FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Power Rankings, Volume 3

MUNICH (Germany) - With the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 about to drop, that means only one thing - it's time for the third and most important volume of the Power Rankings.

Taking into account the latest squad announcements and preparation games, we follow on from the second edition of the rankings that were issued at the end of last month.

1. Spain  (-)

Preparation Games Record: 5-1
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 4th 

The pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are ready to be put neatly into place. What else could Spanish fans want - seriously? Okay. Maybe Astou Ndour and not losing to Hungary last weekend. But their defense has been mostly suffocating in preparation and this is their comfort blanket. They have not always hit top gear, but if they struggle offensively, the defense should get them through. Miguel Mendez has them in a good spot. The loss to Hungary might even serve to sharpen their focus en-route to a 5th title. They're still favorites, right?

2. France  (+2) 

Preparation Games Record: 5-0
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th

Don't do it. Seriously, don't do it. We told ourselves over and over. Don't say France will get a SIXTH (we have special permission to use caps here) silver medal in a row! Someone even asked if France would prefer bronze to another silver? The response to losing Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams has been hugely impressive. They have shown in the prep games they are still packed with talent and have the combo of youth and experience to push for another Final slot. Or maybe, just maybe, a long overdue first title in 14 years.

3. Serbia  (-)

Preparation Games Record: 6-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 8th

Could they? Will they? There is not a whole lot on paper stopping Serbia from dreaming about a successful title defense and what would be a crazy third title. What is most likely a fourth podium finish, matching their bronze on home soil four years ago. With so much of their trademark intense preparation in the books, a world class playcaller like Marina Maljkovic still overseeing things, lots of experience in the key positions and also Group D which holds few concerns, making another deep run seems to be in their hands.

4. Belgium  (-2)

Preparation Games Record: 6-2
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 7th

The glass is still half full and not half empty Cats fans! The Semi-Finals are a good place to be. A podium finish (and dare we whisper it, even a first Final) is not far from reach if the team plays well and has some luck. Defensively there is work to do and there has to be a concern at a lack of backcourt firepower without the retired Kim Mestdagh and Hind Ben Abdelkader who's out injured. Still, you have to say that the experienced spine of Allemand, Vanloo, Delaere, Meesseman and Linskens in particular can take down any opponents.

Italy lost to China, Spain and Germany during preparation, but will be confident of a strong tournament showing

5. Italy   (-)

Preparation Games Record: 2-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 14th

Maybe they're lucky to keep a top five spot and a foot onto the Road to Paris 2024 after some indifferent prep results. Although would it be a surprise if they made the Semi-Finals? They've been boosted by the late arrival of Lorela Cubaj from Stateside, have the depth and competition for places that many other nations would like. They have most of the tools for success - but do they have the mental strength to get it done and can they find the 'finishing five' to see out games in the clutch as they have lost some close ones in prep?

6. Hungary   (+4) 

Preparation Games Record: 5-1
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 24th

Hungary only have one gear, but it's a relatively high one - go ask Spain who they beat last Saturday. They play so consistently within games and with many different players contributing. That machine-like quality might not fill highlight reels, but who cares about a lack of style or individual panache when you have nice team basketball? Well okay, maybe the social media guys do. The preparation has been great and their group holds no fears. The question is whether they will fall short of their aims without a star baller for the clutch?

7. Latvia  (+1) 

Preparation Games Record: 5-2
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 25th

Things have been relatively straightforward and uneventful for Latvia in preparation with a decent record that was boosted in the past week with a massive win-double over Korea. Maybe that has flattered us a little. They do have a lot of the eggs in the Anete Steinberga basket, but they are not exactly alone in this competition by relying heavily on one marquee star. The likes of Kate Vilka has been someone trying to step up and that will be a bonus if she continues her form from preparation. Opportunity knocks for Latvia in 2023!

8. Slovenia  (+3)

Preparation Games Record: 4-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 19th

Group C is a'Group of Death' and it's impossible trying to work out who will go home early. Or in Slovenia's case they're already home so that makes no sense - d'oh. Looks like Slovenia, Great Britain and Germany have a 33.33333% chance of finishing bottom. But with Teja Oblak doing Teja Oblak things, plus home support, the co-hosts might just about make the Quarter-Finals. But they have to overcome nerves and a serious lack of depth. Meanwhile, we must overcome being far too generous with this ranking don't we?  Hmm.

