14 Alina Iagupova (UKR)
25/04/2017
Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide
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The most wide open FIBA EuroBasket Women in memory awaits

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - It's that time when the main women's basketball conversation in Europe is starting to lean away from the club season and towards FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017.

A tournament which at this stage, looks wholly unpredictable. Even if Spain will be relatively strong favorites, try picking the top five nations who might take a ticket for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 and you must keep an open mind.

Let's cut straight to the chase. Ukraine and Belgium are just two nations that I feel have every chance of making it into the top five. Ukraine have a great opportunity lying in wait. They have a terrible record at the Final Round, but they were the standout team of the Qualifiers after completing a stunning double against reigning champions Serbia.

#Squad

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They have still not lost under Volodymyr Kholopov and with Alina Iagupova, anything is possible. She is one of the most explosive, prolific and athletic players in the world and a real inspiration. If she fires accurately and plays smart, Ukraine could be a runaway train and it might finally be their time to shine. Not that they are a one-player team as they have a naturalized player in D'Andra Moss in the backcourt and a very big and physical frontcourt too, with the likes of Olesia Malashenko, Aleksandra Khomenchuk and Valeriya Berezhynska. I would also go so far as to say that they are a genuine Semi-Finals prospect - if they play like they did in the Qualifying windows.

Belgium are a little different. They are returning to the Final Round for the first time in a decade and have a relatively difficult group. But, I really believe that if they avoid injuries and foul trouble, then their exciting frontcourt of Ann Wauters and Emma Meesseman, along with Kim Mestdagh on the wing and an array of nice playmakers give them a big opportunity to surprise.

Winfie cause we are going to the European Championship #history #ProudBelgian 🇧🇪🏀

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So, if Ukraine and Belgium are my two teams to make a splash for the first time, what else is interesting?

Well, I think Russia will make the podium and in 2019, they have every chance of being champions again - although don't rule them out in Czech Republic. They have all the ingredients to get a medal this summer and even challenge for the title itself. A top-drawer backcourt with Epiphanny Prince and Evgenia Belyakova, they also have the best young player in Europe in Maria Vadeeva. They are going to be very exciting to watch.

As I said earlier, Spain will be favorites and with the recently-crowned EuroLeague Women winner Lucas Mondelo still at the helm, you have to expect them to make the Final. Anything less would be a failure, because after finishing third in 2015, they must get a gold or silver medal after making the title game in Rio last year. Although I will always insist that FIBA EuroBasket Women is the toughest women's basketball tournament - not the global ones.

Spain arguably have the best backcourt in the competition with veteran Laia Palau who will retire, EuroLeague Women 2017 champion Anna Cruz, the recently drafted Leticia Romero and rock solid Marta Xargay. Much could hinge on whether they go back to Sancho Lyttle or continue with Astou Ndour in the naturalized spot, while Alba Torrens might be grateful to escape being rather subdued at UMMC. Her very best work has come in a national team vest in the last few years.

France will be strong as they seek a third straight Final and don't be surprised if they get another medal, although they have never done well in tournaments without the now retired Isabelle Yacoubou.

There will be a big onus on Helena Ciak and Endene Miyem who are strong and classy - and now also have to make up for the absence of Sandrine Gruda - as well as Yacoubou. They certainly have a great backcourt, which some might believe is even better than Spain with the legendary Celine Dumerc, the electric Olivia Epoupa, LFB Player of the Year Amel Bouderra, the free-scoring Sarah Michel and phenomenal talent of rising star Marina Johannes.

Outside of Spain, France and Russia, I don’t see anybody else massively threatening for the title, but the race for the top five is going to be outstanding. Serbia are sweating on their centrepiece Sonja Petrovic who limped out of the EuroLeague Women Final Four and she has been reminiscing about her career recently!

History also tells us that nations don't defend titles in this competition. They also have a new play-caller, but I think they will still be in the mix for a ticket to the Worlds. That is if they can get out of an intense opening group.

The same can be said of Turkey and Italy, who I think are at least one or two quality players short to push for the podium, but will benefit from weaker first phase groups and could be in the mix for Spain 2018.

I will check back in with my predictions on the eve of the tournament and I am excited for the next couple of weeks, when I expect to see each nation finish announcing their respective squads for the event.

Paul Nilsen

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Paul Nilsen

Paul Nilsen

As a women's basketball specialist for FIBA and FIBA Europe, Paul Nilsen eats, sleeps and breathes women’s hoops and is incredibly passionate about promoting the women’s game - especially at youth level. In Women’s Basketball Worldwide, Paul scours the globe for the very latest from his beloved women’s basketball family.