Who are the 24 ''Under-24'' potential promising prospects in Window 1?

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - There are only a few days left until the beginning of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

It's a fresh slate for all of the 24 teams involved, as each squad has squeaky clean 0-0 records to start their tussle for a spot at the Asia Cup in 2025.

With Window 1 coming up, it's a perfect *ahem* window *ahem* of opportunity for young players to make an impression in the national team setting. 

 

In the 2022 Qualifiers, we saw youngsters step into the spotlight, whether it was Korea's Lee HyunJung, Bahrain's Muzamil Hamooda, or Australia's Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.

We're excited to see who will be the promising prospects that will seize the opportunities in these windows and spark a successful national team career, starting right here in Window 1.

Here, we take a quick look at 24 of those talents that fans should keep an eye on in these opening games of the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Youngsters to Watch

Disclaimer: For this exercise, we're considering players who are born in 2000 or later (24 years old or younger) and are potentially in consideration to make the final roster for their respective national teams. We've named 24 players here, but we also know that many more young talents deserve the spotlight. If you think one of your favorite players missed the cut here, don't hesitate to give them a shoutout on our social media platforms

Final rosters will be confirmed following the Technical Meeting, which is set to take place before the start of each game. Players named here have been extracted from information made public by the relevant National Member Federations as well as their potential to be among those on the final roster, but they do not necessarily correspond to the rosters that will play in Window 1 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Rocco Zikarsky

Age 17 (Born July 11, 2006)

Rocco is among the youngest names on this youngsters list, and he's also one of the biggest at 2.17 m (7'1"). Not only that, he might also be one of the biggest names among all of the players, as the Australian big man playing in the National Basketball League (NBL) is already drawing attention as an NBA Draft prospect, even if he won't be eligible until 2025.

There's a lot to like from Zikarsky, who averaged 11.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game at the U16 Asia Cup as a member of the All-Star Five and 13.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game at the U17 World Cup. That's why we're already wondering if he could be the next big thing from down under to make a Boomers debut at the Asia Cup Qualifiers a la Giddey and Daniels.

Note: Half of Australia's roster is born in 2001 or later, which means there are a lot of youngsters to watch when the Boomers play. Also keep an eye on Josh Dent (18, born September 5, 2005) and Kye Savage (18, born July 23, 2005).

Julius Halaifonua

Age 17 (Born May 9, 2006)

For all of Zikarsky's youth and size, Julius Halaifonua hopes to match that for neighboring New Zealand. The 2.14M (7'0") also played at the U16 Asia Cup with averages of 12.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while shooting 70.2 percent. He also went on to play at the U17 World Cup and averaged 12.0 points and 7.1 boards per contest.

Hamad Mousa

Age 17 (Born MAR 2006)

The Qatari youngster has been playing well in youth competitions, from the U16 Asia Cup 2022 (where he averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game) to the U18 Asia Cup 2022 (where he averaged 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game).

More recently, he made his debut at the club competition level playing Al Rayyan in the WASL - Gulf, recording a solid number of 25 points and 5 rebounds in his first game.

Note: Younger brother Abdulla Mousa (15, Born 26 JUN 2008) also made a WASL debut this past season - as the youngest player to ever play and score in the league. Then there's also fellow Qatari youngster Mohamed Ndao (16, 13 MAR 2007) as well.

Yuto Kawashima

Age 18 (Born May 27, 2005)

It would be weird if the MVP of the U16 Asia Cup wasn't on this list, right? Especially since he's been on the shortlist to make a senior national team debut since last year.

After two U19 World Cups and a U17 World Cup, a U18 Asia Cup, and a U16 Asia Cup where he was named to the All-Star Five, it seems inevitable that Kawashima will be making his senior national team debut soon. Could it be here in Window 1 for one of the most prized gems of Japanese basketball?

Mohammad Amini

Age 18 (Born Apr 26, 2005)

Only a handful of these youngsters have already played for the senior national team. An even smaller number played for their national teams at the recent World Cup.

But to play for the national team at the World Cup… and led his team in scoring as well? That's reserved for a special talent like Amini. The 2.01 m (6'7") shooting guard took a quick leap from being a member of the All-Star Five at the U18 Asia Cup in 2022 to scoring 13.2 points per game for Iran at the World Cup.

Note: Don't forget to keep an eye out for Sina Vahedi (23, born January 8, 2001), too. The 23-year-old has been on fire in WASL - West Asia with Gorgan and could be bound for a breakout tournament soon.

Yang Hansen

Age 18 (Born Jun 26, 2005)

It didn't take long for Yang Hansen to start turning heads with consecutive outstanding performances at the U18 Asia Cup and U19 World Cup in 2023. At the U18 Asia Cup in Doha, where he was named to the All-Star Five, Yang averaged 12.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.6 steals per game while shooting over 60 percent from the field. He was just as effective against the world's best, averaging 12.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 5.0 blocks per contest while shooting just over 50 percent in Debrecen.

China have always been able to find and develop quality big men and it looks like Yang could fit into that mold.

