NEW TAIPEI CITY (Chinese Taipei) – For the first time in the BCL Asia-East 2025, the spotlight shines on both Groups A and B in one city - and the fans at Xinzhuang Gymnasium have delivered.
Anytime you have the fans behind you, especially when you need a little bump, it’s really nice.
Through the cooperation of Chinese Taipei’s two qualified clubs, the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and the New Taipei Kings, New Taipei City is reviving a proud basketball tradition. Chinese Taipei has always been known to have some of the most passionate fans in the region and they've had the chance to put that on display.
Unlike the first two windows in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, which featured only one group each, this third window has brought together the full field of contenders. And for Chinese Taipei, which hasn’t hosted a FIBA competition like this in years outside of national team Qualifiers, it's an important one.
“The first thing, especially playing here, is to congratulate the Kings and Pilots for organizing these games, showing that we can be opponents but not enemies," said Pilots head coach Iurgi Caminos. "It’s really good for Chinese Taipei basketball to have these international games, to see different styles of basketball. I hope fans enjoy it and continue to support more and more."
The passion is unmistakable. Chinese Taipei fans have long been known for turning out in force, from roaring crowds during FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in memorable windows where the home support turned into a true sixth man. That same energy is now fueling their clubs.
“It’s really nice to be able to have the fans behind our back when we get a chance," said Kings head coach Ryan Marchand after their season-opening win over Hitech. “Anytime you have the fans behind you, especially when you need a little bump, it’s really nice. It’s great being able to have these first BCL games here with them cheering for us.”
The Kings opened with a strong debut, while the Pilots have been dominant, remaining undefeated through four games. The atmosphere builds with every double-header, a powerful reminder of how deep basketball runs in Chinese Taipei.
For a country hungry for more international basketball, the BCL Asia-East window isn’t just another event - it’s a statement: Chinese Taipei is ready, the fans are ready, and the game is as alive as ever.
FIBA