12 Giant Men Do Not Leave the Summit: Again No. 1 in FIBA Power Rankings

Turkey's perfect 8-0 qualifying campaign and a 65-point combined margin over Lithuania and Iceland have earned them the No. 1 spot in the latest FIBA Power Rankings. Remarkably, they achieved this without Alperen Şengün, their NBA star. This article explores the tactical depth, competitive landscape, and hidden risks behind Turkey's rise. The team's system, built on ball movement and defensive discipline, proved effective even without its best player. Comparisons with France, Germany, and Serbia highlight a narrow gap at the top. However, the ranking is a snapshot of qualifying form, not a guarantee of World Cup success. The integration of Şengün upon his return remains the key variable. Turkey's '12 Giant Men' identity is strong, but the true test lies ahead in a compressed tournament setting.