FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers Power Rankings, Volume 3

MUNICH (Germany) - The second FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers window is looming large and ahead of what could be decisive period for many nations, it's time to check out our updated Power Rankings.

By way of a reminder, there are 33 teams participating in the Qualifiers, with powerhouse duo France and Spain having directly qualified as Final Round co-hosts. After the first window in November 2019, this second window games will take place between November 12-15 in various hubs around Europe due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Qualifiers will conclude in February 2021 with the third of the scheduled windows, and nine group winners, as well as five best second-placed teams, will join France and Spain at the Final Round next June. 

Previous versions of the Power Rankings: Volume 1; Volume 2.

#1 Belgium  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 5th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 7th

Unbeaten last November, Belgium retain the top spot. Since that opening window, they've made history with a first Olympics ticket after excelling on home soil at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ostend. Confidence should be high, plus playmaker Julie Allemand posted an electrifying rookie WNBA season with Indiana. The Cats are surely a lock to stay 'Purrrrfect' and wins against Portugal and Ukraine could yet see them seal a spot at Final Round - if other results go their way.

#2 Slovenia  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 10th (Qualification for the Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 32nd

We had faith in Slovenia with a high ranking in the first volume and they didn't let us down - even if things were shaky against both Greece and Bulgaria. But their classy core including Nika Baric, Teja Oblak and Eva Lisec is back - plus young Zala Friskovec, who is getting better all the time. It means no more wobbles in the script. Yes, they're rock solid and two more wins could possibly see them through. Or, have we just cursed them with our confidence?

#3 Serbia  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 3rd Place
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 8th

With an impressive array of senior talent, the only fly in this Serbian ointment is arguably the question around whether they have a top class playmaker? But maybe that is more a question for the Final Round next year - which is where Serbia are surely destined. Especially if Sonja Vasic is back in the mix again. But that upcoming match-up with Turkey looks seriously tasty and could be decisive ,so they must still be alert.

#4 Sweden  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group B)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 6th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 20th

It's been mixed bag for head coach Marco Crespi. The delight of two big wins in the first window and then a disappointing capitulation during the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February against some high class opposition. It's time to put the bad experience in Ostend behind them, led by the Eldebrink sisters, Kalis Loyd and Amanda Zahui. Plus, if Israel beat Montenegro and then Sweden beat Israel, they might just be one of the first nations to book a spot at Final Round! 

#5 Czech Republic  (+4)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 15th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 17th

You didn't see that 2-0 record coming did you? But winning in Italy has allowed the confidence to flow and if Julia Reisingerova and Kia Vaughn are healthy and combining in the paint, they look a potent force. Rising star Veronika Vorackova is looking in great form too. The buzzer-beater by Katerina Elhotova against Romania should be a wake-up call that they need to stay sharp. If they get another win-double against Italy and Denmark they would be on the verge of yet another Final Round. 

#6 Croatia  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 30th

Do you remember when Croatia made the Top 10 of our first rankings before a ball was bounced in anger? Some laughed hard. Well, it's Stipe Bralic and his players laughing now. They're 2-0 and did it without leading lights such as Marija Rezan, who could be back this time to form a formidable frontcourt with the in-form Ana-Marija Begic. North Macedonia first should mean 3-0 and then Latvia looks a 50-50 game. After missing Final Round 2017 and 2019, Croatia could be tantalizingly close to a return!

#7 Russia  (-2)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 8th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 12th

Yes, they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina at home in a real thriller, but it may not be the knockout blow some think. They're capable of extracting revenge against their rivals in this window. All eyes will be on Maria Vadeeva who is an unstoppable basketball machine when wearing a national team vest. She will go up against her UMMC teammate Jonquel Jones and that will be captivating. The sting in the tail? Russia's chronic and inexplicable lack of backcourt depth isn't going away any time soon. 

#8 Bosnia and Herzegovina  (0)

Current Record: 2-0 (1st in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 39th

We can all hear opportunity knocking so loudly right now. A Final Round return after a wait of more than two decades beckons, after winning their two opening games off the back of the naturalized Jonquel Jones posting one of the best ever debuts in the competition. That led to that famous win in Russia. With Estonia next, 3-0 looks like a lock and then it will be an epic rematch with Russia. That's got to be near the top of everyone's watch-list! As long as Marica Gajic and Jones are fit and firing on all cylinders, expect fireworks!

#9 Belarus  (-2)

Current Record: 1-0 (2nd in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 13th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 11th

Belarus can draw strength from that amazing and pivotal 41-point win in Great Britain last November which has given them a super launch pad towards their usual Final Round spot. Anastasiya Verameyenka and Maryia Papova should continue to mop up in the paint, so it will all boil down to the backcourt when they face Poland. Yes, another window with just one game for Belarus so they can pour all their focus into this!

