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It has been a significant day for followers of youth basketball as FIBA concluded the 2018 draw for this summer’s women’s programme at the U16, U18 and U20 level in Europe.

It means that as media, fans, coaches and scouts, we all now know where we might be going to watch the next rising stars of the women’s game worldwide.

So, here’s how it went down and it’s time to get your diary at the ready and to also make a note of FIBAU16Europe #FIBAU18Europe and #FIBAU20Europe.

07-15 July
FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 

Even if a lot of people are interested in the younger age-groups, this remains the one that everybody wants to win. So, with that thought in mind, will Russia continue on from the U19 Worlds last year and having beaten USA, give golden glory to Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina as they sign off their youth careers? It is an alluring prospect and there will be high hopes for hosts Hungary, who have threatened to win titles without quite having enough in the tank. The home fans in Sopron, a part of Hungary where the women’s game is part of the local fabric will be creating a nice atmosphere. They have hosted regularly in past years and had the U18 Final in 2017. Things get hot on and off the court, so be game-ready!

07-15 July
FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship B

With just 12 nations this year, it will be interesting to see how this tournament pans out. Seeing Denmark in there will be fascinating, while the sight of Turkey will be a surprise to many people – but certainly not keen followers of the youth game who have seen them struggle i the top tier for these past few years at most age groups. The city of Oradea in Romania loves its basketball and was a host to the senior event EuroBasket Women 2015. It is a little off the beaten track but has held youth tournaments previously and there is some really nice places to visit nearby.

Don’t forget the U17 Worlds in Minsk, Belarus are also in July!!

August 3-12
FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship B

This could be one to really circle a lot in your diaries as it is taking place in a beautiful part of Austria ad Europe in multiple locations (which might be a pain if you don’t hire a car) but well worth that effort. The scenery outdoors might be matched by the action on the floor with 24 teams vying for the promotion spots and after Dublin last year at this tournament, there is a tough act to follow. But all things considered, including the fact you see some hidden gems in Division B games and U18 is the best age to look at a lot of players, this has got to be very appealing!

August 04-12
FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship

This competition is another absolute beauty! Simply because it is in the wonderful Udine, Italy which might be familiar with you for serving up that historical win for Russia last year against USA in the U19 Worlds. The year before it held the U16 tournament, so is getting a growing reputation as a hub for European youth basketball. A beautiful city in itself with some incredible places an hour or two away (including Venice for example) – you could barely ask for a better place to get to! On the hardwood, Belgium were surprise winners last year and that means anything can happen.It will also be fun to see Ireland trying to compete at this level after their historic promotion last year. Also, don’t rule out a home success either – that is what the locals will be gunning for!

August 16-25
FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship B

This tournament will be held in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. The locals have experience of hosting previous events at different age groups and feedback has been solid enough in terms of the tournaments – even if the capital is not as picturesque or accessible as other places that have hosted. This tournament will feature Belarus and Romania who were relegated from the top flight last summer and will have a very healthy 24 teams – including nations who have competed in the A Division relatively recently and not least the likes of Portugal, Sweden, Greece and Slovak Republic.

August 17-25
FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 

This tournament will be held on Kaunas, Lithuania – something of a controversial choice. That is because Lithuania finished in a relegation position last summer in Bourges, but were given special dispensation to remain in Division A in order to host the 2018 edition. With a rich basketball heritage, Kaunas should be a great host and has made a big impression in men’s tournaments. All eyes on reigning champions France and to see if Spain can get back on track and grab the gold which they have landed so many times down the years! And for regular observers, you will note that there will be a chance to see first-timers Denmark making history in the top tier!

 

Keep it locked to @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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