JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - With the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 tipping off in a few weeks, these initial power rankings reflect recent team form, roster projections and tournament outlook across the 16 qualified teams.
Keep in mind, these rankings are independent of the official FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike. Instead, they’re based on recent form, key player availability, latest results and each squad’s outlook within their group.
1. Australia
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 7th
The Boomers remain a premier basketball force. Throughout the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, they were truly a cut above their opponents. Their balanced scoring, size and international experience leave them clear favorites heading into Jeddah. Australia dominated their qualifying group with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing overpowering offense (613 points scored) and defense (367 allowed). They secured their place at the Asia Cup with strong wins over Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
2. Japan
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st
Expect Japan to play a disciplined, fast-paced style emphasizing shooting and ball movement. The team should still be among the elite despite the prospect of some marquee names possibly not making the final roster. Recall that the Akatsuki Japan had a successful qualifier run (5-1), showcasing a broad pool of talent, from veteran Yudai Baba to upcomer Ren Kanechika. Their lone loss was to China in February.
3. New Zealand
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 22nd
The Tall Blacks always present raw toughness and unwavering determination. Their solid qualifying performance (5-1) signals competitiveness in a tough Asia Cup field. Even in their loss to Philippines in late 2024, New Zealand showed trademark physical play. Expect stalwarts like Tori Smith-Milner and Reuben Te Rangi to continue showing the way.
4. China
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 30th
China should bring a deep, big and versatile squad that will balance youth and experience. Their last win in qualifiers was an emphatic 100-58 result against Japan, which saw Hu Jinqiu and Zhao Rui in sharp form. The 16-time Asia Cup champions are always formidable and should continue to be major podium contenders in Jeddah.
5. Iran
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 28th
Iran’s compact, gritty squad bring tactical discipline and veteran leadership, bolstered by promising young players like Mohammad Amini. Their sustained winning record in West Asia and previous Asia Cup titles make them strong contenders. Iran qualified comfortably from the West Asia region, with the exception of a shock loss to Qatar. Still, when in top form, Iran can go deep.
6. Lebanon
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th
Known for stout defense and competitive grit, Lebanon aim to leverage a good mix of size, experience and offensive firepower. That said, superstar Wael Arakji is not expected to see action, thus dampening what could otherwise be a magical run for the Cedars. Note that Lebanon did advance from the qualifiers on the back of an immaculate 6-0 run.
7. Jordan
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 35th
Jordan brought tactical savvy and defensive discipline to their qualifiers campaign, going 6-0. In Jeddah, however, they need stronger offensive output in a group that includes China and if they want to advance deep into the tournament. Needless to say, having Ahmad Al Dwairi and Freddy Ibrahim are non-negotiables for the Falcons.
8. Philippines
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 34th
Gilas Pilipinas project strong athleticism and an up-tempo style, but the prospect of possibly missing Kai Sotto looms large. With Sotto in tow, Gilas went 4-0 in the qualifiers, but without him, they looked quite vulnerable in losses to New Zealand and Chinese Taipei. As such, roster depth will directly impact the magnitude of the Philippines' expectations. Right now, these are tempered.
9. Korea
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 53rd
Korea’s speed and skill make them a challenging opponent, although consistency remains a hurdle. Note that in the qualifiers, Korea almost got upset by Thailand. They can ill afford that kind of performance in Jeddah, especially as they are in a very tough group alongside Australia, Lebanon and Qatar.
10. Qatar
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 87th
Speaking of Qatar, the improvement in their players is palpable, positioning them as capable of causing upsets, especially in the group stage. That's especially true since they inflicted Iran's only loss in the qualifiers last November. Ndoye Seydou and Moustafa Fouda are just a couple of guys to watch from Qatar.
11. Chinese Taipei
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 73rd
Chinese Taipei's blend of shooting and teamwork always keeps them competitive, although star power is limited. We did see Chinese Taipei notch an impressive win over Philippines in the last window as Lin Ting-Chien and Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga put up big numbers.
12. Saudi Arabia
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 65th
Hosts Saudi Arabia look to leverage home crowd energy and continue their basketball program’s growth. They have a chance in Group C alongside China, Jordan and India. If Mohammed Alsuwailem and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman are healthy and in top form, the Saudis can surely turn a lot of heads.
13. India
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 76th
Muin Bek Hafeez, Pranav Prince and Harsh Dagar were truly impressive in India's qualifiers campaign. Their improving shooting and athleticism offer a foundation for competitive showings in Jeddah, with hopes pinned on consistency and poise.
14. Syria
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 71st
Syria had to scramble in the final qualifiers window to book their Jeddah tickets. Fortunately, they drew solid performances from Omar Cheikh Ali, Mohamad Bilal Atli and of course, Myron Gordon. Their physicality shone through, but this team might face challenges with depth and experience. They will surely aim higher than their 12th place finish in 2022.
15. Iraq
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 92nd
Iraq should be a threat in Group D, but that's only if they play much better than they did in the qualifiers. Everyone knows what Demario Mayfield can bring, but the twin tower combo of Ihab Al-Zuhairi and Mohammed Al-Khafaji have to be at their very best for Iraq to have any hope to advance.
16. Guam
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 88th
Guam bring enthusiasm and developmental strides but remain very objective underdogs facing well-established basketball programs. Much will be expected from Earnest Ross Jr, Tai Wesley and perhaps even Jericho Cruz in terms of carrying this team through every tough assignment in Jeddah.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 promises intense competition, with Australia, Japan and New Zealand leading the charge. Of course, the rest are eager to make their mark. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the hardwood in Jeddah.
DISCLAIMER: The Power Rankings are completely subjective and in no way represent an official or precise ranking system. All comments reflect the author’s opinions.
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