FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 Division B Power Rankings, Volume 1
AMMAN (Jordan) - With the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 Division B now less than a week away from tipping off, it's time for the first volume of the Power Rankings.
Taking into account the latest roster news, past tradition and the FIBA Women's Wolrd Rankings, presented by NIKE, here's how things are shaping up ahead of the event. However, with many nations stepping out after a lengthy absence, there are many unknowns to factor into this list.
There will also be an updated second volume of the Power Rankings during the competition, before the Semi-Finals.
#1 Kazakhstan
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 59th (Asia Rank 9th)
No strangers to both Division B and Division A, Kazakhstan have a tradition of moving between both levels over the years and should probably be favorites to advance. One of the main motivators is not just the lure of playing in the top tier in 2023, but also revenge and making amends for their heartbreaking 75-73 loss to India in the 2017 Final. A solid domestic league and with several returnees who know how to get it done in this competition, they should be well-drilled, disciplined, physically strong and possess good fundamentals.
The experienced Daria Koroleva is on fire and averaging 20 ppg in her homeland as the leagues highest scorer. Center Anna Bezgodova could also be very influential as she is a shot-block waiting to happen and rebounding machine. Meanwhile the main thrust could come from the skills of Tamara Yagodkina and Zalina Kurazova who both averaged 14 points per game at the 2017 edition and are also highly-rated 3x3 players.
#2 Lebanon
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 53rd (Asia Rank 8th)
It's now a decade since the Cedars last featured in Division A, so gaining promotion at this event would be well timed and they have a great opportunity to advance. They also have to make up for missing out four years ago, when they lost to India in the Semi-Finals, having to settle for third place.
The highest ranked Asia team in the competition, they are probably co-favorites with Kazakhstan, although much will hinge on the presence of the outstanding team leader Rebecca Akl. The do-it-all standout has been playing EuroCup Women with KP Brno and if she is on board, they could finish top of the pile. Although even without her, they are likely to still be able to rely on other classy performers such as Chirine El Charif who was excellent in 2017. Throw in the talent of Layla Fares and a few other key performers and this could be an exciting tournament for Lebanon, even more so if they manage to get a naturalized player on board.
#3 Indonesia
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 74th (Asia Rank 12th)
This could be a hugely exciting and revealing tournament for Indonesia, since they have managed to naturalize a classy player with plenty of power in the shape of Kim Pierre-Louis. Her addition catapults them into contention and solves the traditional issue of having a lack of size in the paint.
However, it would be a mistake to think that Indonesia will rely solely on her contributions, since they have some very talented ballers in their ranks, including the likes of Gabriel Sophia and Yuni Anggraeni in particular. They will continue to adapt their quicker style of play and will be hoping that this, plus the inside optipn of Pierre-Louis, could make them a potent force.
#4 Syria
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 92nd (Asia Rank 18th)
You have to push the rewind button all the way back to 1986 for the last time that Syria appeared at the event and they might make a big splash on their return. The signs appear to be good and women's basketball in the country is getting back on track despite the massive challenges the country has faced in recent times.
Leading the way could be Alicia Magarian, the captain of the Al Thawra club and if Randi Brown plays as expected in the naturalized slot, this is a fearsome one-two punch for Syria to base their campaign around. With Noura Bshara another highly capable performer, there's plenty to like - or at least on paper. But now Syria must produce on court.
#5 Jordan
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 123rd (Asia Rank 22nd)
The Falcons will have home support behind them as the host nation finally steps out at the event. Having held the Division A tournament, it's now their turn to shine. If you are a fan of Jordan basketball, the good news is that this ranking of 5th could look foolish if they manage to secure the services of a high profile naturalized player, something they have been trying to do. Being successful in this venture would invitably transform their prospects in the tournament.
Importantly, whether a naturalized player is in attendance or not, they will still need multiple homegrown players to step up and that means ballers such as center Dana Fadda and the free-scoring Marya All-Hinn coming to the party. If Jordan are to enjoy their return to the competition for the first time in 26 years, team concepts will still be vital.
#6 Iran
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 80th (Asia Rank 14th)
So this might be the one that we have got seriously wrong! But before a ball has been bounced in Amman, it's hard to know how Iran will do, since they have not played in the competition for almost 50 years. The fact that they are even participating is a great step forward and proof of the hard work that has been going into the women's game in recent times.
With a vibrant women's domestic league and one that has welcomed multiple foreign players, the standard is improving all of the time and now they have a chance to showcase it on the international stage. Iran have also underlined how important this tournament is, having had extensive preparation, with multiple games against various Turkish teams.
*The power rankings are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
Paul Nilsen
The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 Division B Power Rankings are put together by our panel, led by FIBA's women's basketball specialist Paul Nilsen. He eats, sleeps and breathes female hoops and is incredibly passionate about the promotion of the women's game at all levels. Paul uses an extensive network of players, coaches, clubs and Federations to shape his work and opinions.
