Bahamas, Virgin Is surge in latest FIBA women’s world ranking

MIES, Switzerland (CMC):

The latest FIBA World Ranking for Women has revealed a seismic shift in the global basketball landscape, with Caribbean nations making significant strides up the ladder.

While the United States continue its undisputed reign at the top with 1076.1 points, the real story for fans in the region is the impressive upward mobility of several island nations.

The Bahamas have emerged as the standout performers in the Caribbean, leaping an astounding 20 spots to claim rank No. 67 globally. With 97.8 points, the Bahamian squad have signalled their intent to become a major force in the region.

Right behind them in terms of momentum are the US Virgin Islands. The territory climbed 16 places to land at No. 48 with 138.1 points. This significant jump places them as the third-highest-ranked Caribbean team in the world, behind only Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Further down the table, Guyana recorded the largest point movement of any nation in the update. The Guyanese squad skyrocketed 23 places to rank No. 95 (52.6 points), marking the biggest climb of any team in the ranking.

Among the traditional powerhouses, Puerto Rico remain the highest-ranked Caribbean side. Las Boricuas moved up one spot to No. 12 with 543.5 points, sitting just behind Canada (No. 11) and Brazil (No. 10).

The Dominican Republic also continued its ascent, moving up four spots to No. 32 with 206.1 points.

Jamaica also saw positive movement, rising four places to No. 105 (40 points). While they sit at the bottom of the Caribbean pecking order in this update, the upward trend is a positive sign.

Not all news was positive for the region. Cuba experienced a slight setback, dropping two spots to No. 52 with 127.1 points. They were the only Caribbean nation to see a decrease in their ranking in this update.

At the very top, the USA remain untouchable with zero movement. Brazil and Canada both experienced slight drops (down one and four spots, respectively), allowing Puerto Rico to close the gap in the top 15.

Top Caribbean Rankings (FIBA Women’s World Ranking):

Puerto Rico: No. 12 (+1)

Dominican Republic: No. 32 (+4)

Virgin Islands: No. 48 (+16)

Cuba: No. 52 (-2)

Bahamas: No. 67 (+20)

Guyana: No. 95 (+23)

Jamaica: No. 105 (+4)