BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Asia basketball fans haven’t had much time to catch their breaths from exciting basketball action with the Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers and FIBA Asia Cup played with in the span of less than two months.

Now, exactly one month after the exciting Asia Cup finale, Window 4 of the Asian Qualifiers will be tipping off as well.

We’ve been treated to so superstar appearances and performances over these competitions from Yuta Watanabe, Matthew Dellavedova, Wael Arakji, Thon Maker, Zhou Qi, and more.

If you think the parade of stars will stop in Window 4, you’d be dead wrong. Here are some players to watch in the upcoming window of the Asian Qualifiers as the teams start playing in the Second Round - one more step closer to World Cup 2023 qualification.

Jordan Clarkson (Philippines)

One of the biggest names that have been confirmed among the pool of players for this window is the Philippines’ Jordan Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of the Year in the NBA has played for the Philippines national team in the past at the Asian Games in 2018, but this is potentially his first time playing for Gilas in a FIBA event.

Even though the Philippines are already qualified for the World Cup as co-hosts, their first game of the window against Lebanon is a big one. Having Clarkson in the mix to go up against the recent Asia Cup finalists would be a great boost for the team that are currently 2-2 in the standings.

Yudai Baba (Japan)

It’s been a while since Asia basketball fans have been the explosive Baba formally play for Japan with the last time being at the Tokyo Olympics.

We’ve been able to get some glimpses of Baba playing in Tom Hovasse’s system - for the first time - in the exhibition games that Japan have been playing in preparation for the upcoming window, but there should still be plenty of hype to see how well he can play against Iran and Kazakhstan.

It’s been a while since we’ve had some “Baba-Boom” in our lives and that might be one of the highlights of this window.

Wael Arakji (Lebanon)

What could be more interesting than to witness in the upcoming window how a reigning MVP follows up a spectacular performance like what Arakji did at the Asia Cup?

Unlike Baba and Clarkson listed above, the stakes are still very high for Lebanon as their spot in the upcoming World Cup has yet to be confirmed. There a chance that Lebanon can secure that ticket here in this window, but they’ll need to follow through with games against the Philippines and India.

At the very least, Lebanon will need to win both of their games… and if they have Arakji leading the charge, that should greatly improve their chances.

Luke Travers (Australia)

Another window, another potential star set to suit up for the Green and Gold. This window, it could be Luke Travers’ turn as the 56th pick of the NBA Draft 2022 is listed for a potential Boomers debut.

Aside from his glorious mullet, Travers can be expected to provide athleticism at the wing position for the already athletic Boomers who are looking to extend their 8-game winning streak through this summer.

Isaac Fotu (New Zealand)

To state that New Zealand have “missed” Fotu might seem unnecessary as the Tall Blacks have remained undefeated through the Asian Qualifiers so far, but he’s certainly a very, very welcome addition to the pool for Window 4.

The forward been a key part of the team for nearly a decade, playing through most of the Qualifiers in 2019 and as a key presence at the World Cup itself. New Zealand are also close to securing World Cup qualification and look forward to seeing Fotu be an important part of their success if that happens this window.

FIBA