The absence of Teaira McCowan has been a concern for Turkey as she tries to win a race to be recover from injury

9. Turkey  (-3)

Preparation Games Record: 5-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 11th

The fall is all about the absence of centerpiece Teaira McCowan during preparation. She has not played so far and even if she is hoping the injury will recover for the tournament, the sheer intensity of the competition and number of games is a massive concern for Turkey. Even if they finished third in the group, they might still fancy a Quarter-Finals slot, but it looks to be hanging in the balance right now. The lack of consistent contributions is a concern and without McCowan, will their Paris 2024 hopes simply evaporate?

10. Germany   (+3) 

Preparation Games Record: 2-4
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 36th

After starting preparation with four losses, they were re-energized when they welcomed Sonja Greinacher back from FIBA 3x3 World Cup action. They head into Group C with momentum after two wins - the last was an impressive one in Italy. When you consider Slovenia's depth fragility and Great Britain's struggles at this moment, maybe Germany feel they've found form at the perfect time! It was also great to see Marie Guelich and Leonie Fiebich with a big show in the last prep game. That will be the most devastating one-two punch.

11. Israel  (-2)

Preparation Games Record: 2-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 49th

Don't despair Israel fans! The first job is to snap this 32 year and 20 game losing streak - something that looks possible, even if they didn't have a winning preparation record. Playcaller Sharon Drucker has got his team really competitive and now the big-guns need to dial it up - a lot. Their main ballers have not been hitting top gear. The fans in Tel Aviv will give them a lift and maybe on the night(s) Alyssa Baron, Jennie Simms and Alex Cohen are going to bring it! Israel really could be anything at this tournament and that is exciting.

12. Czech Republic  (-) 

Preparation Games Record: 5-2
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 23rd

If coaching awards were handed out before the tournament tips off for work in preparation (which of course is a ludicrous idea, but bear with us), then Romana Ptackova might be winning an accolade for herself. Having worked with the Czech youth teams, she has really got her young senior team playing attractive basketball in the friendlies. But that is cancelled out by the crushing blow of losing centerpiece Julia Reisingerova.  Beating Israel is doable and so is causing Italy problems. So, maybe we're writing them off too quickly.

Great Britain have been off the pace in their limited preparations - but could Chema Buceta and his tam still surprise?

13. Great Britain  (-6)

Preparation Games Record: 0-3
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 20th

The excitement around the squad announcement has drained away after barely any preparation games, no wins and also the fact they have been well beaten in every contest. With new faces but so little preparation, expecting things to just gel is not realistic at the top level. Severely undercooked, they don't have a consistent outside threat and nobody is in any form. Yet the crazy thing is that they have two winnable games against Germany and Slovenia. Oh, and we saw in 2019 what happens when nobody believes in the Brits.

14. Montenegro    (-) 

Preparation Games Record: 5-4
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st

Talk about each end of the spectrum! Montenegro beat co-hosts Slovenia on the road and yet also lost to Cyprus recently. The biggest plus for Montenegro is that with nine games banked, their preparation has been extensive. Their frontcourt looks capable with Natasha Mack and Milica Jovanovic working in tandem, while both Bozica Mujovic and Jelena Vucetic are looking confident in the backcourt. But they will need more and if young Marija Lekovic can step up, this could make all the difference - although it's a lot to ask.

15. Slovakia  (-) 

Preparation Games Record: 2-4
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 22nd

The ranking is a reflection of a tricky Group D - as it as about their own potential and preparation. Facing defending champions Serbia, a Hungary team on the rise and an unpredictable Turkey is a tough assignment - although the latter will probably be the main game they will target for success. On any given day Slovakia can hurt an opponent, but must up their usual offensive output to do it. We just can't work out if sharing the scoring around is a positive or it would be better if they had a couple of consistently dominant ballers.

16. Greece  (-) 

Preparation Games Record: 2-4
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 17th

Pin this up on the locker room door for motivation Greece! Someone has to be last in this list and maybe it is harsh - especially as the game against Montenegro looks like being a 50-50 one on paper and so there is every opportunity to avoid an early trip home. It's been such a rollercoaster in past weeks, with a positive win against Israel but also eye-watering losses against the likes of Italy and Belgium. Defense, defense, defense. That's the dealbreaker. If they get it right, things will look much brighter than this ranking.

The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.