USA will be runaway favorites at the FIBAU19 Women’s Basketball World Cup as they look to recapture their crown – one they lost to Russia two years ago in Udine. However, there will be little margin for error, or scope to ease their way into this edition, since they are going to have to hit the ground running after being pitched into the toughest Group. (Cover Photo – FIBA.com)

While they will be expected to still top the Group, there is little doubt that USA will need to be locked into this tournament after being drawn with Hungary, Australia and Korea during the Group stage. It is one of the most difficult Groups I have seen USA given at FIBA global events – at least on paper. If every tournament has a ‘Group of Death’ then USA find themselves in it, this time. Albeit we can take that with a pinch of salt, since they should still prevail of course.

But, Hungary, who took bronze last year at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship (ironically on the court in Udine where USA lost to Russia) could be a handful. They boast some nice players – not least Barbara Angyal, who I recently wrote about after she was named MVP of the Hungarian Junior Championships.

She will bring the offense in the backcourt with her special shooting skills, while the do-it-all Aliz Varga will again be influential. The frontcourt will be powered by some nice talents and primarily Orsolya Toth and the ever improving Reka Manyoky.

It also remains to be seen if 2002 born (Minsk 2018) #FIBAU17 star Reka Dombai will earn a promotion to join her 2000 and 2011 colleagues. Either way, neutrals will be hoping that Hungary retain their stylish play which revolves around a nice tempo, super ball movement and a high level of technical skill.

Australia will land in Thailand with a point to prove. They didn’t live up to expectation last year at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Championship when they had to settle for third spot. In Jazmin Shelley they have a guard who is tipped to one day make it to the top.

She was a #FIBAU17 gold medal winner in Zaragoza a few years ago, so knows what it takes to win at these global youth events. She has made great strides in the past year too, recently landing the WNBL Rookie of the Year honor.

There is also likely to be new faces such as (Minsk 2018) #FIBAU17 standout Shyla Heal, who didn’t play at the U18 tournament last year in Bengaluru. That gives them a potentially potent backcourt to harness, while the return of Lily Scanlon will be massive too. She was ruled out of the U18 with an injury and that was a major blow. There is also Duke Freshman Miela Goodchild to call upon, as well as Basketball Without Borders Global camp member, Gemma Potter. Add into this mix the very capable Isobel Anstey and Nnenna-Agnes Emma-Nnopu and it is an exciting looking line-up.

The expectation is that the Gems will be better than they showed at Continental Level last year and that U18 was a blip – an exception rather than the rule. By the way, if you are going to watch one game at this tournament in the early stages, Hungary against Australia could be real fun. So many talents.

Korea make up the pool and they will be expected to finish in last spot after losing to Australia 75-58 in the Third Place game last year in Bengaluru. But on their day, Korea can, and will burn you if the defense is not 100%. Especially on the perimeter, so USA, Hungary and Australia will probably all look to slow it down and batter Korea inside. It would be a smart and inevitable strategy.

Another is to put Park Jihyun at the top of the scouting report and then circle it in a really thick and vivid ink. She is a class player and while not perhaps quite at the level of the phenomenal Park Jisu who graced so many of these global youth tournaments, prior to stepping out in the WNBA, she does have many qualities.

In fact, she played for the senior team at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Tenerife which highlights her potential. Korea also have a very creative guard in Lee Sohee and she can score too. The simple message is that nothing can be taken for granted.

In summary, USA should top this group, but may have to hit top gear quickly to avoid any upsets. Hungary and Australia should battle it out for runners-up, with Korea treading water and likely to be submerged into fourth.

It is an interesting draw for sure, and USA Basketball will need to ensure their preparation is spot on if they want to get back to the top of the podium – where they should always be.

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