MANILA (Enzo Flojo's Asia on My Mind) - 2018 should be another banner year for Asian basketball, and it's bound to get hot when the following players return to action in the Asian Qualifiers.

As we all saw in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers last November, a number of marquee players did not see action for various reasons. For the second window this coming February, though, I expect more big names to show up, especially for the teams that are looking to bounce back strong.

Behnam Yakhchali (Iran)

Iran were shocked by Iraq in the first window, and Team Melli are bent on making sure they bounce back strong in the second window. The Iranians go on the road to clash with unbeaten Kazakhstan on 22 February, hoping to stain the Steppe Wolves' record with a loss. Afterwards, Iran are hoping for a giant-sized payback when they host Iraq on 25 February. Yakhchali was not around in the first window, and his absence was a big factor for the team's less-than-stellar results. Missing Yakhchali's playmaking and three-point shooting, Iran just could not get much going, especially against the Iraqis.

Norvel Pelle (Lebanon)

Pelle was extremely effective for Lebanon in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, averaging around 9 points, 5 rebounds and more than 3 blocks per game, and that's the kind of production the Lebanese missed in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers. Pelle's size, length and leaping ability make him the perfect center for a team like Lebanon, which heavily relies on their backcourt and wingmen to generate offense. His skill-set is something the Cedars should find useful as they take on West Asia rivals Syria and then India this coming February.

Ahmad Al Dwairi (Jordan)

Jordan were already quite impressive in the first window, what with their big wins over Syria and Lebanon, but they weren't even at full strength then! Arguably Jordan's top big man, Al Dwairi was last seen plying his trade for Fenerbahçe in the Turkey Basketball Super League. The 24-year-old 2.10m slotman can surely add more size and depth to Al Nashama if he chooses to play again, and Jordan could definitely use all his skills if they are to remain undefeated. They face India on 23 February followed by a tiff against Syria on 26 February.

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (India)

India have their backs against the wall heading into the second window as every game is practically a must-win affair. At full strength, the Young Cagers can hang with even the deepest teams in Asia, and that means having their finest backcourt player back in the fold. Bhriguvanshi's knee injury in the middle of last year effectively doomed any chances of Indian success at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, and it also meant the 1.95m wingman wasn't around to help India in the first Asian Qualifiers window. If Bhriguvanshi is ready and healthy, however, then there may yet be light at the end of the tunnel for India.

Guo Ailun (China)

China's unique two national teams system means they will field a completely new team in the second window compared to the first. This, in turn, may indicate that top Chinese floor general Guo Ailun will return to action and display the kind of play that made him quite a sensation at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. If, indeed, this happens, then expect China to go all out and keep their immaculate win-loss record intact. Team Dragon are set to play powerhouse New Zealand on 23 February, and they will surely need all the firepower they can muster. At the very least, the impending matchup between Guo and Tai Webster should be very exciting.

Kim SunHyung (Korea)

Another spitfire point guard who missed the first window was Kim SunHyung, but the Korean speedster can possibly return to the national side this coming February. Kim was absolutely brilliant for Korea in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, using his quickness, shooting and passing to routinely disrupt and frustrate opponents. They may not need to utilize him much against Hong Kong, but he may prove to be quite valuable when Korea host New Zealand on 26 February. That's a date the Tall Blacks have certainly circled as they are looking for some revenge, but if Kim is around, Korea may yet assert their dominance.

Terrence Romeo (Philippines)

One player who is sure to make headlines and turn heads is Filipino hotshot Terrence Romeo. The 1.83m combo guard can seize the imagination of fans all over due to his out-of-this-world ball-handling and his explosive shooting. Yes, there may be younger guards coming up the ranks for the Philippines like Jio Jalalon and Kiefer Ravena, but Romeo has been one of the faces of the national team since bursting onto the scene in 2015. Having Romeo back on the national team will ignite even more excitement for Gilas Pilipinas in their games against Australia and then Japan.

Enzo Flojo

FIBA

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