ABIDJAN (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - As the clock continues ticking fast for the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 to be co-hosted by Senegal and Tunisia from September 8-16, our editors weigh in the 16 teams' competitiveness and chances based on their rosters and preparation plans.

RANK	NATION	MOVE
1			What could possibly go wrong? Tunisia prepare to co-host the African Championship on the back of a successful preparation in Europe, which saw the North Africans go up against France, Spain, Belgium, Romania and Portugal before returning home to defeat all four FIBA AfroBasket 2017 bound teams, including the DR Congo, Mali, Egypt and the Central African Republic.
2			Although point guard Xane D'Almeida has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury, the Senegalese have gone from strength to strength throughout their preparations. A comprehensive win over Mali last week translated Senegal's grip ahead of co-hosting the FIBA AfroBasket 2017.
3		+1	It has taken Nigeria a couple of weeks to build a team to defend their African crown. Without facing a national team during the preparations, and heading to Tunisia with only one player from 2015 (Ike Diogu), the Nigerians are very well equipped on the frontcourt with Washington Wizards big man Daniel Ochefu and seven-footer Deji Akindele. They might not have trouble protecting the painted area.
4		-1	It's been over two weeks since the former African champions last faced a national team during their preparations in China. However, they head to Dakar with an experienced group of players. Leandro Da Conceicao, the son of FIBA Hall of Famer Jean Jacques Da Conceicao has given the Angolans a fresh look at the guard position.
5			The Congolese have shown tremendous consistency throughout their warm-up games in Tunisia. A loss to hosts Tunisia was followed by wins over the Central African Republic, local clubs Etoile Sportive du Rades and Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
6		+2	Losing to Tunisia 80-66 over the weekend hasn't reflected Egypt's pedigree.
7		+2	Three losses in as many games during a training camp in Turkey have made the Moroccans hungrier for the African Championship, Abderrahim Najah revealed to FIBA.basketball.
8		+7	The 'Elephants' of Cote d'Ivoire have received a morale booster with the return of head coach Hugue Occansey. In addition to the former France international, Mohamed Kone has joined the team while point guard Souleyman Diabate, a five-time FIBA AfroBasket participant is expected to join the Ivorians before their departure for Tunis.
9		+2	The 'Silverbacks' of Uganda have never been so confident ahead of a major tourmanent. New coach, huge aspirations could see the East Africans cause some noise in Dakar, where they will play the Group Phase against Morocco, the Central African Republic and Angola.
10		+3	Kenneth Gasana has finally joined the team's training camp, and Rwanda look a lot stronger despite their two losses against Mali and Central African Republic. As we write, they prepared to face neigbours Democratic Republic of Congo in Tunisia.
11		+1	In a recent interview with Guinea ace Cedric Mansare, he insisted that they shouldn't be overlooked as they target a place in the Quarter-Finals.
12		-2	The Malians have lost three of their five warm-up games on Tunisian soil.
13		-6	Unconsistency could hurt the Central Africans chances in Dakar.
14		-8	DJ Strawberry has reportedly left the training camp to join his Turkish club Besiktas.
15			Playing without some key players such as brothers Pio and August Matos could hinder Mozambique's chances.
16			South Africa head to Dakar looking to improve from their previous results in FIBA Africa's most important competition.

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

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