Note: China can also line up Yu Jiahao (20, Born Mar 18, 2003) another talented big man into the mix.

Cui Yongxi

Age 20 (Born May 28, 2003)

Cui Yongxi, or Jacky, made his senior national team debut last year and proved himself worthy of a spot on the World Cup roster - being the national team's youngest player in that squad. He's as athletic as they come and can be an electric spark in the new wave of Chinese ballers.

Emmanuel Ejesu

Age 19 (Born July 14, 2004)

Thailand have one of the highest age averages among all of the teams in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, but they do have an interesting young talent in Emmanuel Ejesu. The 2.03M (6'8") big man has not yet been featured in a FIBA competition, but has been productive at the local level after averaging 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in only 20.8 minutes per game in the "Thailand Open" tournament.

Pranav Prince

Age 20 (Born June 19, 2003)

The 2.00M (6'7") forward has quietly been one of India's best players ever since the Asia Cup 2022 (9.7 points per game), throughout the World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers (8.5 points per game), and, most notably, the FIBA OPQT Syria last year, where he averaged a healthy 12.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

There's plenty of youth in India's pipeline, so let's see if Prince continues to pan out as a prospect with the national team.

Mustafa Rashed

Age 22 (Born January 4, 2002)

There are only a few young stars that have had as impactful two years as "Mosti" Rashed. He was already one of the best young talents in Asia since the U18 Asian Cup in 2018 and has only gone on to confirm that since playing with the senior national team and in club competitions.

From the Asia Cup to the World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers, Mosti has been lighting it up with double-digit averages in scoring (including a 30-point game against Japan), but it was at the OPQT Syria that has been his signature performance to date. The sharpshooter averaged 21.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 46 percent from downtown on his way to helping Bahrain secure a spot at the OQTs later this year.

If all of that isn't enough, mixed in between of all that is the fact that Most was one of the most important players for Manama in WASL - Gulf (where they made the Final) and WASL - Final 8 (where they won the title), and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Keijiro Mitani

Age 22 (Born June 15, 2001)

That U18 Asia Cup 2018 class was special. And Keijiro Mitani was an important part of the Japan team that played there in Thailand. The forward averaged a solid 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game with a 22 point burst against Rashed and Bahrain and is seeking a potential senior national team debut here in Window 1.

Note: Mitani had some help in Thailand from some guy named Yuki Kawamura (22, Born 2 MAY 2001). Maybe you've heard of him? Fast guy, plays point guard. Helped Japan to an Olympic berth at the recent World Cup. Does that ring any bells?

Park Moobeen

Age 22 (Born February 22, 2001)

Let's keep the trend of that U18 Asia Cup 2018 class going! Korea's star from that class, Lee HyunJung, is not listed to play at the moment, but his backcourt teammate Park Moobeen might. The young guard averaged 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in Thailand.

Korea are looking to transition into a new era and Park could be one of the key pieces in the backcourt of the future.

Kai Sotto

Age 21 (Born May 11, 2002)

It feels like Kai Sotto has played for Gilas for forever, doesn't it? That's because he's suited up at almost any opportunity he can in FIBA competitions ever since the U16 and U18 Asia Cups in 2018, all the way up until the recent World Cup where he averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Note: Let's not forget about Carl Tamayo (23, born February 13, 2001) either. He's been teaming up with Sotto since the U17 and U19 World Cups, and it will be fun to see how their chemistry with each other (and with the entire team) continues to develop.

Yesaya Saudale

Age 24 (Born January 14, 2000)

Okay, last one from the U18 Asia Cup 2018 class, we promise. But this is a promising one.

The flashy Yesaya was one of Indonesia's best players at the U18 Asia Cup 2018, averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He put on display how passionate he can be when he plays for the flag, and that's what "Timnas" fans are hoping to see if he makes his FIBA senior national team debut this window.

Ulzii Orshikh Myagmarsuren

Age 23 (Born December 8, 2000)

Asia Cup basketball fans better get used to the name. It won't be a debut for the young gun who averaged 9.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game through the Pre-Qualifiers for Mongolia, but he's still going to be a young player to keep your eyes on in this opening window.

You don't win the MVP in your domestic league without being really, really good.

And good he was, averaging 15.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game in 24 games with season with the IHC Apes.

Omar Jamaleddine

Age 23 (Born June 13, 2000)

Jamaleddine is coming off his second double-double in WASL (and first this season) with 22 points and 10 rebounds, so his confidence level will be high. The athletic guard has had his moments in his young career but has had to overcome injuries and some inconsistencies in the past.

With his form in WASL and the Lebanon local league, could there be an opportunity for Jamaleddine to breakout with the national team in Window 1?

Kevin Quiambao

Age 22 (Born April, 22 2001)

There are few players as unique as Kevin Quiambao, considering his size and skill set, which is why he's already been featured in the senior national team at the Asia Cup. While he didn't blow anyone's minds with averages of 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, his 4.8 assists per contest was something that should spark an intrigue in Asia Cup basketball fans.

It will be interesting to see how he'll continue to be used in the Gilas system moving forward, - which he should be a large part.

FIBA