Power Ranking: Top 10 Americas teams entering Window 3

MIAMI (United States) – Venezuela, Brazil and Canada are the only national teams that remain undefeated after four games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers.

Taking into consideration the previous two windows and the current situation of each team, here is our Power Ranking of the 10 best teams in America, entering the third qualifying Window that will be played between June 30 and July 4.

10. Panama (1-3)

The Panamanian team are -24 in Group A (Chile -47 in Group B), but they have everything in their favor to go on to the next round. The team has so far shown inconsistency on both ends of the court with little offensive contribution and many errors with the ball. But now they will host Paraguay, the team that has scored the least in these Qualifiers (54.5 points per game). Flor Meléndez's team only needs a win or to lose by less than 22 points to move to the next step. However, they still need to improve for what is to come.

9. Puerto Rico (2-2)

The Puerto Ricans are in the process of adaptation and searching for the identity with the arrival of Nelson Colón. They are still searching for the gear as a team. The new head coach has been testing various formations and it seems to be working because the team has gone from less to more in a difficult Group D. This time, they will have two home games so the scenario looks favorable to continue growing.

8. Uruguay (3-1)

Uruguay have come back in Group B as Argentine coach Rubén Magnano has achieved the perfect balance between young and veterans’ players. Their guards, Bruno Fitipaldo, Luciano Parodi and Agustin Ubal, have played at a high level. Now they will be at home, a good opportunity to try to stop Brazil in the fight for the first place in their group.

7. Mexico (3-1)

Group D has proven to be the most difficult in these Americas Qualifiers. Yet Mexico has been able to prevail against two regional giants, the United States and Puerto Rico. Omar Quintero’s team managed to beat both teams and are tied for first place in the group. The Mexicans have played as a team on both sides of the ball and their point guards have sparked the offense leading them to second in assists with 24.5.

6. Argentina (3-1)

Argentina, with coach Néstor García, is in a similar process to the one Puerto Rico is going through. They have yet to reach their best game, hence their loss against Venezuela. But for the third window they will have tremendous top players like Facundo Campazzo, Leandro Bolmaro, Nicolás Brussino and Patricio Garino. It seems that it is only a matter of time before they reach their true potential.

5. Dominican Republic (3-1)

The Dominicans, with just one loss against Canada, have shown tremendous success in Group C thanks to their speed. Their offense starts from the rebound, where the Dominicans are ranked second overall with an excellent average of 46.8 rebounds per game. They are third in steals with 10.5 per game with a fast game that coach Melvyn López continues to perfect.

4. United States (3-1)

It’s surprising that USA are not in the top three, but it's due to their loss against Mexico in the first Window of Group D. After that defeat, they have once again fulfilled expectations and are among the top five in the main stats (points per game, field percentage, three-pointers, free throws, and assists). It's no secret that the US has the potential and talent to win.

3. Venezuela (4-0)

Venezuela's strong defense is why they are still undefeated in Group A. Now, with the pressure of their home fans, Venezuela should enhance that aspect of their game even more. Led by Argentinian coach Fernando Duró, Venezuela allows the fewest points (53.8) and are the leaders in steals with 12.3 per game.

2. Brazil (4-0)

The main characteristic of the Brazilian team is versatility. They combine speed, outside shooting, power on the boards and they have surpassed all their opponents in Group B. They are the best in rebounding with 47.5 per game and third from long distance with 38 percent effectiveness.

1. Canada (4-0)

They've had an unstoppable offense in Group C. Canada are the only team that scores over 100 points (101.8) per game. They are also leaders in three-pointers with 14.5 per game and in effectiveness with 43 percent. For this next Window, we can predict that they will maintain their pace with the return of Nick Nurse as coach and the call of up to 11 NBA players including RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray and Kelly Olynyk

*The power rankings are entirely subjective based on recent events/results/announcements and is in no way a true, accurate ranking systems. All comments are purely those of the author.

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