The 5 ups and 5 downs of the FIBA U19 WWC so far

BRNO (Czechia) – The talking points have never stopped flowing since the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2025 tipped off.

With two full days of games already banked, the teams have pushed the pause button ahead of finishing off group play on Tuesday July 15.

That means there is no better time to look back on what has happened so far in the competition, with 5 ups and 5 downs.

Let’s start with the downsides first and then soar to our super positive high fives.

Down #1

China looking lost without Zhang Ziyu has made for tough viewing. It’s hard not to feel their pain. It’s such a struggle right now as they adjust to being without last year’s FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup MVP.

Their towering colossus was the heartbeat of their team last year and without her, they’re flat-lining. Losses to first-timers Nigeria and Portugal have hit hard.

However, at least the silver lining of this cloud is that the giant center has been promoted to senior action at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025. And her former U19WWC teammates are getting valuable experience in the meantime. China time will come. Maybe sooner than later.

Down #2

Are we in danger of ‘Death by Pick and Roll’? We love it as much as anybody, but so many teams on so many possessions are running little else. This is arguably at the expense of the kind of ball movement and shooting that is the main DNA of girls and women’s basketball.

Over-dribbling from the guard running down the clock, everyone clearing out and waiting for that screen to come is becoming a cut and paste too often. Although when we are seeing it to initiate a drive and kick for a shooter it has looked good at times – or if executed the classic sense sparingly.

It would just be great if we could see even more dynamic and flexible play from some teams. Please?

Down #3

They say free-throws win games. Well right now, no fewer than five different teams are all shooting in the 50-56 percent range.

That’s going to hurt you down the tournament stretch if it doesn’t improve.

Down #4

Brazil have some athleticism, skills and a star baller in Ayla McDowell but have played a little out of control at times. Being so inefficient on the court has been costly and right now, their team efficiency rating is -32 and the worst in the competition.

In mitigation they have had two tough games against France and Australia and you have to feel for them in this respect. Also with another potentially tough one ahead in the Round of 16. But as difficult as it is, you feel they have not played smart an their shot selection in particular has been disappointing.

Down #5

Blowouts keep happening – big blowouts which make it a tough watch at times. Although at least in the case of USA beating Korea, you had to admire their awesome play to get to their record-breaking tally of 134.

Up #5

Despite only two game days having been played, three nations have already made history with their first ever wins in the competition.

There have been unforgettable moments for Nigeria, Portugal and Israel, which were all special in their own way.

Nigeria flew the flag for Africa with Mali absent and were led by Nora Ezike in a dream debut for her country as they beat China. Portugal had the super Clara Silva to thank as they swept past China too, bouncing back from their first day humbling by Canada.

Meanwhile Israel showed great heart also, picking themselves up from a tough debut loss to Hungary as they edged out Korea off the back of 30 points from scoring ace Gal Raviv.

Up #4

It might have been around 30c and sunny outside the Arena in Brno, but it has been raining from long-range inside with some brilliant three-point shooting displays from multiple teams across both game days.

Israel dropped 17 triples which was the second best in history, while Australia made 16 and that was their best ever tally.

But it was Canada who took the crown in this category with a historic showing as they became the first team in U19 history (women or men) to ever convert 20 triples in a game. Their shooting against Nigeria was just awesome.

Up #3

The host nation have created a super atmosphere for their games. Czechia fans in Brno were left celebrating their team getting a first win of this edition on the board as they blasted their way past Argentina.

It’s always great for any tournament when the hosts are able to energize the competition.

Up #2

The commitment of Syla Swords to FIBA competitions and this U19 tournament in particular is incredible.

A Paris 2024 Olympian and someone who just days before the tournament was playing for the senior team and making the TISSOT All-Star Five at FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025, the guard insisted on still coming to play in Brno.

Not only that, but she has worked tirelessly for her team and been so humble in everything she has done. Perhaps underlining just how important she is, Swords has played 44 minutes so far at the heart of the action and not turned the ball over one single time.

Classy, a leader and dedicated, she is an amazing young role model to follow.

Up #1

Many of the biggest prospects have lived up to their billing so far, while others are looking like they are ready to click through the gears in pursuit of success. Having the biggest rising stars performing at the highest level makes for a great tournament and increases the appetite and anticipation for what still lies in wait.

Many of the Top 10 prospects such as Sienna Betts, Gal Raviv, Syla Swords, Clara Silva, Nell Angloma and Jerzy Robinson have all excelled so far and it also makes it an exciting TISSOT All-Star Five and TISSOT MVP race too.

FIBA