What grade did each country get for the November window?

MUNICH (Germany) - With the second window of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers in the books, it's time to take a look at how each nation performed against expectation. 

The respective displays and results of each country have been reviewed, with any mitigating circumstances taking into account, leading to the following grades.

Albania  D

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group D) 
Second Window: v Turkey (L) 140-44; v Poland (L) 50-136

It was another window where Albania looked a million miles away from even being competitive in terms of avoiding gigantic blowouts. Out of their depth, losses of 96 and 86 points tells the story. Few if any positives and no signs of improvement in the last year which is a disappointment for everyone.

Austria celebrated a rare and memorable victory after outlasting Denmark in a nail-biting success

Austria  A

Current Record: 1-2 (4th in Group F) 
Second Window: v Denmark (W) 66-63

After a long, long time away from this level, it has only taken 12 months to deliver a landmark victory and it is one that will be celebrated by everyone within Austrian basketball. It was a hard fought and narrow victory against Denmark and of course facilitated by that wonderful Sigrid Elisabeth Koizar pefrormance. But this will give confidence and belief to the full roster. A memorable window!

Belgium  A

Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group A) 
Second Window: v North Macedonia (W) 112-41; v Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 100-60

Considering the absence of Julie Allemand, the pressure of needing a perfect window to take hold of the group and their recent coaching changes, this was as good as it could have gone for the Cats. The return of Emma Meesseman to fitness was ideally timed and Kyara Linskens looked strong too. Surely there is no stopping the 2021 bronze medalists and they will push on to claim their place.

Bosnia and Herzegovina  D

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group A) 
Second Window: v Germany (L) 97-58; v Belgium (L) 100-60

The rise of Bosnia and Herzegovina was spectacular and impressive but this fall is not equally spectacular. Not just the losses, but the scale of the defeats. After going winless at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, they did so again in this window and look like they have no confidence. The absence of Jonquel Jones is mitigation, but yet again the rest of the cast contributed barely anything.

Bulgaria  C+

Current Record: 0-3 (3rd in Group E) 
Second Window: v Serbia (L) 79-51; v Croatia (L) 93-74

Bulgaria has been much more competitive during qualifying campaigns in recent times and this second window was just not good enough. They were down by almost 50 points at one stage to Serbia and were swept aside by Croatia despite a positive opening to the game. Leaving it to the talented Borislava Hristova is not enough. Far too many turnovers and a lack of defense punished them. 

Croatia had the one game in the window and made it count against Bulgaria with a big victory 

Croatia  A-

Current Record: 2-1 (1st in Group E) 
Second Window: v Bulgaria (W) 93-74

Huge credit to Stipe Bralic and his team after collecting a nice victory against Bulgaria in their only game during the window - despite not having their marquee baller Ivana Dojkic. There were brilliant performances from Ana Marija Begic and Patricia Bura, while after a loose start they tightened things up defensively to roll to the win. Now the question is, can they shock Serbia in the last window?

Czech Republic  A-

Current Record: 2-0 (2nd in Group I) 
Second Window: v Netherlands (W) 66-71

With just one main mission, this was the big one for Czech Republic. Could they get the job done on the road at main group rivals Netherlands? The answer was not exactly emphatic, but they did what was needed. It turned out as predicted, with Julia Reisingerova making the most of the Dutch missing star center Emese Hof and dominating. Only too many turnovers was a cause for concern.

Denmark  B-

Current Record: 1-2 (1st in Group F) 
Second Window: v Montenegro (L) 60-67; v Austria (L) 66-63

Giving a lower grade is not really fair despite two losses as they were games that Denmark could and maybe even should have won. Maria Jespersen was outstanding against Montenegro but they were just outlasted and there was a sense of deja vu against Austria. However, the up side is that with a bit more luck and composure down the stretch, it was a fine line between 1-2 and a possible 3-0!

Estonia  C+

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group G) 
Second Window: v Greece 86-61 (L) ; v Portugal 52-76 (L) 

Estonia are maybe a victim of their own 'success' from the first window when they were rightly given lavish praise and a high grade for shocking Great Britain. With the bar raised,  they have to take their medicine with a C+ this time after a pair of big losses, the 24 point margin at home to Portugal was disappointing. There was no big performance by anyone and 24 turnovers was way too many. 

