Juju Watkins is tipped to star at the FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup ©Getty Images

Juju Watkins is tipped to lead favourites United States to their fifth Under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup title, with the tournament set to begin tomorrow in Debrecen.

The 6'1" 16-year-old was named most valuable player at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-16 Americas Women's Championship last year and is thought to be the focal point of an American side looking to retain their gold medal in Hungary.

Her star quality was there for all to see in the continental final in Mexico as she recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks.

The US won gold in the last edition of the World Cup in 2018 to recover from a disappointing third-place finish in 2016.

The 2020 edition was cancelled as a result of COVID-19. 

The United States are looking to win a fifth FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup title at the event in Debrecen ©FIBA.basketball
The United States are looking to win a fifth FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup title at the event in Debrecen ©FIBA.basketball

The US have been drawn into Group D of the 16-team tournament alongside Germany, Mali, and New Zealand.

Hosts Hungary are scheduled to get the tournament underway tomorrow at the Főnix Hall against Belgium before Mexico and Japan also face off.

Group B sees Asian champions Australia compete against Slovenia, France, and Argentina with the former two due to contest the first game at the Oláh Gábor Sports Hall, the only other venue in use at the event.

Egypt, South Korea, Canada, and Spain make up Group C in what is the sixth edition of the competition.

Action in Debrecen is due to conclude on July 17.