BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Crucial will be the upcoming window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers as the tournament proper's casting could start taking shape.
Some teams have their sights set on securing their tickets to Saudi Arabia for the continental showpiece by acing their respective assignments in next week's games, although there remain those that fighting for dear life to at least be in the fight.
Take a look at some of the games you best not miss!
Japan versus Mongolia
Thursday, November 21 19:05 local time (GMT+9) Nikkan Arena Tochigi, Utsonomiya
Tickets have been sold-out for Japan's home game at the Nikkan Arena Tochigi and that's mainly because the AKATSUKI JAPAN fans are excited to see their team continue their winning ways after a spectacular Window 1 showing.
Coach Tom Hovasse and Co. swept both of their games back in February, none more important than their 76-73 upset of China in Tokyo as it marked the country's first win against their long-time rivals in a major international basketball meet in 88 years.
Now they're hoping to sweep another window beginning with Mongolia, although the Japanese know that it would be easier said than done given their foes' situation.
The Blue Wolves are coming in with so much hunger for a victory after going luckless in the first window. There, they bowed to Team Dragon (88-49) and then to Guam (74-63), making them the only winless team in Group C with a 0-2 record.
They surely want to change their fortunes as early as their first game in this window, for their Asia Cup aspirations may take a hit if they absorb another loss.
Chinese Taipei versus Hong Kong, China
Thursday, November 21 19:00 local time (GMT+8) Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, Taipei
One team in Group B will finally enter the win column as Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, China battle it out at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
Homecourt advantage is obviously on Chinese Taipei, although it may not be the only reason why their visiting foes are coming in wary. The home team has a new mentor in Gianluca Tucci, who will be making his FIBA competition debut at the helm.
The Italian had already joined the men's squad back in February 10 as a consultant. He has since replaced Sang Mao Sen, and the upcoming window should be a good platform for him and the team to show how much they've been progressing.
Chinese Taipei aren't only looking to break through in this battle between 0-2 teams. They are out to keep their mastery of Hong Kong, too, as they have won all three of their previous encounters - all of which happened in the Asia Cup.
Philippines versus New Zealand
Thursday, November 21 19:30 local time (GMT+8) Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay
Will New Zealand make it five in a row? The Tall Blacks definitely want to do so when they take on the Philippines on Thursday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game time is at 19:30 local time, with a solid home crowd expected to show up and make it tough for the visitors - with the hope that Gilas remains the only unbeaten team in Group B as it will be a clash between co-leaders that both tote 2-0 records.
History, though, is on the side of New Zealand, having won all four of their previous encounters that began in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016 - an 89-80 result in the same venue. Their most recent win was in the 2022 Asia Cup, 92-75.
It also marks the beginning of a new era for the Tall Blacks as Judd Flavell is now serving as head coach, taking the place of former teammate Pero Cameron.
So it's given that they are in an adjustment period as well, and that's something that the Philippines will try to take advantage of as they aim to end a winless spell against New Zealand - and get even closer to qualifying for the Asia Cup.
Bahrain versus Syria
Friday, November 22 19:00 local time (GMT+3) Khalifa Sport City, Manama
Who gets ahead in the standings? That serves as the question between these 1-1 teams of Group F as Bahrain and Syria lock horns on November 22 in Manama.
It will be the first time in the ongoing Qualifiers that both teams will face each other, although Bahrain have the edge coming in. They beat Syria in their previous match, 91-60, to eventually sweep the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023.
Also awaited in that Friday night affair is Jad El Hajj as he will be calling the shots for Bahrain for the first time in the Asia Cup Qualifiers in easily one of the biggest coaching changes that has taken place in the middle of the qualifying phase.
Korea versus Australia
Sunday, November 24 15:00 local time (GMT+9) Goyang Gymnasium, Goyang
Australia did take their Window 1 meeting by way of an 85-71 at home in Bendigo. But it wasn't easy win as they had to claw back from 13 down to avoid the upset ax.
But what makes their Window 2 fixture even more interesting is that both the continental contenders are coming in with major changes on both sides.
The Boomers, for one, have been orienting their program toward the future following the departure of Brian Goorjian, giving the keys to Jacob Chance as the young yet seasoned assistant coach is tasked to lead the fight for this window.
Korea, on the other hand, is back to playing with an all-local unit like the old times as Ra Gun-ah (Ricardo Ratliffe) bid goodbye to the team back in the February window, marking the end of his time as their naturalized player after six years.
Indonesia versus Thailand
Sunday, November 24 17:00 local time (GMT+7) Indonesia Arena, Jakarta
Thailand will look to sweep Indonesia when they see each other again on November 24 in the latter's home floor in Jakarta in another all-Southeast Asia affair.
It could be recalled that the wards of Edu Torres put up a masterful performance back in Window 1 toward a 73-56 triumph and they want a repeat of that, no doubt. But of course, they're bracing for a retaliation from their long-time regional rivals.
Plus, they will be facing a Timnas side that may have something different to offer this time. The men's program has let go of Milos Pejic and promoted Johannis Winar as its new head coach - that, after years of serving as a deputy to Pejic and Rajko Toroman.
The Indonesians are hoping that having Winar at the helm would lead to success after being blanked in the first window, as they also lost to Australia via 106-53 rout.
Lebanon versus Syria
Monday, November 25 18:00 local time (GMT+4) Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall, Dubai
Are we bound for another thrilling affair? That's what many would want to see after what happened when Lebanon and Syria fought in the first window.
The Cedars did leave Damascus with the 87-78 decision in the bag, but not before weathering a major threat by the crowd-fueled home team that witnessed them rally back from 25 points down to within only seven points late in the fourth.
Definitely, the Syrians would want to pull off the win this time after falling just short previously. They have a chance to do so in their rematch on November 25, which will be held at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall in Dubai, UAE.
It was supposed to be in Beirut but given the recent situation in the country, the awaited sequel will take place in neutral grounds instead, although some from the Lebanese side may still feel as if the homecourt advantage is theirs.
That's because some members of the men's team like Wael Arakji and Amir Saoud have succeeded in the City of Gold, having won together when they helped Al Riyadi win the inaugural Basketball Champions League Asia in the same venue.
Qatar versus Iran
Monday, November 25 20:00 local time (GMT+3) Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall, Doha
Qatar will head into this window with a new coach in town in Hakan Demir in a huge development toward their buildup for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
The veteran mentor is taking over from Thanasis Skourtopoulos but what makes it more interesting is that he will be facing his former team, Iran, right away.
And it won't just be a reunion of sorts between him and his former mentees. He will have to lead his new team against the crew he steered to beat the former.
Sounds intriguing? That's because Iran and Qatar had already met in Window 1, a game which needed five more minutes before Team Melli escaped with a 76-74 decision. And Demir himself was still at the helm back then.
Taking the spot left by Demir, meanwhile, is Sotirios Manolopoulos. Round 2 of this match, this time set in Doha, should be fun to watch, for sure.
FIBA