PH jumps to no. 28 in the world after FIBA Asia silver medal run

MANILA, Philippines -- The country jumped three notches higher after the Gilas Pilipinas' silver medal run in the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship.

From no. 31, Philippines leaped to no. 28 in the latest FIBA world rankings. Gilas Pilipinas is now the third highest ranked team from Asia behind bronze medalist Iran (no. 17) and new FIBA Asia champion China (no. 14).

Japan, which ended up fourth in the continental championships caught up with Chinese Taipei at no. 48. 

Jordan (no. 29), Korea (no. 30) and Lebanon (no. 43), which did not reach the medal round, still ranked higher.

Qatar (no. 50) and India (no. 53) rounded up the top 10 Asian teams in the latest FIBA World Rankings.

By virtue of winning the FIBA Asia gold, China is automatically seeded in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Philippines, Iran and Japan have been awarded slots in the 18-team, three Olympic Qualifying tournaments slated in July next year. Up for grabs in those three wildcard tournaments are the last three spots to complete the 12-team cast in Rio.