MIES (Switzerland) - With the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers less than two weeks away, it's time to see where teams fall in our Power Rankings, presented by Smart.
There aren't many changes from the list rolled out shortly after the previous window, although there's a bit of a shakeup within the Top 5.
Read more and see if you agree.
16. India ⬇️1️⃣
The South Asian side are likely coming in with the same key pieces it went with back in Window 1. It would be interesting to see how they'd fare against tough teams in Qatar and Lebanon in the window ahead.
Crucial will be the second window for this youth-laden team of Coach Scott Flemming as they would need to win to at least stay in contention for the next round after being swept by current Group D leader Saudi Arabia.
15. Syria ⬆️1️⃣
Similar to India, the team from West Asia are expected to parade almost the same roster from Window 1 but is potentially bringing in more experience by adding back Anthouny Bakar, who's been a key cog for the men's team since 2017.
The 31-year-old was one of their best players back in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers with 10.8 points per game and that kind of production would be needed when Syria take on Iraq and Iran in Group C play this window.
14. Guam ⏸️
Guam's journey in the biggest basketball competition they've ever taken part in continues and they're definitely in for a tough stretch, as they will be facing Oceania neighbors Australia and New Zealand - both at home.
They've listed more help to compete the best they could in the preliminary roster, from adding familiar faces like Curtis Washington and guard BJ Freeman, who could be an interesting player to watch soon.
13. Iraq ⏸️
Sure, they got swept by Iran back in Window 1 although some fans and observers alike are asking: what if Abdullah Alibraheemi didn't get hurt in that second game? Would Iraq have pulled off an upset against the powerhouse?
The crew was going toe-to-toe with Team Melli early until he went down in the second period, never to return. Granted that he returns this time, will they be able to stun Syria and Jordan? That we have to find out.
12. Chinese Taipei ⏸️
How will Chinese Taipei respond? That's the question after the East Asian contender got blanked by Japan back in Window 1, with their upcoming games expected to become even harder.
First, they will be facing the undefeated Korea in New Taipei City, and then will take on the team which the latter swept last window, China, days later in the Philippines.
11. China ⏸️
And since we've already been talking about Group B, much of the focus will be on Team Dragon this Window 2 after going winless last time no thanks to a rejuvenated Korean side powered by Lee Hyunjung.
It's rare to see China lose in successive fashion in Asian competitions, that's why not a few are wondering how they will pick themselves up when they face Japan and Chinese Taipei.
10. Lebanon ⏸️
Coming off that shock loss to Qatar, Lebanon are looking to do better this window as they're going for no less than a sweep against Saudi Arabia - whom they will be challenging for the Group D lead - and India.
It sure is going to be a redemption tour for the four-time FIBA Asia Cup silver medalists - from Dedric Lawson all the way to head coach Ahmad Farran after his debut window got marred by that defeat at home.
9. New Zealand ⏸️
Breaking through into the Group B win column will be the goal of New Zealand after losing to Davo Hickey and Australia twice back in Window 1 but they know that it won't be easy, for they have to play away twice.
Before facing Guam in Mangilao Village, they will fly to Pasay City first to take on the Philippines, a team they can't - and shouldn't - take any lightly as they've already lost to them back in the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers.
8. Saudi Arabia ⏸️
The 2025 Asia Cup hosts are banking on their gains from Jeddah last summer and that's enabled the team from the Gulf to take the lead in their group. But, will they be able to sustain their unbeaten run?
As mentioned, they will be facing Lebanon and Qatar but the real challenge is how this team would fare, knowing that one of their stars in Mohammed Almarwani is out after suffering an ACL injury back in January.
7. Jordan ⏸️
Iran and Iraq would be up next for the Falcons and the upcoming window appears to be yet another avenue for Coach Roy Rana to further build the future by adding more young wards like Ahmad Khazaleh to the preliminary roster.
He already has the likes of Abdullah Olajuwon and super scorer Jalen Harris, and that could be intriguing, to say the least, how this present-day Jordan would show their progress in their two outings ahead.
6. Iran ⬇️1️⃣
Hear us out. It may seem odd to see a 2-0 team fall out of the Top 5 but their Window 2 run is yielding more questions than answers, mainly about their chances as they are expected to be without Behnam Yakhchali and Mohammed Amini.
The two are potentially unvailable this window, at least, and their absences, especially Yakhchali, serves as a tough blow for the squad as they could be missing his 16.5-point average output back in the opening window.
5. Qatar ⬆️1️⃣
Confidence is at an all-time high for Qatar entering the window as they're looking to keep their winning ways when they take on India, a team they've beaten six times in their seven meetings thus far in the FIBA stage.
Then it would be Saudi, which could be a tougher matchup as they're 0-3 against them. But the Qataris have proven they can beat the odds by downing Lebanon and definitely, they want to do the same versus KSA.
4. Japan ⬇️1️⃣
Will we be seeing a rebuild or will Japan keep rolling on? The East Asian powerhouse is being surrounded by intrigue after the surprising departure of Tom Hovasse, who helped steer the program to the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Taking his place would be Dai Oketani, who's won championships domestically. Window 2 will serve as his acid test, and eyes will be on the 2-0 Team Japan how they'd deliver with a new man calling the shots.
3. Philippines ⬆️1️⃣
With the commitment of certain players ironed out, it appears to be a promising window ahead for Gilas even though they're bound to face long-time tormentors in the Tall Blacks and the Boomers..
That's because they will be hosting both at the Mall of Asia Arena, and it's proven how much of an edge homecourt could be for this team - just take a look at that stunner of New Zealand back in November 2024.
2. Korea ⏸️
Beating China twice has made Korea all the more confident and they're out to pull off another sweep when they take on Chinese Taipei and Japan - teams they've beaten in two of the previous three Asia Cup editions.
Adding more interest with this team is the integration of youth into the present-day batch by adding 18-year-old Daniel Edi, who's set to make his senior debut after becoming a key cog in the youth level not so long ago.
1. Australia ⏸️
Hickey may not be around this time but the Boomers are the Boomers, still, and they're coming in armed with more veteran presence by calling back Mitch Creek, who last played for the team in the 2019 World Cup.
Still, Australia haven't forgotten all about the young ones that could potentially form part of Aussie teams in the future, welcoming three new youngsters in Jacob Holt, Tanner Krebs and Kody Stattmann to the talent pool.
NOTE: The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
FIBA