Power Rankings: Where Americas teams stand heading into the Second Round

MIAMI (United States) – The Fourth Window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, which will kickstart the Second Round, will be played on August 25th and 29th.

Only 12 teams are still standing in the fight for the seven available spots in the 2023 event to be played in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, and every detail counts.

After taking the temperature of each of those national teams, here is our first power rankings heading into the Second Round:

NOTE: The team’s movement in relation to the previous ranking is shown in parenthesis.

1. Canada (0)

Record: 6-0

Besides being the only undefeated team and dominating in most of the offensive categories during the First Round, it’s expected that the Canadians will once again have many of their NBA stars from the last window. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kelly Olynyk, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dwight Powell will suit up for Nick Nurse’s squad, allowing them to keep their positive momentum.

2. United States (0)

Record: 5-1

The team is currently on a four-game winning streak, which seems to indicate that head coach Jim Boylen has been able to solidify his gameplan. Team stalwarts like Langston Galloway, John Jenkins, DaQuan Jeffries and Eric Mika will be available, so they don’t expect much trouble in their duels against Uruguay and Colombia.

3. Brazil (0)

Record: 5-1

Except for their last game against Colombia, Brazil looked like one of the deepest and most versatile squads in all the First Round – capable of doing damage inside and on the perimeter. For these games and the FIBA AmeriCup, where they’ll be the host country a few days later, head coach Gustavo Conti will enjoy a full squad, including all their veterans plus Raul Neto and Didi Louzada from the NBA. Brazil is locked and loaded.

4. Argentina (+1)

Record: 5-1

Nestor “Che” García will have Facundo Campazzo, Leandro Bolmaro, Nicolás Brussino and Carlos Delfino back, and they’ll also welcome Gabriel Deck and Nicolás Laprovítola, so they’ll have their best possible roster. The timing couldn’t have been better, as they will face Canada on the 25th – the toughest opponent and leader of this ranking.

5. Dominican Republic (+1)

Record: 4-2

Chris Duarte’s presence turns the Dominicans into a very dangerous team thanks to his potent offensive capabilities shown in previous games. His availability also enhances a roster that will still feature the always trusty Víctor Liz and Andrés Feliz, plus powerful big men Ángel Delgado and Eloy Vargas.

6. Venezuela (-2)

Record: 5-1

Their tumble in these rankings is mainly due to other teams getting important reinforcements. Venezuela won’t add any significant pieces to their roster in comparison to the last window, and they also have some injury concerns, like in the case of point guard Heissler Guillent.

7. Puerto Rico (+2)

Record: 3-3

Point guard José Alvarado will be back, and he already showed what he can bring to the table. The New Orleans Pelicans rookie scored 22 and 20 points in his debut during the last window, on top of this trademark defensive intensity. With him on the roster, head coach Nelson Colón knows he has a steady hand on both ends of the floor, alongside the reliable Gian Clavell and Ismael Romero. Both were key in the victory against Mexico that allowed them to win the matchup and be placed above them in this ranking.

8. Mexico (0)

Record: 4-2

The Mexican squad finished the First Round with a good taste in their mouth despite losing in overtime to Puerto Rico and dropping the matchup. The team led by Omar Quintero executed on both ends of the court and has solidified a gameplan. For these upcoming games, they’ll once again have key pieces like Paul Stoll, Gabriel Girón, Francisco Cruz and Daniel Amigo.

9. Uruguay (-2)

Record: 4-2

The presence of both Jayson Granger and Bruno Fitipaldo is great news for this window, but Uruguay will need a better collective mindset in this new phase where the level of difficulty rises. Despite having a positive record in the First Round, they lacked solid communication attacking the basket.

10. Colombia (+1)

Record: 2-4

Their double overtime win over Brazil to book their ticket to the next round was a massive morale boost for the team and they’re coming on a high note. They also announced the addition of center Jaime Echenique, who last season became the first player from that country to play an official NBA game. Echenique will join Braian Angola, Juan Tello and Andrés Ibargüen to form a squad capable of upsetting anyone.

11. Bahamas (+1)

Record: 2-4

Buddy Hield is once again expected to be available for Bahamas and his mere presence would be a challenge for any defense. The 29-year-old guard is one of the best shooters in the NBA and proved it in his two previous games, averaging 26.5 points and hitting 11 three-pointers. If any of his teammates can join him, Bahamas could be a headache for everyone.

12. Panama (-2)

Record: 2-4

A pair of wins in the First Round against a weak Paraguayan squad doesn’t say much about Panama. It is now when they’ll have to show what they’re made of. The team has intriguing talents like Trevor Gaskins, Ernesto Oglivie and Akil Mitchell, but they’ll have to up their performances for the team to have any chance to qualify.

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