SYDNEY (Australia) - With the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 in Sydney now coming rapidly into sight, it's time for the first volume of the Power Rankings.

Taking into account the latest roster news and any recent preparation game performances, scroll down to see how things are shaping up ahead of the event.  

#1 Japan   

2021 Edition Record:  5-0 (1st)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 9th

Six in a row, yes, six titles in a row! It looks like this might be the outcome in Sydney after Japan revealed they will have many of their big-hitters on board for this tournament. The competition for places on the roster has been intense and while that was a headache for playcaller Toru Onzuka, he can now turn his attention to Japan's stunning winning streak in this competition.  On paper and a few weeks out, they still look like the team to beat and it will take something powerful to wrestle their cherished title away. 

#2 China   

2021 Edition Record: 4-1 (2nd) 
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 2nd

We need a crystal ball right now. There's some clarity still needed on China's likely roster with a number of players in the WNBA or having tried out Stateside, as well as a worrying injury to star center Yueru Li. Consequently they have not had the usual preparation in terms of their top stars all playing together and their European tour results have shown the current group is not at the same level. However, once the action tips off in Sydney some of the main ballers will be back in situ and they'll be frontrunners for the title again? 

#3 Korea  

2021 Edition Record: 3-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 12th

The news that Korea would have their megastar Ji Su Park back on the roster was just a massive and perhaps unexpected boost considering she missed last year's FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.  Remember that stunning triple-double in Belgrade last year at the Qualifying Tournament? That is the kind of leadership and stellar display that could be about to put Korea back on a podium for the first time since 2015. And, guess what? It's double delight for fans as the brilliant veteran Danbi Kim has put her retirement on ice!

#4 Australia   

2021 Edition Record: 4-2 (3rd)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 3rd

You got a sense of deja vu as well? Surely? The Opals are going with youth - as they did when capturing 2021 bronze. Although this did require a brilliant number of displays and outstanding leadership from Sami Whitcomb who was on fire. Ordinarily the hosts might expect a medal again, but it will be tough to force Japan or China off the podium, while Korea just got that big double boost. On paper at least, they'll be main rivals for bronze. But there's still plenty to love and time to move up, After all, there are multiple Worlds winners in Marianna Tolo, Anneli Maley, Tess Madgen and Darcee Garbin to carry the Opals to more success.

#5 New Zealand 

2021 Edition Record: 2-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th

If the Tall Ferns are in need of a strapline, then what about, 'Forever 5th'? Or the more traditional 'best of the rest'? It's going to take something special for them to break into that top four and reach the Semi-Finals but it is by no means impossible. To their credit, Guy Molloy and his team have put themselves up against reigning Euro giants Serbia in three games and competed decently. There's more to come and with the likes of Penina Davidson and the Leger-Walker sisters, they will always be in with a shot of testing teams.

#6 Chinese Taipei 

2021 Edition Record: 1-4
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 33rd

The band is back together again! All of the core from 2021 means there will be some welcome continuity. While Chinese Taipei won't make much sweet basketball music in terms of their results, they did catch the eye in Amman last time with some smart performances. Hsiao-Tong Peng was particularly influential and she will be a leader once more. The game against Philippines looks like a big target for a win. Last time they hammered them and while maybe closer in Sydney, the outcome surely means avoiding bottom spot in Group B.

#7 Lebanon  

2021 Edition Record:  N/A - Played and won Division B title
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 70th

Lebanon will be trying to harness that momentum and enthusiasm of being back at the top table of women's basketball in Asia to make sure they stay here for more than just one tournament. They were quite dominant in Division B two years ago en-route to promotion and will be aware that they can target wins against the likes of Philippines and maybe Chinese Taipei. It might be brutal at times when they face the biggest teams, but if they stay together, survival could be a realistic achievement. Let's now see who's ready to suit up.

#8 Philippines 

2021 Edition Record: 1-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 42nd

At the last edition, Philippines fought hard and won the do-or-die game against India to avoid relegation from the top flight, but is this the year when they suffer the unwanted feat of falling through the trap door? It would be a real setback if it happened with so much excitement around co-hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. They didn't manage to beat derby rivals Indonesia in the recent South East Asian Games and that will have been something of a wake-up call as they're in Division B themselves. Get ready to chew those fingernails people! It's going to be nervy!

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

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Paul Nilsen

The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 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.