The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is around the corner and here comes the time to update the volume of power rankings. This update is being prepared based on rosters, games, and individual capabilities.
#12 Mali
Malians who are still hurting themselves are currently in Group B and not Group A. They can go out and play with complete freedom because there aren’t any obligations or demands placed on them. Yes, Sika Kone is a class act, and it’s great to have such a baller with so much promise, but she can’t do it all by herself; if they want to be competitive, they’ll need to put in a real team effort.
It takes a team effort, not just one- or two-star players, to play the tough and physical defense required to dislodge their rivals from contention. Mali needs to create some attacking plays, even if it means scoring in spurts, as they have depended nearly entirely on inside goals in recent competitions. Keep an eye out for Mainouma Haidara, a rising star, and the seasoned Touty Gandega.
#11 Korea
Without the imposing presence of their extraordinary leader Ji Su Park, Korea will have to find a way to deal with a loss of height, defensive presence, and an offensive focal point. She left an unfillable hole in every aspect of the game at both ends of the court because she cannot play due to a health problem. At least Korea recently participated in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021 without her, but their fourth-place finish at the continental level surely won’t give them much faith now that they are competing on the world stage.
#10 Puerto Rico
It’s likely to Puerto Rico’s advantage that Korea, the closest rival, will be missing the motivational JiSu Park. Myra Hollingshed gives them more strength, shooting, and rebounding. That competition will be crucial, and it may give them a competitive advantage when they enter Group A.
#9 Serbia
Serbia faces a formidable challenge on paper. At the command of her nation, Marina Maljkovic has climbed many a mountain before. Even if she were a miracle worker, Serbia might not make it to the Quarterfinals at this point. The opening game against Canada looks so crucial, and the outcome hangs in the balance. Sonja Vasic and Jelena Brooks having retired made it difficult enough without them, but with the addition of Aleksandra Crvendakic and Ana Dabovic, they have lost four of the starting five from their most important games in recent years.
#8 France
Since Iliana Rupert, Marine Fauthoux, and Kendra Chery must quicken their evolution with the national team, it is a blessing that the younger generation could be able to save the day. The ‘X-Factor’ * will be Marine Johannes in the interim, with forward Alexia Chartereau needing to rekindle her passion. Additionally, Gabby Williams will undoubtedly make a difference this time.
#7 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jonquel Jones gets down on the ground and turns up staggering figures for her adopted nation. Then, everyone around her makes cameo appearances in support of her, making Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are making their debut, very challenging foes. They’ve defeated Belgium twice in the past twelve months, proving that they can defeat some of the top teams occasionally. However, it must be a huge team effort and not simply JJ’s turn to shine.
#6 Canada
Canada fears the danger of finishing out of the Quarter-Finals. They are undercooked in terms of preparation, and the return of Kia Nurse isn’t beneficial for them as she suffered a long injury. Things will look much better if Nurse is fit and able to contribute because Bridget Carleton will have a lot of scoring pressure without Nurse.
#5 Belgium
Belgium appears capable of matching its World Ranking and is strong enough to do so. This suggests they may just lose out on the Semi-Finals, but they are still capable of reaching the final four, as they did on their debut in 2018 in Tenerife. With Julie Allemand controlling the strings, Emma Meesseman obliterating everyone in the paint, and some players, the components are somewhat identical.
#4 Japan
For the first time in recent memory, you could credibly argue that Japan’s frontcourt rotation is superior to their backcourt rotation in strength and depth. Ramu Tokashiki recovered from her serious injury after missing Tokyo. In addition, Stephanie Mawuli also prepared to show her potential.
#3 China
China have a great combination of veteran players like Xu Han, Yueru Li, Sijing Huang, and Li Meng. However, they are slightly down as they got the composure under pressure and their preparations have not been extremely impressive.
#2 Australia
The Opals are not only capable of escaping the “Group of Death,” but they may also be able to advance to back-to-back championship games with the help of home crowd support, depth, and riding the upbeat wave of Lauren Jackson’s comeback. As the curtain is about to be drawn back, it appears to be a feasible possibility.
#1 USA
They may be slightly more susceptible to an upset because they lack Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi’s experience, but in actuality, they still appear to have too much quality and depth. They are the side to beat as they aim for an 11th victory and a four-peat.
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