AMMAN (Jordan) - Excitement is shooting nowhere but up as the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024 is all set to tip off over the weekend in the Jordanian capital.
Fans cannot wait for the biennial competition to commence, with most of them looking forward to see which players from this batch have the potential to become the next global sensations in the near future - just like some of their predecessors.
But if ever this is your first time tuning in to the tilt, or just catching up on what the upcoming tournament has in store, fret not as we got you covered.
When and where is the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024?
The 27th edition of this particular youth event is scheduled to open on Monday, September 2, both at the Prince Hamza Sport Hall and the Arena Complex.
It is going to be a busy Group Phase ahead as it will feature 8 games a day until September 4, to be played simultaneously in the said venues.
Four teams will raise the curtains of the awaited conclave. Australia and Mongolia will face off at the Arena Complex, while China are squaring off versus Kazakhstan at the Prince Hamza Sport Hall. Both games are set at 11:30 local time.
What is the format?
The 16 participating teams will be divided into 4 groups, with the top team from each pool earning an outright berth to the Quarter-Finals on September 7.
Teams finishing second and third in their groups, meanwhile, will aim to advance via the crossover Qualification to the Quarter-Finals, scheduled September 6.
The Semi-Finals are on September 8, with the losing sides from the Quarters playing in the Classification 5-8 on the same day. The Final will take place on September 9, following the Classification 7-8 and 5-6 games and the Third-Place Game.
Who are the reigning champions?
Korea are coming in as the defending champions after ruling the 2022 edition in Tehran, Iran following a 77-73 win over Japan in the finale. That batch, led by eventual TISSOT MVP Lee Juyeong, ended the country's 22-year wait for U18 glory.
Which teams are competing?
16 teams will compete in Amman. Aside from Korea and Japan, there's also another traditional powerhouse in China, along with other solid contenders in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Iran.
Mongolia are in the fray, too, in what would be their first U18 campaign since hosting the contest in 2012 in Ulaanbaatar, which China ruled for their 10th title.
Not to be forgotten are, of course, the hosts, and those looking to make some noise like Lebanon, Kazakhstan, India, Qatar, Kuwait, and Indonesia.
For a deeper look at these participating sides, especially on how some of them booked their tickets to the continental tourney, read here.
What are the groupings?
The groupings are based according to the FIBA World Ranking for Boys, presented by NIKE.
GROUP A | GROUP B | GROUP C | GROUP D |
Australia | Iran | China | Philippines |
Chinese Taipei | Korea | Japan | New Zealand |
Lebanon | India | Qatar | Jordan |
Mongolia | Kuwait | Kazakhstan | Indonesia |
What is at stake?
Teams that will reach the Semis will guarantee their spots to the prestigious FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025, which is set to be held in Switzerland.
Where to watch?
All games will be streamed live via FIBA's official YouTube page, while local broadcast restrictions might apply in some areas.
Stay updated with anything and everything about the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024 through the event's official website and @asiacup on social media.
FIBA