Among the biggest leapers in the final FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers power rankings are New Zealand and Iran, while Gilas Pilipinas take a deeper dive after being shutout in the third window.
Gilas Pilipinas dropped all the way to the ninth spot in Volume 6 of the latest FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Power Ranking.
Entering the February 2025 window, the Philippines already slid from no. 2 to no. 5 after losing to Lebanon and Egypt in the Doha International Cup.
The Filipinos went down further by four spots after a 0-2 record in February against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas slip in latest FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers power rankings after Doha tourney]
Earlier, Gilas Men got stunned by a rejuvenated Chinese Taipei squad in their rematch.
[ALSO READ: Gilas coach Cone tips hat to 'very impressive' Chinese Taipei: 'They were well-deserving']
And then, the Tall Blacks got their revenge in Auckland--ensuring that New Zealand topped Group B.
Aside from Gilas dealing with the hole that was the 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, coach Tim Cone took responsibility for planning a build-up in Doha too close to the FIBA window--resulting in travel fatigue.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone deems back-to-back Gilas losses as personal learning experience — ‘That’s on me’]
The Kiwis, who are ranked world no. the 22, rose to three places up to no. 4 in the latest power rankings thanks to the strong finish. Australia, Lebanon, and China all stayed put as the top three teams.
Rounding up the top five is Jordan, who climbed one spot up after a 6-0 sweep in Group D.
Iran made the biggest leap, going to sixth from its previous 11th place, while Qatar jumped to no. 7. from no. 9.
Just like the Philippines, South Korea and Japan slipped but maintained their place in the top 10 with the focus now shifting towards the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia come August.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone would ‘love to have’ UAAP champion Quentin Millora-Brown in Gilas Pilipinas pool]