MIAMI (United States) \u2013 The FIBA AmeriCup 2025 is heating up, and starting Friday, August 22, players will gear up for the most prestigious basketball competition in the Americas. A total of 12 national teams arrive with their sights set on the title, in a tournament that blends tradition, intensity, and national pride.<\/p>\n
With the opening tip just days away, here is a look at the field based on preliminary rosters, tune-up games, group assignments, and historical pedigree.<\/p>\n
Smart Power Rankings, Vol 2:<\/p>\n
1. BRA (+1)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 12<\/p>\n
Brazil\u2019s roster could include as many as seven Olympians from Paris 2024. That depth, coupled with continuity under coach Aleksandar Petrovic, makes them the frontrunners. The four-time champions are also motivated after falling in the 2022 final on home soil, making them the current team to beat.<\/p>\n
2. USA (-1)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 1<\/p>\n
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The United States is always a contender, regardless of its roster makeup, due to winning the AmeriCup with NBA stars and without them. This time, the team features eight veterans from European leagues, giving them valuable international experience. However, the Americans will have little time to work on cohesion.<\/p>\n
3. CAN (+1)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 6<\/p>\n
Canada brings back much of the core that played in the Qualifiers, and their preliminary roster includes two promising NBA prospects, Kyshawn George and Leonard Miller, who could become tournament stars. With talent across positions, the Canadians have the pieces to pursue an AmeriCup title.<\/p>\n
4. PUR (+2)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 15<\/p>\n
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Puerto Rico will bring six Olympians from Paris 2024 to their lineup. Point guard Jos\u00e9 Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans might be the highest-profile player in the tournament, underscoring Puerto Rico\u2019s serious title ambitions. The Puerto Ricans haven\u2019t lifted the trophy in three decades.<\/p>\n
5. DOM (-)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 18<\/p>\n
The Dominicans have only ever won one AmeriCup bronze, but are now in the position to aim higher. Standouts like David Jones-Garc\u00eda (recently signed a two-way NBA deal with San Antonio), Andr\u00e9s Feliz, Jean Montero, \u00c1ngel Delgado, and more have all been training with the team. If they assemble the group in full, they are capable of beating any of the higher-ranked teams above.<\/p>\n
6. ARG (-3)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 8<\/p>\n
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The defending champions are one of the most successful programs in AmeriCup history, as the nation with the most medals. The team is without key veterans from their 2022 run. Still, Argentina has had strong preparation with a European warm-up tour in Spain and Italy, and their players are expected to arrive in good form.<\/p>\n
7. URU (-)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 51<\/p>\n
Uruguay welcomes back captain Bruno Fitipaldo, who looked sharp during the Qualifiers. In this second stint under coach Gerardo Jauri, the team appears more cohesive. However, the main challenge will be a lack of size, which could be costly at the continental level.<\/p>\n
8. BAH (+3)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 52<\/p>\n
Bahamas returns to the AmeriCup after 30 years. The team has several experienced players scattered across Europe and the Americas, but losing center Kai Jones to injury makes them more vulnerable. It\u2019s also Lourawls Nairn\u2019s first time as a head coach after being an active player just last year.<\/p>\n
9. NCA (+3)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 80<\/p>\n
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On paper, the host nation is the tournament\u2019s Cinderella. The team has the least experience and lowest FIBA ranking, but they aren\u2019t at the bottom here thanks to home-court advantage and star forward Norchad Omier. On a good night, Nicaragua could feed off the crowd and steal at least one win in Group C.<\/p>\n
10. COL (-)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 55<\/p>\n
They\u2019ll be missing several key players, leaving them with little margin for error. Facing the host\u2019s crowd without the physicality to contain Omier could spell trouble. On the flip side, it could also be the perfect stage for new faces to shine.<\/p>\n
11. VEN (-3)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 25<\/p>\n
Venezuela is in the middle of a rebuilding phase, and many players are still adjusting to larger roles. Veteran Gregory Vargas was not called up and subsequently announced his retirement from the national team. That leaves David Cubill\u00e1n with heavy responsibilities as the point guard. Another challenge is playing in Group B, facing strong opponents like Canada and Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n
12. PAN (-3)<\/p>\n
FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 57<\/p>\n
Panama falls to the bottom despite closing the Qualifiers out strong, with three wins in the last four games\u2014including one against Brazil. However, their top players (listed in the preliminary roster) will not be available. Instead, the team announced a largely inexperienced roster, which leaves them as the current underdogs.<\/p>\n
DISCLAIMER: Power rankings are entirely subjective and in no way represent an official or accurate classification system. All comments reflect solely the opinion of the author.<\/p>\n
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