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It won’t be long before the premier international FIBA youth tournament of the year is tipping off, as we all start gearing up for the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Minsk.

With only 6 weeks to go, here’s how everything is hanging ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to be held between July 21-29.

General Points

  • Make sure you look into the visa requirements for Belarus so you don’t get caught out, since it is not a country you can just visit when you like and for extended periods.
  • Note there are also deals available by the Belarusian Federation. You must check out the media page on the official tournament website which lists hotels. Note that accreditation is also about to open on June 11.
  • Note that all games are set to be live streamed for Free via FIBA’s official YouTube channel and for those non-media amongst you, I would always say that YouTube is fine to scout, but not to recruit!

  • The venues will be at a very nice Sport Palace Arena where Tsmoki Minsk play and the Falcon Sports Club.
  • BlueStar Media will have the main man himself in situ at the event in the irrepressible Mike Flynn, as well as European specialist Pierre Ploszajski and for those looking at this from a recruitment angle, Dan Bowmaker aka Blue Star Europe.

Preview and Squad Developments

Well, I will be doing an exclusive pre-tournament preview with Pierre on who to watch, who the favorites might be and we’re looking forward to doing this. Particularly since Pierre is going to the Reze International Tournament in the interim which will serve as big preparation for many teams going to Minsk.

Now on to the roster information (so far)…

GROUP A

Japan – Aika Hirashita was the standout name for Japan on their initial roster and they have went quick to 14 players so just two cuts to make.

Colombia – Awaiting news.

Belarus – The hosts are being predicted to get blown away although will fancy themselves against Columbia at least. Awaiting news on their squad.

France – The reigning European Champs who were so, so impressive last year at U16 have 18 players and that includes MVP Ilania Rupert who signed with French champions and EuroLeague Women side Bourges recently. So many more interesting players like Marine Fauthoux, Kendra Chery and Zoe Wadoux as well.

 

GROUP B

China – Awaiting news.

USA – As you will all be aware, the final roster of the three-time champions has been chosen and can be accessed here. It includes U16 Americas MVP Aliyah Boston. And remember that inexplicably, USA currently hold no global youth titles having relinquished their U17 crown in 2016 and U19 crown in 2017. Astonishing. It really is.

Italy – Awaiting news.

Mali – Due to be released any day now, the 20-player squad does not have Aissetou Coulibaly which is a disappointment. I am hoping it is an error and looking for more information, but she was the star at U16 last year in Africa with 20 points per game and even played when Mali won those 3 games at the last U17 World Cup in Zaragoza even though only 15-years-old! Sika Kone is in though and she is likely to be the main threat.

GROUP C

Argentina – Awaiting news.

New Zealand – This is the latest squad to be named (Friday 8 June) with Charlisse Leger-Walker offering the most excitement prospect-wise.

Spain – Watch out for center Raquel Carrera and guard duo Helena Pueyo and Laura Mendez as Spain go with an initial 15-player choice.

Hungary – Awaiting news.

GROUP D

Australia – The reigning champions have revealed their roster and it will be overseen by Shannon Seebohm who impressed so much in 2016 when he took them to that historic title in Zaragoza.

Angola – Awaiting news.

Latvia – Center Laura Meldere who is already playing in Italy was the headline name of a 19-player squad announced last month.

Canada – Awaiting news.

Keep it locked to #FIBAU17 and @basketmedia365

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Paul Nilsen lives and breathes women’s hoops. He’s is a freelance writer working for the sport’s world governing body FIBA where he pens a weekly ‘Women’s Basketball Worldwide Column’ - as well as providing daily content on major club competitions, international tournaments and the women’s youth game. He has an extensive network of contacts across the globe, including an array of elite play-callers and players. Also a qualified coach and referee, he is a big supporter of Blue Star Media and joined as a blogger during the fall of 2016.

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