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SYDNEY (Australia) - With the lineup for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 now known, it's the perfect time to check in and provide the second volume of the Power Rankings.
Taking on board the first volume of the Power Rankings which were drawn up before the recent Qualifying Tournaments, plus subsequent results, performances and significant absences from rosters, here's how it looks with just 12 nations - the rankings led by our women's basketball specialist, Paul Nilsen @basketmedia365.
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#1 USA USA
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 1st
It was a relatively straightforward process for USA, who despite missing a stack of leading lights, still collected a pair of wins against Belgium and Puerto Rico as a new cycle under the recently appointed Cheryl Reeve got underway. The camp prior to the games had the likes of Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne and Sabrina Ionescu, while the list missed big-hitters like A'Ja Wilson and Brittney Griner. All of these could be back in the line-up when the action tips off in Sydney.
That is why this tournament was more about those ballers pushing for a spot. Brionna Jones continued her red hot form from EuroLeague Women, along with ZVVZ USK Praha colleague Alyssa Thomas. Meanwhile Kelsey Plum was also rock solid and she made a case for inclusion, having won gold four years ago in Tenerife. There were things that could have been better, but overall it was a decent job by the USA. The defending champions remain the team to beat.
#2 China CHN
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 7th
Inject it into my veins! That was my reaction to watching this China team play such superb inside-outside basketball and all at a frantic pace when they want, but also with an ability to battle down low as well. They could be scary with more experience of big tournaments under their wing. But, from a purely basketball perspective on talent and style of play, they look a podium lock. It's just whether they have enough veteran leadership in 2022 to get past the usual stumbling blocks of the Quarter-Finals stage.
Heading into this tournament, I had identified Sijing Huang as the best player in the global game that mainstream fans had not really heard of. Now a few more might be sitting up and taking notice after she took the TISSOT MVP award for Group B in Belgrade. The forward was immense - as was Yueri Li inside. When she went off the court, Xu Han stepped in and that is like exchanging your Lamborghini for a Ferrari at the garage. With Meng Li also excellent on the wing and Siyu Wang handing out 15 assists against France, there's a whole lot to love. And, for those in the know, this rise of China has been coming and coming. It's exciting to see.
#3 Japan JPN
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 8th
It's true that handing Japan a ranking of third place, taking into account that they needed overtime to beat Canada and then lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina (albeit due to a jaw-dropping display by Jonquel Jones) could be viewed as being overly generous. It's jiust that it's hard to ignore their incredible offensive capacity and there was the strong mitigation of not having the Olympic record-breaker Rui Machida to pull the strings. She has become the heartbeat of this team.
This tournament also saw the reintegration of Ramu Tokashiki and that undoubtedly is a work in progress. She has traditionally been a towering presence and struggled offensively, with the court time of amazing captain Maki Takada being reduced, having been amazing at Tokyo 2020. The big plus was that Himawari Akaho continues to be a defensive powerhouse and Stephanie Mawuli played some of her best ever basketball on this stage. It feels that Japan are making adjustments and they will still be a big threat in Sydney.
#4 Belgium BEL
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th
Maybe this is another very generous ranking, since Belgium lost to a USA team missing most of its big-hitters, beat a poor Puerto Rico team, then racked up a success against what was a 'Maria Vadeeva-less' Russia. But still, with Emma Meesseman continuing her status as an incredible leader and performer, you always feel that Belgium can make deep runs.
Belgium got the job done and were led as usual by Emma Meesseman
Julie Allemand gives them a top class backcourt presence and with Kyara Linskens growing in influence under the basket, things have settled down a little for new head coach Valery Demory after his losing start in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers. The Cats have a nice crop of younger players coming through as well, so the future looks bright.
#5 Canada CAN
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 4th
Canada certainly took their time in selecting Victor Lapena, or at least announcing his appointment and after this opening salvo, things immediately look brighter. Sure, it's tough to truly assess the two games (big win against Bosnia and Herzegovina and overtime loss to Japan) because of that lack of pressure with no qualification on the line. But surely it is the case that in just two games, the playcaller has given Canada a new identity - in essence, the handbrake is off and they will be able to play with more freedom offensively.
The new era of Victor Lapena started on a positive note in Osaka
Of course, without pressure it's easier to 'free wheel' in games and cut loose. Still, the performances of Natalie Achonwa and Bridget Carleton were excellent, with Kayla Alexander also impressing too. Considering one of their leaders Kia Nurse missed out through injury, the signs are good for Sydney. It looks at face value like Canada could be medal contenders again and actually look like the fourth ranked team in the world.
#6 Serbia SRB
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 10th
Serbia always seem to find a way with Marina Maljkovic to get through some tough situations and this was potentially one in Belgrade. While they had home support in their favor, as well as a reasonable draw with Korea and Brazil not the toughest of opponents, they also had to deal with huge pressure and all in the context of having lost legendary duo Sonja Vasic and Jelena Brooks.
Defensive intensity was a familiar recipe for success for Serbia as they went unbeaten
When you then take into account the absence of the ever-reliable Nevena Jovanovic to injury, then Dragana Stankovic getting injured after the first game (having been brilliant), to finish 3-0 was immense. Having scraped past Korea, Serbia proved that this new chapter could be one to enjoy when they were inspired to a win against Australia with 30 points from TISSOT MVP, Yvonne Anderson. She was a big difference-maker and basically provided the spark to help Serbia get the job done. With their trademark defensive intensity, they could still make the Quarter-Finals in Sydney. It proved to be a very satisfying tournament in general for the hosts.
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