FIBA Rankings Shake Up After World Cup Qualifiers
The basketball world witnessed a shift in power as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) unveiled the latest MenS World Rankings following the second window of the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers. While some nations maintained their positions, others experienced significant climbs, reflecting their impressive performances on the court.
The European landscape saw notable ascents, with France, Greece, Iceland, and Georgia all improving their rankings. France, despite securing victories against Portugal, was overtaken by Slovenia, who demonstrated dominance with wins against Finland. This propelled Slovenia to fourth place, while France settled into fifth. Greece’s two victories against Turkey propelled them to ninth place, surpassing Italy.
Across continents, South Sudan emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their remarkable performance in Senegal,defeating Rwanda,FIBA AfroBasket 2021 champions Tunisia,and Cameroon,resulted in a remarkable six-place jump to 76th in the rankings.This surge highlights the growing strength of African basketball on the global stage.
Other notable climbers include Brazil in the Americas,Kazakhstan and Lebanon in Asia,and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal in Africa. These nations showcased their competitive spirit and potential, adding further excitement to the upcoming World Cup.
The top 20 rankings remain dominated by basketball powerhouses, with the United States leading the pack with 763.4 points, followed closely by Spain (724 points) and Australia (691.9 points).
The FIBA Men’s World rankings provide a snapshot of the current global basketball landscape, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport and the emergence of new contenders. As the World Cup Qualifiers progress, expect further shifts and surprises as nations battle for supremacy on the international stage.
Shooters on the rise: A FIBA rankings Debate with coach Stan Van Gundy
the FIBA Men’s World Rankings have been shaken up following the second window of the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, and it’s sparked a vibrant debate among fans and pundits alike. To break down these exciting developments, I had the privilege of speaking with former NBA Coach and current ESPN analyst, Stan Van Gundy.
[Your name]: Coach Van Gundy, thanks for joining us. These rankings are always captivating, and this cycle has seen some real movers and shakers.One of the most important shifts is South Sudan’s notable ascent to 76th, driven by impressive victories over basketball heavyweights like tunisia and Cameroon. What are your thoughts on South Sudan’s emergence?
stan van Gundy: It’s simply fantastic. I’ve been following South Sudan’s progress for a while now, and they’ve got some serious talent. They’re athletic, tenacious, and play with a real passion. This jump in the rankings is a testament to their hard work and the exciting future of African basketball.
[Your name]: Absolutely.And speaking of the top nations,Slovenia’s rise to fourth after victories against finland is significant. They’ve been knocking on the door of the elite tier for a while. Do you see them as a genuine threat to the established powers like the USA and Spain come the World Cup?
Stan Van Gundy: Slovenia is definitely in the conversation. Luka dončić is one of the best players in the world, and they have a solid supporting cast. They’re well-coached and play with a lot of heart. Can they beat the US or Spain? It won’t be easy, but they’ve definitely got the potential to pull off an upset.
[Your name]: Let’s discuss Europe for a moment. France, despite wins against Portugal, dropped to fifth, overtaken by Slovenia. This, coupled with Greece’s rise to ninth, suggests a dynamic European landscape. What are your thoughts on the fluidity of the European scene?
Stan Van Gundy: Europe is always competitive, and this qualifying window just highlights that point. France still has an incredible roster, but they need to find their consistency.Greece, conversely, looks like they’re really finding their stride. Giannis Antetokounmpo is obviously a generational talent, and they’ve got some great complementary pieces.
[Your name]: This brings us to the perennial powerhouse – the United States. They still lead the rankings, but with so many nations rising, do you think their dominance is being challenged?
Stan Van Gundy: there’s no doubt that the rest of the world is catching up. The US still has the most talent pool,but they need to bring their A-game every time they step on the court. They can’t afford to underestimate anyone.
[Your name]: Coach Van Gundy, thank you for your insights. This conversation has only fueled my excitement for the World Cup.
What are your thoughts on the latest FIBA Rankings? Which nations do you believe will rise to the challenge and surprise the world at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
