Up-and-comers and vets: Players to watch in the Pre-Qualifiers' Second Round

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Now, we're here.

The Second Round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers is upon us, and there shouldn't be any shortage of euphoria as 12 nations aim to get into the Qualifiers by securing the last eight tickets at stake.

All of them, of course, are sending their best possible squads into the week-long cage wars, hoping that they would be able to carry out the mission of bringing -- or sending back, for some -- their countries into the next stage.

Now, we take a look at some of those expected to provide a much-needed boost to their own teams' bid in the Pre-Qualifiers' Second Round taking place on February 20-22 and on 24-26 in Qatar and Mongolia, respectively.

GUAM - Jonathan Galloway

Guam didn't have some of their vanguards in the First Round but Jonathan Galloway more than made up for their absences by leading his side to a sweep.

The 26-year-old made quite an impression in their first win against Singapore with 23 points and 12 rebounds, before showing his defensive wares versus Hong Kong with 3 blocks alongside his 13 markers and 9 boards.

Galloway, who stands at 2.11 M (6'11"), is entering the Second Round as Guam's leading scorer and rebounder with 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds. He also has the highest efficiency rating in his team with 23.0.

HONG KONG - Xu Brothers

Hong Kong would surely want to continue winning after closing the First Round with a bang through a rout of Singapore, and the Xu Bros. could help.

Adam, 30, will represent HK once more since last doing so in the Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, although his upcoming stint should be much more special as the veteran internationalist will be playing alongside younger brother Oliver, 26.

Both seasoned pros, the Xus have been teammates in Hong Kong Eastern but this will be the first time they'd play together for flag and country.

IRAQ - Ihab Al-Zuhairi

Ihab Al-Zuhairi is just 26 and there should be no question that he'll be a cornerstone of the Iraq men's team for many years to come.

Exposed to the international arena since he was just 16, the 2.10 M (6'11") center flirted with double-doubles in both of their games in the First Round, ending up with averages of 7.5 and a team-high 8.0 rebounds.

He's expected to turn it up a notch come the Second Round, with the Iraqis looking to make it back to the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

KUWAIT - Hamad Hasan

Hamad Hasan was among Kuwait's top performers in the First Round with averages of 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, and he should be carrying over his fine play in the upcoming round.

And he could even up the ante in the Second Round as his confidence has been sky-high through his consistent showings in WASL.

There, the 25-year-old has per-game norms of 11.8 points on a 40-percent clip from deep, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists to help Kuwait Club to a 4-0 record.

MALAYSIA - Ting Chun Hong

Ting Chun Hong, at 26, is already one of Malaysia's pillars and he's keen on sending the country back to the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Along with contemporaries Wong Yi Hou and Kuek Tian Yuen, Hong helped the Harimau overcome a 0-2 start by winning their last two matches of the First Round to catch the last trip to the Second Round.

He averaged 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3,8 assists, including a 15-8-5 line in the ticket-punching win over Vietnam as he and the pack showed their willingness to climb back -- with the tournament proper in their sights, of course.

MONGOLIA - Anand Ariunbold

Mongolia left a trail of impressed heads in their FIBA seniors debut by going 3-1 in the First Round and Anand Ariunbold was one of those who showed the continent that the Blue Wolves have what it takes to compete.

Sure, much of the attention was on the likes of local legend Sanchir Tungalag as well as Tommy Bilguun, but the 25-year-old contributed steadily in their 3-1 campaign with 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

And just recently, the 1.97 M (6'6") winger was crowned as the 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Most Spectacular Player, making him an anticipated talent in the Second Round if he could carry over his highlight-worthy halfcourt exploits.

QATAR - Babacar Dieng

Babacar Dieng was Qatar's best player in the First Round (17.5 points) and more eyes will be looking at him come the Second Round, no doubt.

That's because of his solid play in club competitions, particularly in WASL where he's become one of Al Sadd's stars in the regional tournament.

Before the league's break, the 25-year-old emerged as the team's top scorer with 20.3 point -- fourth-best in WASL-Gulf -- on 42-percent shooting from the field, alongside 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.

SINGAPORE - Jun Hao Mah

Jun Hao Mah wasn't much of a factor in the First Round but it would be intriguing to see how he'll impact Singapore in the upcoming tilt.

Sure, he's only 19 years young, but has been gaining valuable experience that could be of help to the national team. 'Jackson' is playing professionally for the Singapore Slingers.

THAILAND - Tyler Lamb

Thailand made waves when they swept the First Round, and have become even more exciting as the team is set to parade Tyler Lamb.

It will mark yet another tour of duty for the 31-year-old, who made his FIBA debut in the Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. Though it was just one game, he impressed a lot after dropping 28 and 12 against powerhouse Korea.

His arrival will surely make the Thais even tougher to beat, not to mention that he will be forming an explosive backcourt with pal Freddie Lish.

UAE - Hamid Albreiki

The majority of national team programs put a premium on youth just like the United Arab Emirates, and Hamid Albreiki is among their beneficiaries.

The 22-year-old didn't contribute much in the First Round but that could change soon, now that he's earning his stripes with Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai in WASL.

In their 4-0 start, Albreiki is averaging 6.5 points. He has scored in double digits twice, the most of which was an 18-point performance against Al Hilal that also saw him collect 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

FIBA