MONTPELLIER (EuroBasket 2015) - EuroBasket2015.org previews each of the four groups on the eve of the biggest basketball event on the continent this year. 

Here's a look at Group A.

FRANCE
Preparation Period: With an 8-2 record in the build-up, the holders have again looked impressive. Losing Alexis Ajinca and Antoine Diot late in the piece were blows but Les Bleus have ample depth.

Star Player: Tony Parker is back in the fold after sitting out the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He was MVP two years ago - and with one final European campaign, he will hold little back.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Defense will always be the top priority for Vincent Collet and with plenty of rest for their leading players, it's no shock they are favourites. Solid in every way.

FINLAND
Preparation Period: 3-5 in warm-ups, the Finns at least signed off with a victory over Ukraine. Their defence has had bad lapses though which needs to be arrested.

Star Player: More than ever, Petteri Koponen's leadership will be essential with the point guard the fulcrum of their plans. But Shawn Huff has now emerged as his prime running mate.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The Finns need to start stopping points from slipping in, having given up 80+ points to Slovenia and Italy in successive games. They always execute well but in this group, they'll need to find production in the paint.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Preparation Period: A 3-7 prep hasn't filled Bosnia and Herzegovina full of confidence, especially with a 83-44 pounding by Greece. Not having Mirza Teletovic or Nihad Djedovic majorly harms their hopes.

Star Player: We know Elmedin Kikanovic can have an impact in the middle. But he's often disappointed. Here's the chance to show he can accept the responsibility when it's needed most.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Can Bosnia and Herzegovina score enough points to make an impact in this group? They averaged 76 points per game last summer in qualifying and even with playmaker Alex Renfoe coming off a great season with Alba Berlin, unexpected offense is needed.

POLAND
Preparation Period: The Poles went 7-5 heading into EuroBasket but, Spain apart, it wasn't the toughest schedule. Can a group infused with inexperience hit hard when the going gets tougher?

Star Player: Marcin Gortat doesn't just bring NBA smarts. He's also been tasked with adding leadership, particularly on defense. This might be his international farewell - he'd like it to be a positive one.

Strengths and Weaknesses: As their prep moved onwards, Poland improved noticeably in keeping opponents under 70 points. And while they'll never be a speedy transition team, the point-wing combo of AJ Slaughter and Adam Waczynski can take advantage of Gortat's passing skills.

ISRAEL
Preparation Period: An unimpressive 1-7 streak coming into the tourney won't set Israeli pulses racing. The savvy of injured pair Yotam Halperin and Guy Pnini has been missed. But we can watch the response with interest.

Star Player: A lot is hanging on Omri Casspi to deliver at both ends, or at least to come close to the 19.0 points and 7.2 rebounds from qualifying in 2014.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Israeli's weakness in inexperience is also their strength. Expectations are low which gives Erez Edelstein some room to gamble and see what rewards can be won.

RUSSIA
Preparation Period: 6-4 going in, the Russians are - as so often - the big wild cards of EuroBasket. Not having Timofey Mozgov, Aleksey Shved or Sasha Kaun sets them back. But it gives some new faces room to step forward.

Star Player: Andrey Vorontsevich went to an Olympics aged 21 in 2008 but he's never lived up to that hype. Now he gets the opportunity, and looks ready to carry a large load in making this group work.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Against good opponents in the build-up, the Russians toiled to run their offence. But if they can use their size and work diligently inside against everyone of their opponents, except France, there are possible mis-matches to be found.

Go to eurobasket2015.org for complete coverage of EuroBasket 2015.

FIBA