#10 Turkey  (+1)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 14th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th

Help! Is the glass half full, or is it half empty for Turkey? No Isil Alben last November and with Serbia on the road and Lithuania at home, it always looked tough.  The 1-1 record feels impossible to assess, even if it was the most likely outcome. Once they inevitably beat Albania, it's back up against Serbia in what could be an incredible match-up. This time they will have Alben back, but will the naturalized Quanitra Hollingsworth be able to repeat her great form of last November if she has not played competitive club basketball for several months?

#11 Ukraine  (+1)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 20197: 16th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 26th

It's all about Alina Iagupova. No apologies for the cut and paste, because that's the truth bomb right there. A magnificent talent, she leads her country in all categories as usual and if she is her usual devastating self, then all options remain open for Ukraine as they prepare to face Finland and Belgium. Has anybody really got them down for anything except a 2-2 record come the end of the window? Thought not.

#12 Italy  (-2)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 9th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 16th

It's been downhill for Italy since missing out on the Quarter-Finals at Final Round in 2019. They fired Coach Marco Crespi, re-appointed Andrea Capobianco only to crash at home to Czech Republic and just scrape past underdogs Denmark. Now Lino Lardo is coach and could be an instant hero with wins against Romania and Czech Republic. Will he need Cecilia Zandalasini to bail out her country with a special couple of showings? He might do after leaving out one of the leaders and most experienced players in the shape of Giorgia Sottana. This will be nerve shredding.

#13 Hungary  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (1st in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 7th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th

After receiving a bloody nose on opening against Netherlands, the pressure was really on Hungary in their game against neighbors Slovakia. But, they responded brilliantly with a huge win and it sets them up for this window and a time when they will be eager to serve up some seriously cold revenge on their Dutch rivals. Only they won't have the services of the naturalized Yvonne Turner and that could really hurt them. This means the pressure is straight back on.

#14 Netherlands  (0)

Current Record: 1-0 (2nd in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 46th

It only seems like yesterday when Netherlands were celebrating what was arguably the biggest upset of the first window. That 10-point win against Hungary was super and with only one game to play again this window, they can have confidence that they can go 2-0 up with a triumph against Slovakia. Center Emese Hof will lead the way and if they do get the W. Just think about it for a second: they would be amazingly close to their first Final Round appearance since the 1980s. If they do it, then the celebration party must be 80s themed? Surely. 

#15 Germany  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 38th

What a chance for new head coach Walt Hopkins to take Germany back to the Final Round for the first time since 2011. Prior to his arrival, they had beaten North Macedonia comfortably and despite losing in an epic against Croatia, they still have a good chance to progress. With standout Satou Sabally killing it for Fenerbahce since her arrival in Istanbul, Germany have an elite player to build this new chapter around - as well as quality like Marie Guelich and Luisa Geiselsoder. They'll be smiling from ear to ear if they beat Latvia and North Macedonia to go 3-1.

#16 Lithuania  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 31st

The headlines around the supremely talented wonderkid Juste Jocyte possibly papered over some worrying cracks in that first window. Winning against Albania was hardly cause for celebration, but getting roasted by Turkey had the alarm ringing. The margin of defeat could come back to haunt them. They need to wake-up fast or young Juste will be a full grown adult by the time they book that Final Round return. A shock win against Serbia would really shake things up nicely. 

#17 Latvia  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 11th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st

An opening night fail against Croatia still feels painful - mainly because they crashed by 18 points. It was hardly the start new head coach Martins Gulbis was looking for. To say this is a crunch window is wrong. It is CRUNCH. A rematch with Croatia then a Germany side making this group complicated. If Anete Steinberga answers an SOS to return (having missed the Final Round in 2019), then Latvia might save themselves.

#18 Greece  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 13th

It feels tough on Greece to have them quite as low because they did beat Iceland and they pushed Slovenia very hard. Their best work was thanks mainly to the evergreen Jacki Gemelos, while Pinelopi Pavlopoulou was impressive too. But this time they need the likes of Artemis Spanou and Eleanna Christinaki for example to shine too, especially as the experienced Aikaterina Sotiriou is out. Bulgaria could also be that unexpected bump in the road you don't see, which ends a journey early.

#19 Romania  (+1)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 44th

Ever had that feeling of what might have been? Romania experienced this when they were one basket away from shocking Czech Republic and going 2-0. Under new coach Ayhan Avci, they have a bitter-sweet taste in their mouths, but it is still more palatable that previous campaigns. If Ashley Walker is sensational again, they have possibilities, but you have to worry about the bulk of the roster being undercooked, with little domestic league action having taken place since early in 2020.

#20 Great Britain  (-1)

Current Record: 1-1 (1st in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 4th (Semi-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 18th

The win in Poland to start off their campaign was impressive, coming off the back of that historic Semi-Finals appearance at the last Final Round. However, it has been downhill since. First they shot themselves in the foot with an ugly home loss to Belarus and now they have lost the services of three starting five players for this window with Karlie Samuelson, Rachael Vanderwal and Jo Leedham-Warner all missing. This looks tough now and much will hinge on the ability of Temi Fagbenle to carry the team.

