BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - It's a year of firsts in international basketball. National teams are gearing up for FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaigns on all continents and that includes Asia, which has newcomers Australia and New Zealand.

Anyone wondering about the impact of those teams on the region already have the answer because the Boomers and the Tall Blacks have played so well that they'll square off in the last four of the FIBA Asia Cup on Saturday.

The other Semi-Final battle to be waged in Beirut will be a more traditional match-up in Asia between Iran, winners in 2007, 2009 and 2013, and Korea.

The fans that show up to watch Saturday's action are going to be reminded of the tournament's wonderful past while also getting a look at what now makes the competition even more intriguing, a showdown of the Oceania giants.

Korea

Korea were flying under the radar when they arrived in Beirut but everyone knows about them, now. The Far East side has gotten better and better in each game. The team lost on opening night to Lebanon yet showed a lot of fight and determination.

After victories over Kazakhstan, New Zealand and in the Qualification for the Quarter-Finals, Japan, Korea took on the unbeaten Philippines and beat them like a drum. Korea excelled on the perimeter, hitting an astonishing 16 of 21 shots from 3-point range.

That unworldly effort from deep, coupled with the savvy play of front-court stars Kim Jongkyu and Oh Sekeun, made Korea look like world beaters. There is much to admire about this team. Choi Junyong, just 23 years of age, is a 2.00m point guard that does a lot of things, including protecting the rim on defense. Lee Seounghyun is a back-up power forward/center who hits jump shots like there is no tomorrow. Lee has hit 18 of his 25 (72 percent) from the field, including 6 of 10 from the arc. Champions in 1997 and medalists several times since, Korea are one win away from another podium finish. Iran better be ready.

Iran

If Korea have a potent side that has been very difficult to play again, the same could be said for Iran. Team Melli has played like a well-oiled machine and will pose plenty of problems for the Korea side coached by Hur Jae. Giant center Hamed Haddadi, 32, has torn apart the opposition with his passing, rebounding and scoring.

Point guard Sajjad Mashayekhi has been a constant threat with his penetration, especially in the Quarter-Final triumph over Lebanon. Behnam Yakhchali, Mohammad Jamshidi and Arsalan Kazemi have left opponents in a daze. Mehran Hatami is coaching in his first FIBA Asia Cup and so far has pulled the right strings.

Australia

The Oceania showdown between Australia and New Zealand is a renewal of a great rivalry. The Boomers have won the majority of the battles over the years and have played like a runaway train in Asia. Their smallest margin of victory in four games has been 16 points on opening day against Japan. Since then, a team that's been relentless with his defensive pressure, which is embodied by the tenacious play of the three Mitches - Creek, McCarron and Norton - has claimed decisive victories over Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and China.

Australia coach Andrej Lemanis, following David Andersen's exit from the tournament with a shoulder injury before he even played a game, has no players from last summer's Olympic side that reached the Semi-Finals yet the Boomers have not missed a beat.

New Zealand

The New Zealand Tall Blacks, with an average age of just 23, have been dynamic under coach Paul Henare. They sparked their tournament into life with a thrilling victory over Lebanon and showed tremendous poise by turning back a determined Jordan in the Quarter-Finals. Has any point guard been better in the tournament than Shea Ili? Is there a bigger revelation than big man Tohiraukura Smith-Milner? Reuben Te Rangi, Finn Delany and Derone Raukawa have been superb.

An Iran v Australia Final is likely, but tough Semi-Finals have to be won before that clash is on the cards. Saturday is going to be fun.

FIBA