Power Rankings, Week 4:
So here we are, back again, since the games in these first weeks weren't going to be competitive I've decided to gather more information and see how team got along. With that being said, let's hop into it.
Quick reminder: These are just my opinions, if you have an issue with the rankings please leave a comment
1. Spain
In week 1 they looked like the best team, it's just week 4 and it seems like the gap was widen. Spain's defense is on another level, they conceived just 197 points in 4 games and are the only team that can dream of a double 11 in the team's defensive rating, HCA definitely helps them in this regard, but i can see them slowing down. Amill and Bolufer are the top scorers from these first games with Jáuregi and Frera ready to scrap up every possible board.
Previous rank: 1
2. Italy
Second for point differential (+225, Spain is first with 253) and second best offense with 514 Points scored, smallest margin of victory a +29 against a decent Latvia side that tried harder then us, there is no reason for me to move Italy from then second place. Only real knock is the fact that the winner of group C will go up against Spain in the second group.
Previous rank: 2
3. Israel
Not much to say really, they seem to have a very good team, they have a good (and cheeky) staff that makes them a constant threat. They should be aiming for silver medal, however if they slip up (like they did in s50 vs Russia) we could end up with a repeat of that awful group that had 5 of the best 6 teams (plus a very good Lituania side) in the world.
Previous rank: 4
4. France
There's a bit of a gap between the top 3 team and the rest of the pack, with France leading the way, although they did have an amazing start to the season (for the time being they're not even topping their group), they had some fitness issues and I love their 20yo bigs, so it's hard for me to put them below number 4.
Previous rank: 3
5. Lithuania
Lithuania really impressed me in these first couple of weeks, they not only have the best scoring team (530 Points scored, that's more then 130 PPG!) but they also have very interesting defensive ratings. The lack of bigman with potential still "scares" me but nonetheless Israel should keep an eye on them.
Previous rank: 6
6. Turkey
Like France they didn't have the best of starts and the hopefully the new owner of Kartel will keep him in good GS, however they're currently topping their group and have the squad to do some damage, they have a hard group with Belgium and Poland but that shouldn't be a problem.
Previous rank: 5
7. Germany
Probably the biggest risers from week 1, Germany has a good squad, led by the man, the myth, the legend Uwe Hellgrun (currently top 3 for points, rebounds and assists :P) they must be eyeing a third place finish in the second round, since that will give them access to the World Championships Repechage next season. Will they do it? Let's wait and see
Previous rank: 10
8. Poland
Simply a disappointing start to the season, but Poland is Poland and so it will always be a tough opponent, they might need to use some ts to get out of the group but it would be blasphemous for me to put them lower.
Previous rank: 7
9. Portugal
The very opposite of Poland, I've been truly impressed by Portugal, top of their group (which includes France) while being both the best offense and defense of the group, won't challenge for a medal but massive props.
Previous rank: nr
10. Slovenia
They look in control of group E this is why I gave them the edge over Belgium, Russia, Finland, Serbia etc.
Previous rank: 9