Finland  B-

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group B) 
Second Window: v France (L) 103-77; v Lithuania (L) 56-65

It was always going to be a difficult pool with France, Ukraine and Lithuania. The big loss in France was maybe predictable and they did push hard in arguably their most winnable game of the campaign at home to Lithuania, but there is just not enough collective scoring power in the Susiladies ranks. Awak Kuier and Elina Aarnisalo can't do it all themselves. It was a familiar feeling from this window.

France were in great form during the window and played some impressive team basketball that wowed the fans

France  A

Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group B) 
Second Window: v Finland (W) 103-77; v Ukraine (W) 109-88

After a turbulent 12 months results-wise, this was an excellent double showing from France. Yes, they don't get the maximum A+ mark, but only because they were at home and not balling against top teams. However overall, massive credit is due. They played some slick and entertaining basketball, with many players contributing. Five players reaching double-digits in both games underlined this.

Germany  A

Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group A) 
Second Window: v Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 97-58; v North Macedonia (W) 41-71

Get the number of the Power Rankings Complaints Department! And get phoning Coach Walt Hopkins. Yes, these wins were not against outstanding opposition and against teams lacking confidence and offense, but still, Germany are back in the race. A great job by all and props to Leonie Fiebich who is turning into a real leader ahead of time. 

Great Britain  B+

Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group G) 
Second Window: v Portugal (W) 69-76 OT; v Greece (L) 72-65

Fine margins. Great Britain came close to almost having their campaign sunk completely, but dodged a bullet in Portugal to complete a superb overtime win. They also battled well against Greece but ran out of gas and it was a game they realistically had to win. Temi Fagbenle was awesome, but there was no production from the backcourt and they missed the in-form Holly Winterburn as an option.

Greece posted another perfect window as they closed in on a ticket to next year's flagship event

Greece  A

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group G) 
Second Window: v Estonia (W) 86-61 ; v Great Britain (W) 72-65

Everything is on course for the unbeaten Greece. They have such a brilliant foundation for any game with the size and strength of Maria Fasoula and the relentlessly hard-working Artemis Spanou alongside. They victory against Estonia was standard, while they found another gear late against Great Britain on to get the win. There was also a nice cameo from veteran performer Evdokia Stamati.

Hungary  B

Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group C) 
Second Window: v Romania (W) 99-40; v Spain (L) 77-66

It's difficult to assess where Hungary are in reality because two losses against Spain was always kind of predictable since the draw and they were competitive but never looked like seriously threatening a win. Cyesha Goree is a pillar of strength and one real positive was two big displays from Virag Kiss. But they just don't have that cutting edge on offense from the backcourt. Still in with a chance though.

Iceland  A-

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group C) 
Second Window: v Spain (L) 120-54; v Romania (W) 68-58

Who cares about a massive and anticipated loss in Spain when you bounce back with a memorable and rare victory on home soil in front of your own fans? A great effort from Iceland to get a much needed win on their record and you have to tip your hat in admiration, especially to Sara Run Hinriksdottir for her epic display, while Hildur Kjartansdottir produced a vital cameo.

Ireland  B+

Current Record: 0-3 (3rd in Group I) 
Second Window: v Netherlands (L) 56-59

The one that got away! Ireland had a great opportunity to claim a famous win against the visiting Netherlands but just couldn't quite get over the line. Still, it was a positive showing and reminded everyone that they can punch and be competitive at this level. The loss was particularly tough on Claire Melia who was exceptional like usual. 

Israel  A-

Current Record: 1-2 (2nd in Group J) 
Second Window: v Sweden (W) 68-75; v Latvia (L) 79-73

This rating might feel generous as they were 1-1, but their efforts in two road games against their rivals were impressive. The 2023 co-hosts were good value for the win in Sweden and looked on course to complete a double, but a poor last quarter against Latvia proved costly. Israel showed they can be competitive next year, with Eden Rotberg and Alexandra Cohen impressing. 

