FIBA World Cup 2023 power rankings: Australia dumped as USA slide after Lithuania loss

World basketball powerhouse the USA slumped to a stunning defeat to Lithuania - and Australia booked their flights out of Japan. So what do our power rankings look like now?

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - SEPTEMBER 03: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the United States reacts after the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2nd Round Group J loss to Lithuania at Mall of Asia Arena on September 03, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. Lithuania won 110-104. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

A European tidal wave has taken over world basketball- and it spells danger for the Australian Boomers in the lead up to next year’s Paris Olympics.

Six of the final eight teams remaining at this year’s World Cup hail from Europe.

Germany have emerged as serious world champion contenders, led by recently signed Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder.

The Germans are undefeated heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final against Latvia.

Basketball obsessed Lithuania caused the biggest boilover of the Cup when they beat Team USA on Sunday.

The 110-104 upset has helped the Lithuanians set up a quarter-final against Serbia on Tuesday.

Italy face the tough task of playing American in a quarter-final following a loss.

You’d expect the USA to hit back hard against the Italians to reignite their Cup campaign.

Of course, we must mention France and Spain - as well as the Boomers - bombing out of this year’s World Cup before the final eight, but their setbacks could only serve as extra motivation for Paris.

So, how does Europe’s domination of this year’s World Cup impact the Power Rankings heading into the quarter-finals?