MIAMI (United States) – The first window of the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers, played from February 22-26, produced several surprising outcomes. We saw teams with great pedigrees lose to opponents that hadn’t beaten them in decades, while others made sure to avoid any surprises.

These results generated dramatic changes in relation the first volume of our Power Rankings. This is the new order for volume 2:

1. BRA  (+1)

Record: 2-0

The South American giants took care of business. They faced the weakest opponent, Paraguay, and beat them twice by an average of 60 points. At no point the outcome was in doubt for the team coached this time by Helinho, who replaced Gustavo Conti (out for family reasons). Out of all the participants, Brazil has the highest point differential (+120).

2. CAN  (+2)

Record: 2-0

The North Americans’ situation was like Brazil’s in that they faced an inexperienced squad (Nicaragua) and beat them soundly (by an average of more than 40 points per game), as expected. Canada only featured 10 players due to injury absences for stars Kyle Alexander and Kyle Wiltjer, but still managed to handle the job without hiccups.

3. URU  (+6)

Record: 2-0

Uruguay was the team that improved its stock the most with head coach Gerardo Jauri at the helm of the national team for the second time. They faced an always dangerous squad like Panama but beat them easily. A lot of it had to do with point guards Bruno Fitipaldo and Jayson Granger, plus shooting guard Joaquín Rodríguez, who were extremely effective scoring, moving the ball and getting their teammates in positions to succeed.

4. DOM  (+1)

Record: 1-1

The Dominicans had slow starts in both games against Mexico, but in their home matchup, they were able to complete the job in the fourth quarter and walk away with a double-digit victory. Then, in the rubber game, they fought from behind to force overtime and lose by just 7 points. The most positive aspect was that they were able to win the head-to-head matchup against a tough Mexican squad thanks to their better point differential. That could go a long way in Group C where only 2 berths are available since Nicaragua has a guaranteed spot due to being the host nation.

5. PUR  (+1)

Record: 1-1

Puerto Rico got in trouble after losing in front of their home crowd against Bahamas, but then recovered to win on the road by 19 points to secure the head-to-head matchup. The coaching staff and roster showed great character and resilience despite their lack of experience at the international level against a Bahamian squad that featured a lot of talent and athleticism.

6. ARG  (-3)

Record: 1-1

After the shocking loss against Chile, the Argentinian squad is now very much in flux. And while they likely won’t fail to qualify to AmeriCup to defend their crown – which would be a real tragedy – what’s worrying is that they called up several of their best young prospects playing in Europe and they proved to not be ready yet to contribute at a high level. This was the first experience for many of them with the senior team, so the hope is that they’ll eventually adapt and perform. The team’s stars also need to take a step forward.

7. USA  (-6)

Record: 1-1

When they announced their roster for Window 1, it was expected that they wouldn’t have much trouble against Cuba. However, former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams was a last-minute absence and that hobbled the team. They had enough to get the win at home, but things were much different in Havana, where head coach Jerome Allen and his players looked erratic, and USA fell to a team they hadn’t lost to in more than 5 decades. This should act as a wakeup call for the next window, as they’ll need to gather a more talented squad to avoid further losses.

8. MEX  (-1)

Record: 1-1

For Mexico, splitting the series against Dominican Republic wasn’t a bad outcome when taking into account that head coach Omar Quintero had a roster with several new faces. They’re now forced to get a positive result against Canada in a tough Group C but have shown the ability to do it in the past.

9. BAH  (+1)

Record: 1-1

Bahamas was able to travel to Puerto Rico and achieve a historic victory, but then couldn’t do the same during the rubber match at home – losing by a bigger margin that ended up granting the head-to-head matchup to the boricuas. Taking into account that they started off by winning on the road, the 1-1 record leaves a bad taste in their mouth but getting a win against Puerto Rico showed what they’re capable of.

10. VEN  (-2)

Record: 1-1

Despite losing a game against Colombia, Venezuela won the head-to-head matchup. However, after fielding their usual veteran roster and winning comfortably at home, they were expected to sweep the series and couldn’t deliver. Their main worry remains their reliance on a squad where most of the best players are at least 34-year-old.

11. CHI  (+2)

Record: 1-1

The Chileans completed one of the biggest upsets of the window, slaying a giant like Argentina that featured stars like Campazzo, Deck, Brussino and Bolmaro. Despite losing the first game on the road, they made a good impression and then, at home, managed to resist until the end. After such amazing performances against the toughest team in the group, their odds of qualifying to AmeriCup increased exponentially.

12. CUB  (+3)

Record: 1-1

Cuba managed to pull off the other huge upset of Window 1. After having just 7 players available in American territory and losing by 21, they got Pedro Bombino, Marcos Chacón and Howard Sant-Roos back. Those 3 changed the team’s dynamic and with the home crowd behind them, they dominated the United States wire to wire. Now Cuba looms like a tough opponent to the rest of the teams in Group D, and even more so if they can field their stars playing in Europe.

13. COL  (-2)

Record: 1-1

Colombia got a win against Venezuela for the first time in 14 years and they did it in the rubber match at home. The victory wasn’t pretty, but it’ll be very helpful for a squad that lost the first game by 19 points. Playing in front of their home crowd, the team showed great attitude and is still very much alive in the fight.

14. PAN  (-2)

Record: 0-2

Panama fell short of their expectations under new head coach Gonzalo García of Argentina. The team has always featured talented players and they were available for these games, but they couldn’t rise to the occasion. Neither the defense nor the offense flowed against Uruguay, who comfortably won both games. They have a lot of work ahead of them to find their best version.

15. NCA  (-1)

Record: 0-2

Nicaragua made their debut at the top continental level, but they knew they were going up against one of the toughest teams in the region – Canada. They suffered a pair of tough losses but each game for them is an opportunity to build toward the future.

16. PAR  (-)

Record: 0-2

Paraguay’s chances against Brazil, on paper, were almost nonexistent. Brazil looked much stronger across the board, and the difference between these teams was proven on the court. The good news for Paraguay is that they left their toughest opponent behind and now they’ll seek their first win in the competition against Uruguay and Panama.

 

Note: Power rankings are completely subjective and in no way represent true or accurate systems of qualification. All the comments are the writer’s own.

 

 

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