DAMASCUS (Syria) - With the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 soon tipping off in Syria, it's time to reveal the Power Rankings that everyone has been waiting for.

Ahead of the competition start on August 12, here's our rundown of how the teams stand from the sixth place to the number one spot.

6. India 

India were beaten by an average of 45.3 points at the FIBA Asia Cup 2022, but we expect them to be much more competitive here. That said, even with some of their best players like Pranav Prince, Muin Bek Hafeez and Amjyot Singh showing up, the odds are stacked heavily against them.

Home team Syria, a competitive Indonesia and rising Gulf power Bahrain could still be the favorites. If we're being completely objective, India are likely to finish at the bottom of the tournament.

5. Saudi Arabia 

There is promise in this Saudi Arabia squad. If Khalid Abdel Gabar and the Almarwani brothers all have strong performances, don't be shocked if they spring an upset or two.

That said, we're hard-pressed to imagine them beating higher-ranked Kazakhstan, home team Syria, and even a Marquise-Bolden-powered Indonesia.

4. Kazakhstan 

We're very excited to see what Oleg Balashov will do in Damascus. He was a pleasantly impressive surprise package at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta, and we're hoping the 24-year-old can continue to shine in this competition. 

The Steppen Wolves have a shot at finishing atop the competition here, but Balashov, along with their seasoned veterans, have to put up big numbers to do so.

3. Bahrain 

Anyone doubting Bahrain's rise would do well to be more cautious with that assessment. This is a dangerous team, and they could really do some damage on the court in Damscus. Muzamil Hamooda is a veritable rising star, while brother Mohammed is solid, too.

And then we have Ahmed Alderazi and Maitham Issa flanking them as well. If the other teams aren't careful, they could be on the wrong side of a defeat against the Bahrainis.

2. Indonesia 

Timnas Indonesia have released their roster and some of their bigger names are missing which makes it more of a challenge for them to win this tournament.

Still, as long as Marquise Bolden patrols the paint, this team can potentially get some wins. This also means increased roles for guys like Yudha Saputera and Juan Laurent Kokodiputra. One young kid to watch is athletic wingman, Hendrick Xavi Yonga.

1. Syria 

The home team should have a tournament to remember. They should have one of the biggest frontlines in the competition, headlined by Abdulwahab Alhamwi, Omar Chiekh Ali and Amer Alsati.

Meanwhile, Anthouny Bakar and Isshak Oubeid should orchestrate their plays quite well. Syria usually play at a reserved level, but there's a feeling they'll play at a much higher gear in front of their home crowd. Will it be good enough to get past the group phase? You have to believe so.

*The above power rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate or official ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author - FIBA writer and contributor, Enzo Flojo.

FIBA