Italy took their ticket after breezing to a 4-0 record by coasting past Slovakia

Italy  A+

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group H) 
Second Window: v Switzerland (W) 78-29; v Slovakia (W) 81-60

Job done for Italy - and in real style as well! It was two fantastic wins for Lino Lardo and his side who can now begin preparing for next year's big show ahead of time. Jasmine Keys continued her eye-catching progress towards being a leader of this team, Cecilia Zanadalasini barely needed to click into gear and every single player on the roster scoring 

Latvia  A

Current Record: 3-0 (1st in Group J) 
Second Window: v Israel (W) 79-73

The first nation to punch their ticket to the big show, it was not convincing so no A+ rating. They trailed by 9 points late in the third period to an Israel team playing with confidence, but did show guts and composure to get the job done. Fueled by big performances from Anete Steinberga and Kitija Laksa, they can now start preparing for the main event several months ahead of schedule.

Lithuania  A

Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group B) 
Second Window: v Ukraine (W) 81-62; v Finland (W) 56-65

Lithuania re-ignited their campaign and are back in the qualifying race, also going some way to erasing a difficult first window. The success against Ukraine was eye-catching and that towering show from  Gintare Petronyte was vital. Then Giedre Labuckiene and Kamile Nacickaite both stepped up against Finland to avoid a slip-up and they can look ahead with relish to February. 

Luxembourg  A 

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group H) 
Second Window: v Slovakia (L) 57-77; v Switzerland (W) 43-81

Let's just paper over the Slovakia loss because this was all about not just a first win of the campaign, but a fantastic victory that has made people sit up and take notice. Luxembourg not only extracted revenge for last November's loss to Switzerland, they won by almost 40 points which was astonishing. Faith Ehi Etute, Lisa Jablonwoski and Catherine Mreches were all superb!

Montenegro edged closer to advancing with a pivotal road win in Denmark

Montenegro  A-

Current Record: 2-0 (2nd in Group F)
Second Window: v Denmark (W) 67-60

While all the talk before the window was about an overreliance on Markeisha Gatling, she wasn't available for the crunch game of the campaign. But, Montenegro pull an ace card from their sleeve as veteran standout Jelena Dubljevic carries them to a narrow-ish win in Denmark. Not an amazing team performance but with many younger players, this important result gave them an extra cause to smile. 

Netherlands  B

Current Record: 2-1 (1st in Group I) 
Second Window: v Czech Republic (L) 66-71; v Ireland (W) 56-59

This was predictable for Netherlands when missing EuroLeague Women duo Emese Hof and Laura Cornelius. Things could have been better had they sneaked past Czech Republic, but also much worse had they slipped up against Ireland. With Czech Republic still to come in February they have a chance, but they might rue not racking up a bigger win against Ireland and that is what might haunt them.

North Macedonia  C+

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group A) 
Second Window: v Belgium (L) 112-41; v Germany (L) 47-71

There was not a lot to celebrate for North Macedonia after being humbled by Belgium and while they were really competitive in the first half against Germany, they faded badly after the break and a 3-25 last quarter was not the best way to sign of this window. Still winless, it's tough to see where a victory can come from with such limited offensive power to call upon.

Poland  B+

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group D) 
Second Window: v SLovenia (L) 71-78; v Albania (W) 50-136

Things are looking positive for Polish fans. Even if they might not be able to make it this time, they have a glut of young players who are all getting better and they showed they can be very competitive by pushing Slovenia hard and almost getting a win. Weronika Telenga is a rock and defensively the team is always strong, so with a bit more focus on offense, they could be a threat in the future.

Portugal had a bitter-sweet experience after a dramatic OT loss to Great Britain, before beating Estonia

Portugal  B+

Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group G) 
Second Window: v Great Britain (L) 69-76 OT; v Estonia (W) 76-52

Portugal came so close to having an A plus rating and had chances to win their game against Great Britain. However they suffered that agonizing overtime loss which was a blow to their chances of qualifying. They did bounce back with a fine win in Estonia and are hanging in there. Results mean they are still fighting, but will probably need a February win double to have a chance to advance.

