National legends in the sport Stanislav Kropilak, Beata Renertova, Richard Petruška and coach Miroslav Rehak assisted the draw - which divided the 16 participating teams into four groups of four for the preliminary round - in the Slovakian capital.

Two-times defending champions the United States, having won the two editions of the tournament to date, were drawn in Group D alongside France - who they beat to take the inaugural title in Rodez and Toulouse in 2010 - China, the third place finishers of that year, and Mali.

Will the United States defend their title at the 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championship for Women? ©FIBA


Spain, the runners up in the 2012 competition - which was played in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam - were drawn in Group B, where they will face Brazil, Italy and Egypt, while Canada, the bronze medallists at the last edition, will go up against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Korea.

Finally, hosts Slovakia were picked in Group C alongside 2012's fourth place finishers Japan, as well as Australia and Mexico.

Competition at the 2014 FIBA Under 17 Women's World Championship is due to get underway on June 28, with action continuing until July 6.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]