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March 7, 2018On March 6 in the wee hours of the morning (at least in the USA) FIBA hosted the draw for the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup at the City Hall in the Belarus capital and tournament host city of Minsk.
FIBA’s U17 World Cup, which is hosted every even year, gives nations, players, fans, and college coaches the opportunity to watch a lot of the top U17 talent from around the globe compete against each other. It is by far my favorite global event I get to attend. Having seen twelve of the sixteen teams play live over the last year, below our my thoughts on the pools:
POOL A
Japan (2nd at 2017 FIBA U16 Asia Championship)
Columbia (4th at 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship)
Belarus (Host Country)
France (1st at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
France is the marque team in this group and has a chance to finish the tournament at the top of the podium. Japan is a feisty team who makes opponents work all over the floor. In their first FIBA World Cup for their country, Columbia is looking to build on their experience in Belarus. Host country Belarus will be playing for the pride of their country.
My prediction: France wins the group
POOL B
China (3rd at 2017 FIBA U16 Asia Championship)
USA (1st at 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship)
Italy (3rd at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
Mali (1st at 2017 FIBA U16 Africa Championship)
After a third place finish at 2016 FIBA U17 World Cup, Team USA will be looking to get back on the top of the podium. Can China build upon a top four finish from two years ago? Two years ago Mali secured the first win for an African country at a FIBA U17 World Cup. Will they be able to add to that number in a tough group? Italy’s two stars led them to a third place finish in European Championship, they will need production from their bench for a top two finish in the group.
My prediction: USA wins the group
POOL C
Argentina (3rd at 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship)
New Zealand (4th at 2017 FIBA U16 Asia Championship)
Spain (5th at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
Hungary (2nd at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
Hungary will look to build on their success at the European Championship. After a disappointing fifth place finish by their standards, Spain will look to regroup and make a run for the podium. Argentina and New Zealand will be making their first visits to the FIBA U17 World Cup.
My prediction: Spain wins the pool
POOL D
Angola (2nd at 2017 FIBA U16 African Championship)
Latvia (4th at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
Canada (2nd at 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship)
Australia (1st at 2017 FIBA U16 Asia Championship)
Australia’s stingy defense gives them a chance to repeat as FIBA U17 World Cup Champions. After a disappointing 2016 FIBA U17 World Cup, Canada will look to make a run for the cup in 2018. Latvia returns to the World Cup looking to continue proving that their little country is a force in the basketball world. Angola will be looking for their first win at a FIBA U17 World Cup.
My prediction: Australia wins the group
FINAL FOUR
Australia
Canada
France
USA
