BEIRUT (Lebanon) - After one window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Group B, it might look like the competition is top-heavy. And the Philippines and New Zealand really are
Here's an overlook at how the teams are stacked up heading into the window:
Group B
The games in the Group are as follows:
21 November 2024
Chinese Taipei v Hong Kong, China - 07:00 PM (GMT+8) - Taipei, TPE Philippines v New Zealand - 07:30 PM (GMT+8) - Manila, PHI
24 November 2024
Philippines v Hong Kong, China - 07:30 PM (GMT+8) - Manila, PHI
25 November 2024
New Zealand v Chinese Taipei - 07:00 PM (GMT+13) - Christchurch, NZL
Game to watch
We won't have to wait too long to get to the juicy action of Group B.
The Gilas Pilipinas versus Tall Blacks clash in Manila is one that you do not want to miss. The Philippines might still be winless against their Oceania counterparts, but they're so much positivity in the air that this game might just finally be the one.
The Philippines are loaded with confidence and continuity through the roster, but New Zealand are also coming in hot, standing tall and talented. Both teams are undefeated and can qualify for Asia Cup 2025 in this window even if they don't win this marquee matchup, but it definitely would be sweeter if they do get the victory.
Players to watch
Justin Brownlee.
That's it. That's the list.
In all seriousness, Brownlee has yet to disappoint when suiting up for the Philippines. After recording 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in window 1, it doesn't seem like he'll start to slow down soon either.
Don't sleep on Corey Webster, who is coming off a return to play with New Zealand at the OQT in Greece this summer.
Promising prospects
Oscar Goodman is not only one of the most promising prospects of this Group, he is one of the most promising prospects of the entire Asia Cup Qualifiers. The 17-year-old is a year removed from being named MVP of the U16 Asia Cup in 2023 and was also named to the All-Star Five of the U17 World Cup this summer where he averaged 17.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Chinese Taipei's Ma Chien Hao is also another up-and-comer that should be on the radar. Another product of the famed U18 Asia Cup Class of 2018, Ma adds some size on the wing while being capable of shooting the ball as well.
World Ranking
FIBA