ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - One of the paths to Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) begins here in Ulaanbaatar in the BCL Asia Qualifiers.

All eight participating teams are coming in with pride as champions and finalists in their respective national leagues. That's why these clubs have lined up some of the best players they can assemble, hoping to make it through to the big stage.

Here are 8 players to watch and keep your eyes on in the upcoming days of this competition.

Wong Zhong Han (Adroit Club)

It's a unique case for Wong Zhong Han as he won titles last season with two teams that are competing here in the BCL Asia Qualifiers.

Of course, he won the National Basketball League (NBL) Division 1 title in Singapore with Adroit. However, Wong was also a part of the NS Matrix Deers when they won the Major Basketball League in Malaysia.

He'll be suiting up for Adroit here and the team will need him to provide his usual dosage of scoring and razzle dazzle if they aim to advance - potentially even setting up a clash with his former Malaysian club.

Daniel Ochefu (Bishrelt Metal)

The Metal are fresh off a hard-battled loss in Mongolia's "The League" Finals to the Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos. That might have given them a perspective of what they need as they venture into a higher level of competition in the BCL Asia Qualifiers, as they decided to add in a well-experienced vet in Ochefu.

You'd be hardpressed to find a player in this competition with as complete a resume as Ochefu. From winning an NCAA D1 title with Villanova, playing in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, to playing for an AfroBasket silver medalist Nigeria national team in 2017, there's no denying that he can compete with some of the best.

Moreover, he's also already proven in Asia as well, having played in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. As a bonus, Ochefu has already experienced this path of FIBA Asia club competitions, having played in WASL West Asia last season with eventual champions Al Riyadi, averaging 11.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

Freddie Lish (Hi-Tech Basketball Club)

Lish was a key part of the Hi-Tech Basketball Club that won the inaugural Basketball Thai League (BTL), averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game which earned him a place here at the BCL Asia Qualifiers.

But it's also a homecoming of sorts as he's also played two seasons in Mongolia's "The League". He was a fan favorite ever since playing in the First Round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers (also in Ulaanbaatar), which was enough to convince Mongolian clubs to bring him back for more.

The energy of the crowds seem to always bring out a little something extra in Lish's step which is why you won't want to take your eyes off of him.

Dominic Gilbert (Hong Kong Eastern Basketball Team)

Gilbert's origin story alone makes him an interesting player to follow. He was born in Asia, raised in Australia, studied in Canada, and then started playing professional basketball in Croatia - from where his mother has heritage. His journey came back to Asia in Hong Kong, China when he signed to play with Hong Kong Eastern, resulting in some quick success with the club.

Aside from winning some international competitions, Gilbert was also a big part of Eastern getting back to the top of the HKBA Division 1. Now, his an Eastern's focus shifts to seeking for success in this BCL Asia campaign. They will have to make it through the Qualifiers first though.

Jordan Tolbert (NS Matrix Deers)

As two-time defending champions, the Deers are currently, without a doubt, the best club in Malaysia.

That didn't stop them from boosting their odds of succeeding in these Qualifiers by going out and signing Tolbert who played for league rivals Penang Sunrise Youngsters and averaged a league-leading 22.4 points per game. The rich get richer, as they say.

But NS Matrix will need all the firepower they can get to navigate their way through the BCL Asia Qualifiers and Tolbert can provide a lot.

Justin Brownlee (Pelita Jaya Basketball)

To be honest, this is a very interesting Pelita Jaya team. Prastawa, Jawato, and Guntara are local stars. Jaquori McLaughlin should be a proven high-level talent.

But the intrigue in seeing Justin Brownlee play for Pelita Jaya is too much to not single out. He's only played in one game for them so far in the IBL, recording 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Philippines national team star has too much success in too many levels and it will be fun to see how much of an impact he'll have with his new team.

Brandone Francis (Prawira Harum Bandung)

Francis' impact with Prawira Bandung, on the other hand, is evidently clear. He was the IBL's Foreign Player of the Year in their championship season, leading all players in scoring 23.9 points per game.

This season, Prawira Bandung didn't not have Francis to begin the season and they started with a 2-3 record. Once they got the Dominican Republic national team back in the mix, the team rattled off three straight wins.

When he's on the court, he can give Prawira a big advantage.

Bilguun Battuvshin (Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos)

The Broncos are the home team. They are the champions. And Battuvshin is the hometown hero for both the prestigious club and the team.

The veteran can do a little bit of everything as he's known to do over the years for both the club and the national team. The next test here is whether he can continue to do that efficiently enough against some of the best talents playing in Asia.

FIBA