MANILA (Enzo Flojo's Asia on My Mind) - There were several marquee players who didn't see action in the previous window of the Asian Qualifiers, and I'm hoping we'll see them return to action soon.

With the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers just a couple of months away, it's good to begin looking ahead at the things we can expect and the things we want to happen. As for me, there are a number of players I want to see suit up and play, especially since they either missed the previous window or haven't played yet in any single Asian Qualifiers fixture.

Here are my top-of-mind choices:

Sun Minghui (China)

Due to China's two-national-teams program, Sun Minghui played in the first window but wasn't able to see action this past February in the second window. He was splendid for China last November and is now considered one of the top guards in China. The 6ft 2in (1.87m) wingman is expected to return to the national team in June and, hopefully, we will see him put up big numbers again as China take on Korea and New Zealand.

Kim SunHyung (Korea)

Speaking of outstanding point guards, Kim is considered by many as the top floor general in Korea. Due to a leg injury, he missed the second window last February, but he seems fit and ready to return to national duty again, especially after helping the Seoul SK Knights capture the 2018 KBL championship. The 6ft 2in (1.87m) guard was splendid for Korea in last year's FIBA Asia Cup, averaging 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Terrence Romeo (Philippines)

Yet another backcourt player we want to see is the Philippines' golden boy Romeo, who hasn't seen a second of action in the Asian Qualifiers after doing well in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. The flamboyant 5ft 11in (1.80m) guard put up 17.8 points per game for Gilas Pilipinas in 2017, and he should give the team a big boost in the third window as they try to improve the win-loss record they will carry into the second round. Doing so would significantly strengthen their odds of qualifying for next year's World Cup in China.

Ali Haidar (Lebanon)

The 27-year-old forward-center was a tower of power for the Cedars in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 and the first Asian Qualifiers window, but he missed the second window because of an injury. They will need him in the third window, though, especially as Lebanon face unbeaten Jordan in a crucial encounter before ending their first round campaign against fellow WABA rivals Syria. Haidar's rebounding, shot-blocking and inside offense will be instrumental as Lebanon try to get their fourth and fifth wins in the third window.

Yudai Baba (Japan)

Rising star Baba was sidelined by injury this past February, but the Akatsuki Five faithful are crossing their fingers that the 22-year-old combo guard would be able to suit up again in June. The 6ft 5in (1.95m) wingman did well in the first window last November, scoring 8.5 points and getting 2.0 steals per contest. Japan will need his firepower and defensive tenacity in the third window as their backs are against the wall, needing to win at least one game to still make it to the second round.

Liu Cheng (Chinese Taipei)

Chinese Taipei have a couple of very important games in the third window, with a potential knockout match with Japan to close their first round campaign. They will need all hands on deck for these fixtures, and that means their biggest stars need to play. Liu is, of course, one of Taipei's finest talents. He is maybe their best player at the small forward position, and his outside shooting, defensive aggressiveness and playmaking ability can make a big difference.

Thomas Abercrombie (New Zealand)

Veteran swingman Abercrombie has been really solid for New Zealand, and the Tall Blacks will need him back in the third window to finish the first round strong and gain great momentum going into the next round. His size, versatility and, most of all, consistency make him quite invaluable. He may not explode for 20 points in a single game, but he is one of the most reliable Tall Blacks to have on one's roster for the most critical moments.

Ben Simmons (Australia)

As an undefeated team so far, Australia may not seem to have a need for leading NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Ben Simmons. Should the 6ft 10in (2.08m) guard-forward choose to don the green and gold, however, he will not only make the Boomers much stronger. In addition to that, his presence - along with the possible inclusion of other Australians in the NBA - will give the national team and the Asian Qualifiers in general a lot more star power and, consequently, fan appeal. For that alone, having Simmons in the fold will be a game-changer.

Enzo Flojo

FIBA

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