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My colleague Pierre Ploszajski will be bringing you an exclusive in-depth analysis from the European Youth Basketball League U13 Finals in Riga. So, here are my quick-fire observations:

Something exciting could be happening in Belarus

It is not just the #FIBAU17 tournament in Minsk this summer that should excite fans in Belarus. This SDJSOR Nr.7 Prinemanie team from Grodno that won the title in Riga were outstanding. They were so tuned-in defensively and generally head and shoulders above everyone else. They played simple, effective and great team ball. They also had some real NT prospects too.

The history of the venue

Pierre may well elaborate further, but what a thrill it was to watch some of tomorrow’s stars playing at 12 and 13 years old, in a venue that was erected in 1963. One which houses a Latvian basketball museum and has seen so much happen over the years.

Yana Zaharevich was my MVP by some distance

What a prospect this center is. Emotionless in the mould of another Belarussian in senior star Anastasiya Verameyenka, what she did bring was a genuinely incredible defensive power with lots of blocks and a powerful nose for steals.

I was worried that the bigger players were merely more effective because of their advanced physical size, but Zaharevich had her hands everywhere and was a steal machine – many of which, never actually made it onto the official stats sheet. She was also such a simple and yet devastating engine on offense too. I absolutely loved her and to me at least, she looked more like a 14 or 15 years old. Incredible that she did not even make the All-Star Five!

Honorable mentions

Weronika Kassin is a Polish guard who reminded me a little of her namesake Weronika Hipp who starred for Poland at the #FIBAU16Europe last year in Bourges. She has a long way to go, but had potential and same can be said for Latvian hope Raina Tomasicka of Ridzene who already had a trademark shot.

Both these guards had some fire and attitude, but looked like clutch players and difference makers for future FIBA tournaments. It was also interesting that after the ceremony had ended, Tomasicka was still shooting hoops. Another playmaker, but a very functional and very smart operator was Yauheniya Bernatskaya from the champions, Number 15 SDJSOR Nr.7 Prinemanie. She deservedly made the All-Star Five.

I also liked Keandra Koorits of SC Audentes of Tallin – although both her, and her team ran out of gas in a big way. She did make the All-Star Five and was also the leading scorer of the season.

On the ball screens – where were they?
I could not believe how few on the ball screens there were from all teams. Whenever the pick and roll was utilized, it usually led to an open look and score. But I was surprised and shocked at how few times even picks in general, duirng off the ball situations were used. I appreciate they are kids at 12 and 13 years old and coaching concepts differ, but a beautiful world of opportunity lies in wait when they discover the art of screens.

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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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