ISTANBUL

The United States returned to the top spot of the latest FIBA World Ranking Men with 786.6 points, ahead of Spain and Germany.

"There were also notable improvements for Georgia, who move up 10 positions and into 23rd on 465.9 points, Japan jump 11 spots to 26th on 432.2 points and Lebanon claim an uplift of 16 places into 28th on 423.3," FIBA said in a statement.

Defending champions Germany stepped into the top three of the rankings for the first time after moving up eight places with 778.2 points.

"One nation that truly made everyone sit up and take notice at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 were first-timers South Sudan. They made history by beating China to claim a first win at the event, then pushing on to beat Philippines and Angola. This has resulted in a sensational climb of 32 spots in the rankings. They now find themselves in 31st place with 375.5 points," it added.

Australia placed in the number four spot, having collected 755.8 points, while Serbia came fifth with 755.6 points.

Germany won the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup after beating Serbia, and Canada bagged the bronze medal in a third-place game against the US team.

Dennis Schroder of Germany clinched the Player of the Game award.