FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Smart Power Rankings: Volume 1

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers are back! It's a fresh slate for all of the 24 teams involved, so now might be a good time to dig into where each team stands.

Behold, Volume 1 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Smart Power Rankings.

 

 

The teams were ranked taking into consideration forms from recent competitions, the competition system, opponent strength, and of course the squad announcements of the National Federations for the opening window.

We won't be surprised if teams at the lower parts of the Smart Power Rankings end up being better than expected… as well as if the lesser fortunate teams at the top of these Power Rankings underperform. But that's the beauty of it!

And here. We. Go.

#1 Australia 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: 1st
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 4

The defending champions are returning two key players (Nick Kay, Mitch McCarron) from their title run - one of which was at the World Cup (Kat) while the other has won this competition twice (Mighty Mitch!). DJ (Vasiljevic) will most likely get us falling in love again with his scoring. And what a joy it will be to watch 18-year-old Rocco make his Boomers debut. It should be smooth sailing for the Boomers, especially playing at home.

/Checks schedule
/Sees Australia play Korea for the first game
/Remembers how Australia lost their first Qualifiers game to New Zealand last cycle
/Worries a bit

But nah, the Boomers should be fine.

#2 Japan 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 26

This is a tough window for Japan. Guam are physical and skilled. China are China.
But Japan will be playing both games at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo and you can expect the venue to be rocking. As it was during the World Cup in Okinawa. The fans love their AKATSUKI JAPAN and the team has fed off that energy to play at a high level. Combine that with their collective identity and continuation within the roster and it's easy to consider them as one of the top teams of this Window.

#3 Lebanon 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: 2nd
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 28

Having to play against Syria in Syria will be a tough game for any team. The intensity from the fans from start to finish is enough to throw any player of their game - as those who have played against Syrian clubs in WASL can attest.
The rotation might be a bit different, too. The Cedars will not have team captain Ali Haidar as well as up-and-coming guard Karim Zeinoun in the mix. Norvelle Pelle is stepping back in to play the role previously held by Jonathan Arledge and Omari Spellman.
But Lebanon are reliable. The MVP, Wael Arakji, is back as is the majority of the Asia Cup Final. As long as they have their backcourt or Arakji, Sergio El Darwich and Amir Saoud, Lebanon's offense should be in good shape - especially when they play their second game at home against Bahrain.

#4 Philippines 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Qualification to Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 38

From the previous Asia Cup Qualifiers to this one, it's been quite a roller coaster ride. They went through the highs of back when the team emphatically beat Korea twice to a promising OQT 2020 campaign before having to get through a bumpy Asia Cup and World Cup Qualifiers. Now, after hosting the World Cup, things are looking really good again.
Coach Tim Cone had a successful run through the Asian Games and will continue to take over the team in his FIBA debut. There's a fun mix here of everything in the roster from youth to experience to style of play and that should well please the ever-passionate Gilas fans.

#5 Korea 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 51

The injury bug bit Korea hard for this window and they'll be going up against Australia in their first game. That generally spells disaster, but it shouldn't be that bad. After all, Ra GunA and Kim Jong Kyu are still around.

Look out for Lee Junghyun, who has been on a tear in the KBL, as one of the big time breakout candidates across all teams in this window.

#6 Iran 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 27

It's never easy to transition from a previous generation to a new generation - especially when the former is the Golden Generation. But when you have a leader like Arsalan Kazemi, it tends to make things a bit less complicated.

Behnam Yakhchali is already proven to be a star, but it should be fun to see how much better the other up-and-comers like Sajjad Pazirofteh, Sina Vahei, and Mohammad Amini can get. Mind you, Amini already led the World Cup team in scoring - but everyone knows that there's a lot more that he can do.

#7 China 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29

This really feels like a full-blown new age of China basketball. In the past year, they've added new key pieces whether it's head coach Sasa Djordjevic or Li Kaier. They've brought in more youth and "pop" at the forward spot whether it Zhang Zhenlin or Cui Yongxi.

And they are getting even "newer" here in the Qualifiers as they bring on board two young big men, Yang Hensen and Yu Jiahao - who have plenty of promise.

Expect some turbulence though. Change is never easy.

#8 New Zealand 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: 3rd
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21

The majority of the "Dirty Gold" Asia Cup squad isn't here to open the Qualifiers campaign outside of Sam Timmins and Taylor Britt. But coach Pero Cameron has never been one to focus too much on any specific player(s) anyways.
It's not like Tom Vodanovich, Jordan Ngatai, or Ethan Rusbatch are pushovers either. Maxwell Darling has potential to be a surprise as well.

#9 Jordan 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: 4th
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 32

Jordan are playing their cards close to their chest. That said, they've proven themselves to be a solid team at standard. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson commanded the spotlight on Jordan at the World Cup (and rightfully so) and could potentially do so again in Window 1, but don't let that overshadow the fact that Amin Abu Hawwas and Freddy Ibrahim are a killer backcourt pair as well.

#10 Guam 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 76

A casual Asia Cup fan might wonder how a team that failed to even qualify for the Asia Cup in 2022 could even rank this highly in the Smart Power Ranking. The more well-versed fan knows well how good they are and can be.

Guam plays loose and can lineup a starting five that rivals any team in the Qualifiers in Jonathan Galloway, Tai Wesley, Curtis Washington, Jericho Cruz, and Earnest Ross - a five-player crew that has more than enough size, speed, skill, and shooting. There's some concern about the depth of the team, however, and it's a legit one as long as they are scheduled to play against the likes of Japan in this window.

#11 Bahrain 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Group Phase
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 69

True, Bahrain dropped out of the Group Phase in Asia Cup 2022. But take a look at that Group again and you see Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei. And remember that it took a last-second shot by China to beat Bahrain.