Romania  D

Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group C) 
Second Window: v Hungary (L) 99-40; v Iceland (L) 68-58

After losing to Denmark by double-digits in the previous Qualifiers for 2021, now Romania have the unwanted footnote of having not only lost to Iceland, but by double digits. Coming off the back of their near 50-point loss to neighbors Hungary, this was a terrible window and the alarm bells should be going off right now. There were few positives except a huge double-double from Ana Virjoghe.

Serbia  A

Current Record: 2-0 (2nd in Group E) 
Second Window: v Bulgaria (W) 79-51

Job done. It was an epic first half from Serbia as they crushed Bulgaria 56-16 and even if they shifted to a lower gear when the action resumed, this was still a solid A worthy rating. The relentless defense is such a trademark of Marina Maljkovic teams and their opponents couldn't cope. There were good performances from their main hitters such as Tina Krajisnik and Yvonne Anderson. 

Slovakia  B

Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group H) 
Second Window: v Luxembourg (W) 77-57; v Italy (L) 81-60

Slovakia had such a mixed window because Luxembourg are a very competitive and capable underdog team and they were dispatched impressively. However, Slovakia just didn't turn up against Italy at all in what was the crunch game of their campaign. The only reason they clung on to a B rating is that they did have ballers missing.

2023 co-hosts Slovenia had another mixed window with a win against Poland and loss to Turkey

Slovenia  B

Current Record: 2-2 (4th in Group D) 
Second Window: v Poland (W) 71-78; v Turkey (L) 80-74

It's a good job that Slovenia have an automatic spot as co-hosts or they would be sweating and sweating a lot on their ticket right now after Turkey completed a double over them. They also only just squeezed out a tight win against Poland and there was not much to cheer outside of backcourt duo Teja Oblak and Zala Friskovec. There looks a lot of work to do to turn Slovenia into medal contenders.

Spain  A

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group C)
Second Window: v Iceland (W) 120-54; v Hungary (W) 77-66

Booking their ticket, Spain look like Spain again! The underwhelming campaign at the main show as co-hosts in 2021 feels like a distant memory after they cruised into the 2023 edition. They had energy, verve, depth and options, all of which they showcased in that pair of home wins against Iceland and Hungary. Maria Araujo and Astou Ndour both shone with big displays but this was about the team.

Sweden  C+

Current Record: 0-2 (3rd in Group J) 
Second Window: v Israel (L) 68-75

A home game, a big name back in Amanda Zahui and a beatable opponent like Israel to play. But, Sweden came up short again and it was  similar to window one. An over reliance on young Klara Lundquist and not enough overall production from the team. Yes, they are in a transition period, but must be better and 24 of 70 from the field was the story. It was the night when their qualifying hopes died.

Switzerland  D

Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group H) 
Second Window: v Italy (L) 78-29; v Luxembourg (L) 43-81

This was a a terrible window for Switzerland and as if failing to break 30 points in the game against Italy was not bad enough, they were brutally dismantled by almost 40 points against a Luxembourg team they actually beat last November. If you are looking for any positives, you will be looking for quite some time. Yes, some absences, but a real setback and a nightmare window to forget. 

Turkey racked up a pair of home wins and are now within touching distance of grabbing their ticket

Turkey  A

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group D) 
Second Window: v Albania (W) 140-44; v Slovenia (W) 80-74

Another successful window and still unbeaten after four games, this was a nice success for Ekrem Memnun and his team. The addition of Teaira McCowan is epic for Turkey as they have given themselves an anchor at both ends of the floor and someone who will put up eye-popping numbers. The other massive positive was Tilbe Senyurek playing alongside her. Got to be happy if you support Turkey.

Ukraine  C+ 

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group B) 
Second Window: v Lithuania (L) 81-62; v France (L) 109-88

The basketball wheels came crashing off and because of the challenges they are facing and with some faces absent, it's tough. But the lack of defensive focus was painful and they were way off the pace against Lithuania and couldn't cope when France moved up a gear. Also 20 turnovers both games was poor. Alina Iagupova was not as impactful as usual. Their kingpin must be at the peak of her game.

*The gradings are entirely subjective. All comments are purely those of the author.