Australia has home court, as the Opals look to dethrone the United States. Here’s your FIBA Women’s World Cup crash course.
After a four-year wait, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is upon us.
Basketball icon Lauren Jackson is of course back in the green and gold; potentially the wildcard Australia needs to end USA’s reign.
The Aussie basketball GOAT and WNBA Hall of Famer targeted a return earlier this year and has earnt a national recall.
The Opals go in with genuine claims, but standing in their way are three-time defending champions the United States, looking to extend their unbeaten run. The competition boasts players from over five main basketball leagues including the WNBA and WNBL.
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The World Cup features 12 teams in a jam-packed schedule, so let’s dive into the vital detail.
The Groups
The 12 countries will be divided into two groups of eight, with the top four teams from each group advancing into the finals stage.
Group A will be made up of Belgium, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Puerto Rico, South Korea and defending champions the United States.
Group B includes Canada, France, Japan, Mali, Serbia and host country and favourites Australia.
The Contenders
Australia
With the home fans behind them and the return of national icon Lauren Jackson, Australia is a big hope to make it to the Semis. The latter stages of the tournament will be tough, though. The Opals had a disappointing Olympics campaign, only just making it out of the group stage before then losing to the United States. On home soil, they are looking to replicate their 2006 success.
Belgium
After a strong showing in the Tokyo Olympics, Belgium will be looking to contend. It’s a young squad, led by Chicago Sky teammates Emma Meesseman and Julie Allemand. Aiming for their first medal, they have brought in new, young blood to assist them. They will make it out of the group stages, but it all depends on whether they can show up when the moments get bigger.
France
France qualified for the tournament with a runners-up performance in the EuroBasket. Having lost to Serbia in the final, they are looking for redemption. They will be coming into the tournament as underdogs but their competitiveness could provide an edge. They were able to claim the bronze medal in Tokyo 2020.
United States
The three-time defending champions will enter the tournament as favourites, but this will be the first time without women’s basketball legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi in the squad. They showed their dominance at the Tokyo Olympics, clinching the gold medal, and go in coming straight off the WNBA season; therefore at full fitness. Their squad includes superstars Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young.
Players to Watch
Emma Meesseman, Belgium
Belgium is built around Meessman bringing electricity on both sides of the floor. She boasts a large range of experience and has been a mentor to the younger players. She was the main force that led Belgium to claim bronze in the 2017 and 2021 EuroBasket.
Embed from Getty ImagesEzi Magbegor, Australia
Magbegor is in the form of her life earning All-WNBL First Team honours this season. For Seattle, she averaged 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The 22-year-old is hoping this can transition onto the national stage.
Ivana Raca, Serbia
Raca is one of the most promising young basketballers coming out of Europe. In the U18 European Championships, she showcased her talents leading Serbia to silver. The talented forward will be hoping to live up to her potential in the tournament.
Embed from Getty ImagesAriel Atkins, United States
Atkins is used to playing in Australia, having played there in the summer of 2019. She was a large part of the 2020 Olympics campaign. The shooting guard can shoot from anywhere on the court and will be a difficult player to defend.
Storyline to Keep Track of:
The Return of Lauren Jackson
All eyes will be on Lauren Jackson’s return to the court in the green and gold. After six years away from professional basketball, she decided to return in April. Already having an accomplished career, she has solidified herself as one of the women’s basketball greats. Jackson was even a part of Australia’s World Cup win in 2006. Leading the team at centre, she is hoping nothing will rain on her return to the court.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhere to Watch
The first game of the tournament will take place on Thursday, September 22 and will conclude with the final on Saturday, October 1. Every game of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup can be watched live on ESPN. ESPN is available through Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
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