily a standout and proven option.
So, will this be an issue in any close games, or will this dimension actually make it tougher for their opponents defensively?
The Hope
While probably feeling unfortunate to have been dealt the 'Group of Death' card, Hungary are underdogs. But perhaps that label might suit them, because it is their teamwork that shines through and this could be enough to scrape a spot for the Games.
They do have quality in key areas, but it is their collective strength, physicality and voracious appetite for hard work at both ends of the court that they must make sure is in place to give them their best chance of progressing.
Will host nation Hungary manage to control any nerves in front of their fans?
The Fear
Pressure and expectation get the better of them in front of their home fans and a golden opportunity slips through their fingers. If Hungary can play the kind of vibrant basketball they did last year, they have a shot, but they can't afford too many nerves to impact them and have to be mentally strong.
Developing that 'killer instinct' needed to be an elite team on the international stage is vital. If they do get on top, they need to finish the job or could regret it.
IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS
| YEAR | EVENT | LOCATION | ACHIEVEMENT |
| 2023 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Ljubljana (SLO) | 4th |
| 2022 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Sydney (AUS) | DNP |
| 2021 | Olympic Games | Tokyo (JPN) | DNP |
| 2021 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Valencia (ESP) | DNP |
| 2019 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Belgrade (SRB) | 7th |
| 2018 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Tenerife (ESP) | DNP |
| 2017 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Prague (CZE) | 12th |
| 2016 | Olympic Games | Rio (BRA) | DNP |
| 2015 | FIBA Women's EuroBasket | Budapest (HUN) | 17th |
| 2014 | FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup | Istanbul (TUR) | DNP |
The poll
FIBA