BEIRUT (Lebanon) - One thing (in a long list of things) that we love the most about FIBA windows is the opportunity it provides for the players.
Whether it's debutants, up-and-comers, under-the-radar underdogs, past standouts finding their way back, or just a star making another leap, the window is a platform where they can suit up for the national team, play for pride, and establish a name for themselves.
In the previous November window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, that was still the case and these were the "breakout performers" who seized the opportunity at hand.
Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga (TPE)
What a year it's been so far for Al Bachir. The 26-year-old signed on to play in Japan's B.League with the Akita Happinets earlier in July where he's been averaging a healthy 9.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Then he had the chance to return to play for the national team this past window.
It was Al Bachir's first appearance since making his debut in 2020 - also in the Asia Cup Qualifiers. He looked a lot more polished this time around and is averaging 16.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game after two contests.
Moustafa Fouda (QAT)
Qatar were one of the surprise performers of the window with two upset wins. Fouda has been a key part of that movement. The guard leads the team in minutes played per game and even logged the entire 40 minutes in their win over Iran on his way to getting 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
The 27-year-old has been gradually improving ever since making his debut in the World Cup 2019 Qualifiers for the national team and starring for Al Arabi SC in the FIBA WASL - Gulf League (12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game) should only help him get even better.
Ben Henshall (AUS)
Ben Henshall has had an exciting ride in his young career. The 20-year-old never played for either of the youth national teams - Crocs or Emus - before his Boomers debut last February which ended up being an impressive 14-point outing against Korea.
Here in the second window, he's been impressive once again, flirting with getting a triple-double against Thailand (12 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals) and besting his previous high with 16 points (and 7 rebounds) in a rematch against Korea. You just can help but be excited for what the youngsters has in store for the future.
Chanatip Jakrawan (THA)
It's not exactly news that Jakrawan is one of Thailand's stars. This has been established and approved ever since the previous Asia Cup Qualifiers cycle where he was a consistent threat to log a double-double.
But this window has been different, as we've seen some evolution in Jakrawan's game. He's been assigned to guard perimeter players now… and he's taking and making threes! In the February window against Korea. Jakrawan made his first three-pointer in a FIBA competition since the FIBA Asia Challenge in 2016. This past window, he made a three-pointer in both games on only one attempt. It's a small sample size, but a good sign of things moving forward for Thailand.
Pranav Prince (IND)
Perhaps Pranav Prince has already broken out, ever since the World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers. Or was it at Asia Cup 2022? He was pretty good at the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in Syria, too, though.
Whatever the case, it seems even more and more undeniable now that the fresh Prince is looking more and more like a king after the recent window. It was a tough loss to Qatar for India, but Prince had 13 efficient points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Meanwhile, his 17 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks (33 EFF) in a big win over Kazakhstan was just sublime.
Liao Sanning (CHN)
Asia basketball fans, meet Liao Sanning. The 23-year-old has been a key performer for his club since his rookie season in 2021 and has not disappointed in his FIBA debut.
In two big wins against Guam and Mongolia, Liao was close to getting a double-double in both games (and in both ways - points/rebounds and points/assists). China are pushing hard for their younger generation to step up and bring glory back to the national team and it's with the play of guys like Liao Sanning that have the fans high in hope.
Omari Spellman (LBN)
How does a former NBA draft pick who has already played and starred in a World Cup and an OQT qualify for a breakout? Whatever Omari Spellman did, does, and will keep on doing it seems.
We all know Spellman can play and at a high level. But ever since making his debut for Lebanon with the national team in Jakarta at the World Cup, it looks like he's only gotten better and better as he's getting more used to playing with his teammates. Imagine if they keep this up until they land in Saudi Arabia for Asia Cup next year - for which they are already qualified.
Carl Tamayo (PHI)
We always love to mention how Kai Sotto is already a national team veteran at just the age of 22, but you know what? Carl Tamayo has just as impressive of a resume at just only one year older at 23.
The Philippines have a few more stars ahead of Tamayo in the rotation right now, but Gilas are also trying more and more to be less reliant on a single star which should open up more opportunities for a versatile player like Tamayo to shine - as he did when he put up 18 points and 6 rebounds against Hong Kong, China.
Yudai Nishida (JPN)
We're going to keep on mentioning how impressive this window was for Nishida. Sure, averaging 21 points per game on 13 made three-pointers is awesome, but it seems like a statement was made by the player who was on again, off again in the rotation for coach Hovasse.
Nishida was always going to be a key piece of the rotation moving forward, but he might have shown a bit more to what he brings to the table in this window.
Sam Waardenburg (NZL)
It's probably not a secret, considering how he continuously shined for the Junior Tall Blacks of the mid 2010s, but Sam Waardenburg is going to continue to be a problem for his opponents down the road.
We've seen a glimpse (17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists against Saudi Arabia) in the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers but this window was solid confirmation. The loss to the Philippines was one the Tall Blacks will want to quickly forget, but it was still a good game for Waardenburg who had 19 points with 3 three-pointers to go with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. He then followed up with a game against Chinese Taipei where he dropped 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists.
FIBA