Dunno why it didn’t come up before, but: Recent events spice things up in Istanbul
Having made a strong case for Ankara being my preferred location for the Group Phase of the FIBA World Championship for Women, events over the weekend narrowed the gap.
Unfortunately it was bad news for Australia which potentially threw things open in Group C in Istanbul as they lost Liz Cambage to injury at the Paris tournament – something which is a crushing blow for the Opals and neutrals like myself.
The prospect of seeing a breath-taking talent like Cambage missing from the world stage for four years is a big blow for women’s basketball and, in the short term, for this competition. While Australia beat France without her as Marianna Tolo stepped up in the paint, this vital absence (along with Lauren Jackson) arguably gives more hope to Belarus and Cuba.
And, from FIBAEUROPE.com: Problems in the Paint Worry Belarus
Belarus face a tough task in repeating their superb run to the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship for Women when they step out in Istanbul next week.
It’s been an intense few years of distinct peaks and troughs for the national team and just when they had seemed to be back on an upward curve in the wake of a creditable fifth-place finish at EuroBasket Women 2013, they are now in danger of hitting another bump in the road.
Key absences are likely to seriously threaten their prospects of making another big splash on the global stage and that means expectations have to be re-aligned.
Euro Guns Ready to Fire on the World Stage
Six European teams are preparing to launch an assault on the FIBA World Championship for Women when the action tips-off in Ankara and Istanbul this weekend.
And, there will be a real blockbuster for fans to enjoy in the capital as the host nation go up against fellow heavyweights France in Group B.
This will be a hugely important game for both teams, who know a victory will get them onto the front foot and stave off pressure – something particularly important for host nation Turkey.
A huge crowd is expected to support the local favourites, who will be looking to avenge their semi-final loss against Les Bleues at EuroBasket Women last summer.
Torrens Relishing her Turkish Return:
EuroLeague Women champion Alba Torrens is relishing a return to Turkey with the national team as Spain prepare to aim for successive podium finishes at the FIBA World Championship for Women.
The Spanish ace famously led Galatasaray odeabank to their first EuroLeague Women title last season, as well as a first Turkish League Championship in more than a decade to cement herself as a legend with the TKBL juggernauts.
Having since made the switch to UMMC Ekaterinburg, Torrens is looking forward to heading back to the country she lived in recently.
“At the FIBA World Championship I’m going to play in front of Turkish fans again and I’m really excited about it,” she declared.
Sigh of Relief for Kulichova and Czechs:
When experienced Czech center Petra Kulichova went down in the final quarter of their last preparation game against USA, it looked like her FIBA World Championship for Women prospects were over.
However, to the considerable relief of the 30-year-old, her team-mates and head coach, Lubor Blazek, the ankle injury she sustained was not as serious as first thought.
It had looked so bad when it happened that it seemed inevitable she would miss out. Diana Taurasi was one of the first players to offer verbal support and a speedy recovery to Kulichova as she sat glumly waiting for the game to finish and for a full medical assessment to be undertaken.
Mandic Flies Flag for Rising Stars
When asked to name a rising star of the women’s game from Serbia, you could be forgiven for thinking immediately of Aleksandra Crvendakic or Dragana Stankovic.
After all, the duo have had standout careers at youth level and are preparing to play together for UE Sopron in EuroCup Women this season.
Or, you might throw Aleksandra Stanacev into the equation. A playmaker who is diminutive in physical stature, but plays with a big heart and with just as much talent – something that recently earned her a move to Liga Femenina.
However Sanja Mandic is now the name on everbody’s lips after the teenager was named on the Serbia senior roster for the FIBA World Championship for Women which tips-off on Saturday.
If you’re a twitter person, AP Doug’s at @DougFeinberg and Paul’s at @basketmedia365.
On paper, this looks like game of opening day….#Turkey2014 @ffbasketball v @TurkishBBall – going to be almost 10,000 fans.Bring the NOISE!
And look for the hashtag #Turkey2014.
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