JAKARTA (Indonesia) - The tone is set for the much anticipated FIBA Asia Cup 2022 as the stars made no attempt to hide their excitement and enthusiasm for the games ahead.

As the teams arrived in Indonesia, the participating players were full of energy and ready for the competition which will be held from 12-24 July.

The only player returning from Australia's Asia Cup 2017 championship squad is Mitch McCarron meaning that there’s a lot of new faces, but the goal is still the same for the Boomers.

"We're super excited. There are a lot of new guys, not only to the national team but to this kind of tournament, so it’s exciting."

One of the teams filled with "new guys" are none other than hosts Indonesia, who haven't played in the Asia Cup since 2011. Timnas are featuring a new and improved roster, focused on going as far as they can. At the very least, they are aiming for the Quarter-Finals in which if they can accomplish doing so, will be guaranteed a spot at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Most importantly, they'll be playing in front of their friends and family right here in Jakarta.

"I'm very excited, especially [that] we're in Indonesia. It's very exciting for me. We have a tough job to qualify for the World Cup so we need all the support from Indonesian fans," said Andakara Prastawa.

"It's special to play in front of our fans, in front of our families, in front of my daughter and my wife, it's very exciting for me."

For some like New Zealand’s Maxwell Darling, not only will this be their first Asia Cup, it will be their first time ever playing for the national team. That certainly adds a bit more to the excitement for these upcoming games.

"I can't wait. This is my first stint with the Tall Blacks, I'm just excited to show everyone what I can do and finally get the opportunity to do so on the big stage."

For as much as Darling is excited to play for New Zealand, some of his opponents like India's Sahaij Sekhon are excited to go up against him as well.

"I'm really looking forward to playing New Zealand. We have played two matches against them and they are really great. Tough players. So I'm really excited to play against them."

Darling and Sekhon are both young players getting their chances at playing in the Asia Cup for the first time. There are also some Asia Cup debutants like Lee DaeSung who had previously missed out the opportunity to play for whatever reason, making it more exciting to be here now in Jakarta.

"This is my first Asia Cup, so I feel great."

"Because of some injury issues, I missed two Asia Cup chances so I’m so excited and feeling great because we worked hard and did our best to prepare," said Lee. 

The spotlight is not only on the fresh faces at the Asia Cup. There are plenty of seasoned veterans that are back for more in this prestigious competition.

"It’s been three [times] that I’ve played for Chinese Taipei, so it’s pretty exciting to play again," said Chinese Taipei's Liu Cheng, who will be playing in his third straight Asia Cup.

"We'll do our best, work hard, and help the team win every game."

Some other veterans have been here longer than others, closing in on legendary status if not already acquired such as Zaid Abbas who is returning for his sixth Asia Cup.

“I’m really excited,” echoed Zaid Abbas. “I did not expect to be here because I had previously announced my retirement from the national team.”

Nonetheless, he’s back after feeling some pressure from the fans to return to help the team.

"I'm still in good shape so I hope I can help as much as I can at nearly the age of 40."

Fellow Asia Cup legend Hamed Haddadi of Iran has played in even more Asia Cups that his good friend Zaid, but the excitement to get on the court never fades.

"Any game, I'm excited. Any tournament, I'm excited."

"I like to see good players especially when Australian and New Zealand play. It's good for us players. You wanna see good players, good teams. And if you want to get better, you gotta play against big teams, good teams," he said.

Philippines' Ray Parks is making a return to the national team and he shares Haddadi's excitement about getting the chance to go up against the best teams in Asia and Oceania.

"There's a lot of great countries out here," said Parks. "Competition is stacked, for sure."

“International competition is always good and just to be able to learn from them, and gain wisdom and experience, there's no better teaching experience."

Asia Cup 2022 won't be just about competing on the court, battling for the Asia Cup, there are friendships between these players, too. The paths of these players some times cross multiple times, whether it's in a league or a tournament somewhere, and being at the Asia Cup sometimes gives them to opportunity to meet in a different setting.

"It's always great to play in the Asia Cup because all the teams are in the same hotel," said Japan's Yuki Togashi. "I have a lot of friends in Asia especially Filipino players playing in Japan's B.League right now - I think four or five guys from the B.League are playing for the Philippines so it's nice to catch up with them."

When tip-off time approaches, however, you can be sure that these "friends" are ready to give it their all to be the team up ahead at the final buzzer.

And tip-off time is now! We've arrived at the beginning of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022. Stay tuned for all the action from 12-24 July in Jakarta, Indonesia and stay excited as all the players are for the competition.

FIBA