BEIRUT (Lebanon) - We’re down to a single-digit amount of dates before the start of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. You know what that means: The intensity of preparation for each country is nearing its peak.

Here’s a quick round-up of what’s been going on!

Check your calendar

The first issue is an important notice for the upcoming games. Not only are the host teams swapped for a couple of games, as decided by the FIBA’s Executive Committee, but three other matches of this first window will also be postponed until further notice.

  The decision was made with the interest of the health of everyone involved as the main priority.

Saudi Arabia unveil kits

Last week's updates say the jersey reveals of two nations, and we have one more underway this week.

Saudi Arabia are playing in hopes of qualifying for a much-needed return to the Asia Cup with two home games against Qatar on 20 February and Syria on 23 February. They’ll also be featured in these slick jerseys in front of their fans at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Five teams at the King's Cup

One of Saudi Arabia’s opponents in this first window, Syria, built up their chemistry in The King’s Cup, a 5-team friendly tournament held in Jordan. The cup was held from 10-14 February with two games played per day at the Prince Hamzah Hall.

The five participating national teams were Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. Jordan are in Group F of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, and Syria are in Group E, while Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain are all in Group D together.

Lebanon will now be heading into the Qualifiers with plenty of momentum after sweeping through the competition, including a thrilling 71-68 victory over Jordan in the final day.

Are you ready for Palestine?

Palestine are also raising their level of intensity up ahead for this first window. They will be playing against Kazakhstan on 21 February in Astana, followed by a home game against Sri Lanka on 24 February.

Before that, the national team will be rooted in preparation at a training camp in Istanbul, Turkey. With the Sakakini twins both back in action, Palestine are looking determined to make it back to the Asia Cup for a second time.

Gilas Update!

Basketball rarely stops in the Philippines, as does the updates from the national team. Here's a quick rundown of what's been going on in the Gilas camp.

Training camp has gone underway with a promising amount of attendants. However, primary big men in Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar are out for the first window, which will put the pressure on the younger big men on the roster to step up.

Leading the charge for the Philippines national team, at least through this first window, will be Kiefer Ravena, who was named the team captain for this run. Ravena had a promising appearance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, and the program is expecting him to continue making an impact at the Asia Cup Qualifiers as their leader.

  Quotables

"It’s a great challenge for us, and we will show them how hard we can play." - Sukdave Ghogar, Thailand

“Chinese players are physical, tall, and strong in speed and attack. The Japanese guards are fast. Although they are smaller, they have a different style of play. Filipino guards have excellent individual skills. Korean guards are tricky, fast, and accurate.” - Ray Chen, Chinese Taipei

“I am looking forward to playing in the Asia Cup Qualifiers; it's going be my first time.” - Ater Majok, Lebanon

“They are going to present our problems, especially if we don’t lock in defensively. But if we play defense and the guys share the ball, we should be fine.” - Mark Dickel, Philippines head coach on Thailand and Indonesia

“As for Kazakhstan, their point guard [Anthony Clemmons] is one of the best players in the world. Also, their team maintains a high level of teamwork on the court.” - Ahmad Al Hamarsheh, Jordan

FIBA