Philippines moves up in FIBA rankings: 3rd in Asia, 28th in the world

The Philippines continued to move up in the FIBA's world basketball rankings after the silver medal finish of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship.

From 31st, the Philippines improved three spots to 28th place in the world rankings.

The country also improved its standing in Asia, trailing just China (14th) and Iran (17th) and surging ahead of Jordan (29th) and South Korea (30th).

China and Iran have combined to win the last nine Asian championships dating back to 1999.

The FIBA world rankings take into consideration the results of continental and world championships over the last two Olympic periods. This means the Philippines' score stems from its performances at the last four FIBA Asia Championship tournaments -- second in 2015 and 2013, fourth 2011, and eighth in 2009 -- as well as its stint in last year's  Basketball World Cup.

The United States remains the top-ranked team in the world, followed by Spain. Lithuania jumped to third, while Argentina dropped to fourth. France rounds out the top five. --JST, GMA News