Also, consider that they are the team that emerged out of the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 last year in Syria, too. Bahrain can be dangerous, as long as rising star Mosti Rashed can continue to make it rain and score points in bunches. They'll miss not having Muzamil Hamooda this window, but that only means that they can get even better.

#12 Syria 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Qualification to Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 71

Big window here for Syria. Not only are they playing against Asia Cup Finalists Lebanon, they are hosting the Cedars at home at the Al Fayhaa Stadium. That should give them a well-needed extra boost, as the stands are expected to be packed.

Syria already play at a frantic and physical pace that matches their passion which will make them touch to play against. There are a few eintriguing players that are expected to make debuts as well, which only adds to the excitement for the upcoming games.

#13 Chinese Taipei 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Qualification to Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 78

The talent is there. We all saw it throughout the Qualifiers and the Asia Cup itself as Chinese Taipei was one half-court buzzer-beater heave (Hi, Freddy Ibrahim) away from making it to the Quarter-Finals.
But sometimes, it's not there as Chinese Taipei will be without their heroic duo of Lin Ting-Chien and Chen Ying-Chun for this window. That's as big of a blow you can get for a team like Chinese Taipei. Still, Lui Cheng will be holding down the fort as a scorer and leader for what should be a very "green" squad filled with younger players and debutants.

#14 Saudi Arabia 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Group Phase
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 66

With Mohammad Alsuwailem back and healthy, Saudi Arabia can be a problem for anyone - even Jordan who they will face in the second game of this window. They even beat Jordan in the last World Cup Qualifiers.
The big news for Saudi Arabia is the appointment of Che Garcia as the head coach. He's had his success with the national teams in Argentina, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, and it will be interesting to see how his style meshes with that of his Saudia Arabia national team players.

#15 Kazakhstan 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Group Phase
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 68

We're still trying to figure out the Steppen Wolves. They went from beating Iran twice in the span of a few months and topping the Power Ranking to dropping out of the Group Phase at the Asia Cup and suffering tough losses at the OPQT late last year.

But their identity is still pretty much the same. They will play with physicality and use their size to their advantage. All that's missing is pretty much one reliable scorer that they can turn to when they need a basket… maybe one will emerge from the lineup in this window. Who knows?

#16 India 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Group Phase
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 81

Our last look at India was at the FIBA OPQT where they had a strong start with wins over Syria and Indonesia… but they ended up with three straight losses to Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Obviously, these are not bad losses but it still points out that there's still a need for consistency.

The youngsters continue to show promise whether it's Pranav Prince or Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon. Now it's time for them to step up to the next level.

#17 Iraq 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 90

Iraq have two very winnable games in this window against Saudi Arabia and Palestine. They did lose their Pre-Qualifiers game against Palestine, but remember that it was a game where they were up by 10 points at one point before falling prey to a home team rally.

Demario Mayfield and Hassan Abdullah will keep the defense honest, which means it will be important for the big men whether it's Ihab Al-Zuhairi or Mohammed Al-Khafaji to do damage down low.

#18 Indonesia 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Qualification to Quarter-Finals
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 74

Maybe we're being harsh. But maybe we're not since Indonesia won't have their standouts from the OPQT and Asia Cup from Marcus Bolden, Derrick Michael Xzavierro, Brandon Jawato, or even the likes of Andakara Prastawa and Abraham Grahita. This feels like a fresh start.

Hey, Lester Prosper is still a big presence though and the Timnas youngsters will be fired up.

#19 Palestine 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 97

There's no denying what Palestine are capable of. They were solid through the Pre-Qualifiers with Jamal Mayali stepping up into a bigger role.

They are expecting to bring back Sani Sakakini and give Calvin Godfrey his first taste of national team basketball. Now, they have to put it all together on the court.

#20 Thailand 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 91

There's a bit of a missed opportunity here for Thailand as they weren't able to place Martin Breunig and Tyler Lamb in their final lineup, especially in a home game against Indonesia. But life goes on.

Still, they have their core from the Pre-Qualifiers from Moses Morgan, Freddie Lish, Chanatip Jakrawan, and Nattakarn Muangboon and that should be enough to make things interesting. Hopefully, the fans won't be left wondering "What If" after these two games.

#21 Qatar 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 104

The raw talent in Qatar's lineup like Babacar Dieng and Abdulrahman Saad is interesting as are the up-and-coming youngsters. But they are going to be very convincing against Iran and Kazakhstan in this window after losing to UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait during the Pre-Qualifiers.

#22 Mongolia 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 100

Listen, we like Mongolia's entertaining style of basketball, speeding and crashing up and down the court in a hectic fashion. We also saw how they struggled when teams with even a slight advantage like Thailand or Guam were able to slow things down a bit and set things up in the halfcourt.

That should be an issue as they go up against China, who will have the edge in terms of size, as well as their rematch against Guam.

#23 Hong Kong, China 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 119

Hong Kong, China barely made it through, needing a 71-66 win over Malaysia to get to the Qualifiers. They do get Duncan Reid back into their rotation, which is the size that they need to compete. That might not be enough to shift the needle though, as they go up against World Cup-level teams in the Philippines and New Zealand this window.

#24 UAE 

FIBA Asia Cup 2022: Did Not Qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 103

It's an uphill battle for UAE. They were able to get by the Pre-Qualifiers riding a strong outing from Qais Omar Alshabebi… but the Qualifiers itself is expected to be another level of difficulty.

You never want to count anyone out, especially from the beginning. The silver lining here is that upwards is the only way UAE can go in these Smart Power Rankings.

Note:The Power Rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.

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