#21 Slovakia  (0)

Current Record: 0-1 (3rd in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 24th

You knew it was just one of those days when even the super Zofia Hruscakova was badly out of form against Hungary in their only game of the first window. Or was it one of those days because Zofia was badly out of form? Same difference - maybe? Now's the chance of redemption for the Galatasaray forward. A win against Netherlands in the only game they will play in this window is the difference between getting back on track or seeing the Final Round train leave the station.

#22 Montenegro  (0)

Current Record: 0-1 (2nd in Group B)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 12th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 23rd

When is an underdog not an underdog ? When they're playing Israel in this window! It's a rare situation for the minnows, who have this amazing run of making Final Round after that first historic one back in 2011. It's a run they want to extend, so this is an unfamiliar role for Jelena Skerovic and her team. They have a little bit of pressure to get the W on the board and they must deal with the expectation and necessity to complete the mission!

#23 Portugal  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Round of 16
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 47th

Portugal had almost forgotten what winning actually felt like after being 0-6 during the 2019 Qualifiers. The ease of their success against Finland was eye-catching and they also pushed Ukraine hard. It's something to build on for a country whose youth players had promised better times ahead a few years ago. Will the tide turn as they had hoped? Well, not against Belgium - no way. But a double against Finland could be a possibility.

#24 Poland  (0)

Current Record: 0-1 (3rd in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 35th

After suffering a loss to Great Britain in the first window, it's go-time now for Poland and Maros Kovacik as he looks to get a first win at the helm to his name. They will face Belarus and a rematch with the Brits, perhaps wondering where the inspiration will come from. With arguably no big standout stars like their rivals, it's all about the team work, hustle and organization.

#25 Switzerland  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 65th

Winless in their qualifying campaign for the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019, the victory against Estonia was long overdue. Even a 20-point loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina couldn't spoil the feeling too much. Maybe playing Russia will make that winning feel seem even more distant for the Swiss. But another meeting against Estonia could mean a second win and that is quite a prospect after so many lean years.

#26 Bulgaria  (0)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 50th

Beating Iceland might not seem a reason for dancing on the streets of Sofia, but before the days of social distancing, Bulgaria had very right to celebrate. After all, they were 0-6 in the previous qualifying campaign. Perhaps as impressively, they almost toppled Slovenia too. If Hristina Ivanova and Dimana Georgieva catch fire again, who knows if they will be able to dance once more - this time a little further apart of course.

#27 Israel  (0)

Current Record: 0-1 (3rd in Group B)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 42nd

What team wouldn't hurt from losing an amazing player like Alysha Clark? As well as the great veteran scorer Shay Doron of course. Plus, Israel do have a severe lack of post players, meaning they have to play high tempo and shoot the lights out even just to stay in games. They just don't have the experience, physicality or offensive firepower right now to trouble Montenegro. Or are we writing them off too soon?

#28 Estonia  (0)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 60th

We just didn't know whether to laugh or cry when the best player in the first window was the majestic veteran Merike Anderson. New head coach Allan Siimann will be aware that someone like the dynamic teenager Anna Gret Asi can take the throne of leader in years to come, but it's more about adding some depth too. The performances in the last window weren't that bad and maybe they can surprise Switzerland this time.

#29 Denmark  (+1)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 56th

If you feel yourself raising your eyebrows at their placing because they're 0-2, let's applaud the way they gave Romania and even Italy some real headaches. They have got young aspiring players coming through their talent pipeline and a leader in Maria Jespersen to always make them competitive. We love seeing them in these Qualifiers where they have not always been. The only way is up. Even if it is not in this window.

#30 Finland  (+1)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 66th

While nobody expected them to beat Belgium, the Portugal game was a major kick to the guts. You have to be able to shoot more than 30 percent in a window - and take care of the ball. Ukraine looks daunting. Portugal give the chance of some revenge. Failing that, can you please give us all an amazing dunk to savor please, Awak Kuier? What a player this teenager is!

#31 Iceland  (-2)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 64th

The solution for Iceland is quite straightforward after that big loss in Greece (not unexpected) and the crushing disappointment of a home defeat to Bulgaria. They must find a way of cloning the magnificent Helena Sverrisdottir a few times and then they might just be able look forward to this window when they face group leaders Slovenia and then Bulgaria again.

#32 North Macedonia  (0)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify 
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 79th

The 0-2 record isn't the issue, it's the fact they lost by almost 60 points to Latvia and 65 to Germany. It had fans in North Macedonia probably watching these performances through their fingers or from behind a cushion. Without a naturalized player in that first window they looked lost and it's difficult to see them being much more competitive this time around either. 

#33 Albania  (0)

Current Record: 0-2 (4th in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 98th

They're trying to take valuable experience from this process, but it's as harsh a lesson as you would ever want. The gap they need to close to other nations is vast. Things got ugly very quickly in that first window and being in a seriously tough group means that two more tough games is guaranteed.

*The power rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking systems. All comments are purely those of the author.