19 Feb 2024
    25 Feb 2025

    SMART Power Rankings: Teams to watch ahead of AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers Window 2

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    Find out how the teams are seeded for the games scheduled between November 21 and 25.

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    MIAMI (United States) – In just a few days, the second window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers will kick off, and it’s time to review the circumstances surrounding each team as they prepare for the games taking place from November 21 to 25. This Power Rankings edition takes into consideration factors such as the announced player rosters, the opponents each team will face, and their group standings.

    16. PAR

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 80 Paraguay is still in search of its first victory since the introduction of the new competition system. Following two losses to Brazil in the previous window, they now total 19 defeats at the top level of the continent. They will try to turn things around this time against Panama and Uruguay, but on paper, they remain the least favored team.

    15. NCA

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 77 Nicaragua, already qualified for AmeriCup 2025 as hosts, faces no pressure to secure results but needs to improve its image ahead of the continental tournament. This time, they will host Mexico and the Dominican Republic, presenting a great opportunity to excite the home crowd. However, in terms of track record and talent, their opponents appear superior.

    14. PAN

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 59 Panama fell short of expectations in the previous window but remains a team with individual talent. Under the guidance of Argentine coach Gonzalo García, who has proven his mettle in continental club competitions, improved results may be within reach after more time working with the team. They have a good chance of securing a win against Paraguay but will face a tough challenge when traveling to Brazil.

    13. COL

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 56 Colombia will debut coach Tomás Díaz, who replaces Guillermo Moreno. As the former lead assistant, Díaz knows the process and players well. Colombia has grown into a competitive team and will bring their top players—Braian Angola, Jaime Echenique, Juan Tello, and Andrés Ibargüen—for this window. However, they face a tough task as visitors against Chile, who looked strong in February, and Argentina, a team eager to resolve lingering doubts.

    12. BAH

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 57 The Bahamas split their games 1-1 with Puerto Rico in the previous window but lost the series on point differential. They will be without Kai Jones (back in the NBA), a key player in earlier games, so others like Domnick Bridgewater, Tavario Miller, and Kentwan Smith will need to step up during challenging away games against Cuba and the USA. At least one win is necessary to keep their hopes alive.

    11. VEN

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 22 At the time of publishing, Venezuela had yet to announce its official roster, but they are likely to field a mix of veterans and younger players. Michael Carrera stands out as a team leader, and they’ll need a strong performance from him to elevate their chances in two tough road games against Argentina and Chile.

    10. CHI

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 61 Chile delivered one of February's biggest surprises, defeating none other than Argentina. Now, they will play at home against Colombia and Venezuela—on paper, easier opponents than the Argentinians. This gives them a solid chance to secure wins and move into a favorable position for one of the group’s three qualifying spots.

    9. CUB

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 70 Cuba split their games against the USA in the previous window, delivering one of the biggest surprises. They boast plenty of talent with players like Jasiel Rivero, Howard Sant-Ross, Karel Guzmán, Yoanki Mencia, and Marcos Chacón. The challenge will be assembling them all. Playing both games at home this window gives them a great opportunity. Though their opponents, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, are strong, Cuba has shown they can compete with anyone after beating the USA.

    8. URU

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 48 Uruguay is one of only three undefeated teams remaining. Under the leadership of coach Gerardo Jauri, the team displayed cohesion and swept a tough opponent, Panama, in the previous window. However, this time they will be without veteran guards Jayson Granger and Bruno Fitipaldo. Uruguay will visit Brazil and Paraguay. While the match against Brazil will be a tough challenge, they are expected to perform well against Paraguay, potentially securing a strong position for AmeriCup qualification.

    7. MEX

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 25 Mexico has called up all its top players, but it remains to be seen who will be available. Under coach Omar Quintero, the team has consistently shown grit and determination. They’ll play two decisive away games, first against Nicaragua—a must-win match given Nicaragua’s status as the group’s weakest team—and then against Canada, where Mexico could surprise us despite being the underdogs.

    6. DOM

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 19 In the tightly contested Group C, every detail matters. The Dominican Republic holds the edge over Mexico on point differential and now aims to solidify its position against group leader Canada. A win as visitors would be a significant boost, but even a narrow loss could keep their hopes alive, as they’ll have a chance to settle the score in the final window at home. With most of their key players available (except NBA stars), optimism is high.

    5. ARG

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 8 After a surprising loss to Chile, Argentina now has a chance to rebuild confidence and address doubts. Playing at home against Venezuela and Colombia, both inconsistent teams, gives them a strong opportunity. While Venezuela currently leads the group on point differential, their roster is uncertain. Colombia, although talented, struggles as visitors. If Argentina’s Europe-based players join the team, they could end this window as Group A leaders. Even without them, home-court advantage will be a key factor.

    4. PUR

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 16 Puerto Rico enters this window with a new coach, Carlos González, who replaces Nelson Colón. González, a former assistant to Colón, will continue much of the established work. He’ll have key players from the recent World Cup and Olympic qualifiers at his disposal. Facing two away games against the USA and Cuba will be a significant challenge, but based on their strong summer performances, Puerto Rico has the quality to secure wins, especially against Cuba.

    3. CAN

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 7 Canada leads Group C, but their two wins came against the group’s weakest team, Nicaragua. Now, they face tougher tests against the Dominican Republic and Mexico, but they’ll have the advantage of playing both games at home. Their goal is to secure these victories to clinch qualification early. Their roster includes players who have stepped up in the absence of NBA stars, such as Trae Bell-Haynes and Aaron Best, as well as G-League standouts like Mfiondu Kabengele and Nate Darling.

    2. USA

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 1 After their February slip-up against Cuba, the USA responded by assembling a stronger roster featuring NBA veterans like Keita Bates-Diop, Robert Covington, and Frank Kaminsky. They’ve also revamped their coaching staff, with Stephen Silas as head coach, supported by NBA legends Patrick Ewing and Keith Smart. The USA will host Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, aiming to solidify their top position.

    1. BRA

    FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 12 Brazil look solid in Group B and will play this window entirely at home. Despite injuries to Lucas Dias and Didi Louzada, who both competed in the Olympics, Brazil boasts depth with players like Vitor Benite, Alexey Borges, Bruno Caboclo, Gui Deodato, Georginho De Paula, Raul Neto, and "Mãozinha" Pereira. With replacements Ruan Miranda and Reynan Santos stepping in, Brazil is favored to win against Uruguay and further secure their lead in the group. – DISCLAIMER: The Power Rankings are completely subjective and in no way represent an official or precise ranking system. All comments reflect the author’s opinions. FIBA

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