It’s tough to take. Very tough to take in fact. In the past 24 hours we have soaked up the news that the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for August in Cluj, Romania has been cancelled. (Photo – FIBA)
Even if it wasn’t wholly unexpected, as time went on without confirmation of a postponement due to Covid-19, rumors began circling that it might actually get the green light. On reflection, perhaps that was some of us putting hope before expectation.
My own biggest regret about the postponement (and even if they have potentially left the door ajar for an event next year alongside the FIBAU 19 Basketball World Cup) is that the 2020 edition had some truly stellar players waiting in the wings.
I mean seriously, two of the best European teenage talents I have seen since I started covering female hoops were about to take to the floor for their respective global debuts.
In the case of Anastasiia Olairy Kosu of Russia, it was going to be particularly poignant for me. That is because I saw the the MVP of the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 2019 before everyone else thanks to Mike Flynn, when I went to a invitational tournament in Zamora, Spain back in 2018. As soon as I saw her, I got that feeling. That tingling of excitement that a possible senior global star had walked into the gym – and I was one of the first to spot it.
Still a long way to go of course, seeing Kosu playing against the different styles from around the world would have been a real joy. Seeing how she has developed in the last 12 months and how she can demonstrate her brilliant athleticism on a new stage. I am still dreaming of the day when I can see Kosu (possibly 3) with Musina (4) and Vadeeva (5) lined up for Russia at a major senior tournament. Not withstanding the fact that it is the guard slots where they remain short-handed – but that is another story.
Similarly, Jocyte was one spotted by @bluestareurope some time ago. Another stud. Although Juste was barely below the radar for long as Tony Parker swept her her for his project at LDLC ASVEL Feminin in Lyon, France. She has not just spent time at the Academy there, she has also become the youngest player to ever step out in EuroLeague Women and that historical watermark came alongside her debut for the senior Lithaunian team in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers – yet another high point and slice of history.
Her versatility, shooting ability and capacity to continue to grow and become a match-up nightmare for any defender, on top of her skill development means like Kosu, she is a massive star in the making.
Of course, these two aren’t the only ones we will be missing. The likes of USA standout Lauren Betts and some other Blue Star 30 performers would have lined up too. (I was also excited to see Lauren in action because of her British heritage of course)
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The long list of talents I had been tracking was extensive and too long to even mention in full. I was looking forward to this event more than any other youth tournament in some time. Even if the overall depth of the talent pool might be arguable, I seriously think this edition would have seen as many, if not more, standout players than we usually see.
The only saving grace is that there will be other tournaments. There will be other moments. But still, having watched the elite women’s basketball stars like Breanna Stewart cut her teeth on these global events, you know that if the U17 isn’t run next year, an important stepping stone has been missed for many players.
That is a pity. But in these unprecedented times, sport, or at least international basketball has to show some patience and accept it.
Now it is up to all of these young players to show their dedication and if needed, because of resources and circumstances, some initiative to make sure they spent this summer practising like never before.
I have said it a million times but it still rings true. The GOAT Diana Taurasi is the one I always saw taking more shots, staying behind after everyone else had gone at tournaments.
Talent is never enough. Dealing with adversity, soaking up experiences and working your butt off is just as important!
See you on the other side of all this and keep it locked to @Basketmedia365
