4 captains and 1 promising prospect returning for another U16 Asian Championship

DOHA (Qatar) - To be able to play at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship, you have to prove yourself as one of the best or most promising young players in your respective countries. To make it to this stage while being younger than the majority of the competition makes it even more impressive.

Five players from the 2022 edition of the competition did just that, playing in the competition while being born in 2007 and 2008 - at least a full year younger than most of the players. This year, these rising prospects are back to play in the competition once again, with four of them even returning as captains of their respective national teams.

Lavish (IND)

India relied mainly on their core four of stars during their historic run to fifth place in 2022. While Lavish was not a part of that core four, he was able to get some valuable playing time.

The 1.8M (5'11") point guard averaged 12.8 minutes per game, including at least 9 minutes of play in each game from the Qualification to the Quarter-Finals onwards. Lavish didn't pile up numbers in the box scores, but he was trusted and solid enough to stay on the floor while giving his seniors a breather.

We'll get to see how much of that experience will help lead India in the follow-up campaign.

Alisher Muratuly (KAZ)

Kazakhstan weren't able to go as far as India in 2022, so Muratuly didn't get to play as much as the aforementioned Lavish. Nonetheless, the 1.75M (5'9") shooting guard was able to see the court for an average of 6.7 minutes per game, highlighted by a 2-point, 3-steal performance against New Zealand.

Muratuly is back as the captain of this year's squad as they prepare to go in a competitive group with China, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Daniel Edi (KOR)

The expectations were a bit high for Edi last year, but when you say "I think [I play like] Giannis Antetokounmpo" the spotlight is inevitable.

After averaging 3.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, the 1.89M (6'2") center is back to lead the charge. Daniel is appointed the captain of this team and is now expected to be the main focus point of the team along with Woohyeok Yang.

There was some disappointment for Korea for not making it to the Semi-Finals last year, so that is expected to be the main goal for Daniel to focus on while leading this squad.

Mohamed Massamba Ndao (QAT)

Among the players listed so far, none had to shoulder as much responsibility as Ndao. The 1.93M (6'4") guard was second on the team in minutes played (32.7 per game) while also leading the team in scoring (12.3 points per game) and Efficiency (13.5 per game). Just for good measure, Ndao also averaged 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 51.5 percent from the floor.

And he's back once again.

As the captain of this team, Ndao will be looking to not only elevate his own level of play but the final standings of Qatar as they are playing at home for a second time in a row.

Abdulla Yassin Mousa (QAT)

 

Mousa is not returning as a captain (that's already reserved for Ndao as mentioned above) but nonetheless, he is another returning player after playing in 2022 at the age of just 14 years old at the time.

The 1.73M (5'8") guard's production was limited to 3.5 points in just 13.6 minutes per game. Still, it was certainly a positive sign for the youngster who will make another appearance here at home once again.

FIBA