BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Window 4 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers will be tipping off in less than a week on August 25. In the meanwhile, we’re allowing the spotlight to be shined elsewhere… like say Blackpink’s new single “Pink Venom”, which was released today and already has nearly 30 million views on Youtube as this was being published.

Blackpink’s music and lyrics have a tendency to get stuck in the heads of listeners as it is put on repeat wherever it can.

In celebration of this new single and the upcoming window, let’s take a look back at some of their iconic songs and lyrics that can be relatable to your favorite team.

"Solo" - Jennie

"..Now I’m used to
being the GOAT
You’re sittin’ on your feelings
I’m sittin’ on my throne."

This set of lyrics from "Solo" - the debut solo single of Blackpink member Jennie - fits seamlessly with Australia, especially right after winning their second straight FIBA Asia Cup without a loss.

The Boomers are without a doubt sittin’ on their thrones heading into Window 4 with an 8-game winning streak through all games this summer.

 "How you like that" - Blackpink

"Ho-how you like that?
You gon' like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that
How you like that? (Bada-bing, bada-boom-boom-boom)
How you like that, that-that-that-that, that-that-that-that?"

This iconic hook from Blackpink's 2020 hit "How you like that" seemed like it could have been Lebanon’s anthem throughout Window 3 and Asia Cup heading into Window 4.

There were some doubts about Lebanon after their loss to Jordan back in Window 2 but from there, Lebanon - led by Wael Arakji - went on an impressive tear in a historic run through the summer which included two wins over Jordan, a first ever Asia Cup win over China, and their first trip to the Asia Cup Final in 15 years.

How you like that?

 "Ice Cream" - Blackpink with Selena Gomez

“...Look so good yeah look so sweet
Baby you deserve a treat..."

Jordan and New Zealand didn’t make it to the Final of the Asia Cup, but finishing among the last four teams of the competition was quite an accomplishment nonetheless. It was Jordan’s first Semi-Finals appearance since 2011 and New Zealand’s first Bronze Medal ever, relateable with these lines from "Ice Cream" by Blackpink which also featured Selena Gomez.

They looked so good and even though they didn’t look so sweet (especially to their opponents), they certainly deserve a treat. Maybe that treat would be a solid run through Window 4 to get closer to clinching World Cup qualification?

 “뚜두뚜두” - Blackpink

"Oh wait til’ I do what I do
Hit you with that ddu-du ddu-du du
Hit you with that ddu-du ddu-du du
What you gonna do
when I come come through"

Akatsuki Japan’s identity in national team competitions is becoming clearer and clearer, which was entertaining to observe at the Asia Cup. Their brand of basketball stands out and the players are clearly buying into the concept.

Going into every game, Japan basketball fans are certainly waiting to see what they do which is to hit their opponents with those th-th-th three-pointers. When Japan gets into their groove as they did against Syria for 27 three-pointers, all that you can do is ask yourself what you’re gonna do when they come through.

"Kill this Love"- Blackpink

"...We all commit to love
That makes you cry..."

As we’re advancing to the Second Round, here’s a quick reminder that four teams are already out of contention to secure World Cup qualification and even more teams will be out once tickets to next year’s main events are clinched.

We all respect the love that all of the fans have for their teams and committing to that love, but remember that not all teams will be able to advance forward. It’s committing to a love that can make you cry.

However, we strongly advise that you do not kill this love.

FIBA