Olympic basketball power rankings (pre-tournament edition) / News - Basketnews.com

In 2016 in Brazil, the winners' podium included the USA, Serbia, and Spain. Five years later, some of those teams aren't even in the Olympics. Add pandemic-related issues, and the forecasting of this year's Tokyo medalists becomes even much murkier, let alone the entire arrangement of all 12 teams. Nonetheless, BasketNews experts rolled up their sleeves and produced power rankings for an upcoming Olympic basketball tournament.

12. Iran

Japan / Schedule

No surprise here, as Iran is among the lowest-ranked teams (FIBA World ranking No. 23) participating in the Olympic tournament. With no NBA or EuroLeague players on their roster, it's hard to blame our panelists for lack of faith in the Asian team.

11. Japan

The 42nd team in the world participates in the Olympics because of the hosts' rights. Japan made some waves during pre-tournament friendlies when they defeated France. However, being in a group with Argentina, Spain and Slovenia most likely mean a swift exit.

10. Germany

Germans fought their way to Tokyo in Qualifying Tournament in Split, Croatia. They managed to eliminate Croatia and Brazil, which was a no small feat and warrants respect. Unfortunately, Dennis Schroder will not join Germany due to unresolved insurance issues, and the team will compete with the same roster.

9. The Czech Republic

One of the most surprising winners of the Qualifying Tournaments. The Czechs upset Canada and Greece on their road to the first ever Olympic berth. Will the Cinderella story continue? The Czech Republic are in the same group as the USA, France, and Iran, so there is a chance of nabbing one of two third-place finishes that could grant them access to the playoffs. However, our experts don't see this team going too far.

8. Argentina

One of the higher-ranked (no. 4 on FIBA World ranking) teams that hasn't drawn too much optimism from our panelists. Perhaps the fact that 41-year-old Luis Scola is still among team leaders in scoring could raise some red flags. Also, Argentina lost all three of their friendly games by an average of 18 points.

7. Italy

Another unexpected winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Italy defeated Serbia (silver medalists of the Rio Olympics) and are poised to repeat (or improve) the success of the 2004 Olympic team. But BasketNews expert panel believes that Italy will finish outside of top-4.

6. Nigeria

The African team raised many eyebrows after their back-to-back victories in friendly games against the USA and Argentina. Australia brought them back to earth, but Nigeria still remains a very dangerous team led by NBA coaching veteran Mike Brown and loaded with talent: eight NBA players on the final roster.

5. Spain

Surprisingly but FIBA's No. 2 ranking did not influence our experts' opinions. Perhaps the oldest tournament's roster (30 years old) and lack of emerging new players contributed to Spain being seen as a non-medalist team. Despite their solid performance in pre-Olympic games (4 wins, 1 loss).

4. France

The French lost all three of their friendly games and are projected as the occupants of probably the toughest finishing spot. The fourth-place means you finish the tournament with two straight defeats and one step away from the pedestal. FIBA Basketball World Cup bronze medalists France have finished 6th in last two Olympics. So the fourth place could seem like progress.