Stars we could see at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup

CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017) - The FIBA Asia Cup smoke has not even cleared yet, but already we are nearing another landmark competition - the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, which will feature some of the continent's brightest stars.

Let's see which of Asia's elite will suit up and grace the hardwood in Chenzhou, China

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (ONGC India)

Bhriguvanshi was not productive at the recent FIBA Asia Cup, where India failed to make it past the group phase. A knee injury he sustained a couple of months before the Beirut joust hampered the star Indian wingman, but he will probably have a bigger role to play here for ONGC, who are hoping to do better than their 0-win, 4-loss record in last year's Champions Cup. Bhriguvanshi probably won't be his old self in this edition, but he should still be a vital cog for the top Indian club.

Behnam Yakhchali (Petrochimi Iran)

Yakhchali broke out in a big way for Iran at the FIBA Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament's most prolific three-point shooter with nearly 4 triples made per game. He is slowly blossoming into the most dangerous sniper for the Iranians, and his kind of perimeter game will do Petrochimi well at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, where they have yet to win the title. He averaged around 12 points per contest in last year's tournament, but it's a good bet he will increase that production this time around.

Arsalan Kazemi (Petrochimi Iran)

Everyone marevelled at Hamed Haddadi as Iran's main force in the paint, but Arsalan Kazemi made quite the impression at the FIBA Asia Cup as well. The 2.00m combo forward was a bona fide bundle of energy for Team Melli, grabbing rebounds and running the break like a madman. He did a lot of the dirty work and was able to contribute valuable minutes as the Iranians swept nearly all their assignments on the way to their another marvelous podium finish.

Alexandr Zhigulin (BC Astana Kazakhstan)

The 23-year-old center struggled in the FIBA Asia Cup going up against the ultra efficient frontlines of Korea, Lebanon and New Zealand, but he certainly has a lot of potential in his 2.05m frame. If he doesn't get into foul trouble, Zhigulin can impact a game on both ends of the floor. He finishes well around the basket and is a pretty good rebounder, too. If he gets the light of day for BC Astana, he should make quite a splash at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

Ali Haidar (Al Riyadi Lebanon)

One man who drew a lot of oohs and aahs in Beirut was Haidar. The 2.01m forward was not the most imposing presence in the tournament, but he was one of the most hard working. He put up good numbers for the hosts - around 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block a game - and it stands to reason he should be able to approximate that kind of production if he suits up for Al Riyadi here in Chenzhou. His combination of size and skill-set make him a potential mismatch for guys at his spot.

Li Gen (China Kashgar)

Li was a key player for China in their FIBA Asia Championship title run in 2015 and Kashgar's golden campaign at last year's FIBA Asia Champions Cup. He was one of China's main enforcers un Beirut earlier this month, and he will probably reprise that role for them un Chenzhou. Li's physicality, swagger and, most of all, outside shooting will be invaluable as the Chinese side hope to continue their dominance as the finest club side in Asia.

FIBA