AMMAN (Jordan) - With some high profile ballers absent at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021, both Isaem Choi and Kiho Miyashita wasted no time in filling the void and landing in the middle of the competition's radar during the first day of action.

Choi went off for 29 points and also landed 8 rebounds in Korea's hugely significant 85-69 victory against New Zealand, while Miyashita produced a fantastic 27 points and 5 assists as she shot the lights out in Japan's 136-46 demolition of India.

But just who are the Korean forward and Japanese winger? 

Isaem Choi - Korea

POWER FORWARD

Height: 1.83cm / 6ft 0in
Date of Birth: August 17, 1994

When Choi racked up that amazing first day tally of 29 points, many fans will have been eager to find out more about the forward, but some may have had a sense that they had seen her previously. And, they would not have been wrong, since she has been on the fringes of rosters for some time. Indeed, she went to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Tenerife during 2018 but only played 2 minutes per game. Then, two years ago she was at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Bengaluru, but was not given the opportunity. 

Meanwhile as most of her teammates in Jordan can reflect on the experiences of participating at the Women's Olympic Basketball in Tokyo earlier this year, Choi was overlooked for selection - even after her ongoing domestic  importance to Woori Bank in the WKBL. However, it now looks to be that the change of coach to the legendary Jung Sun-Min could be influential and certainly the playcaller needs as many players as possible to step up with marquee star Jisu Park absent. And, if Choi can continue in this rich vein of form, it gives Korea a great chance to make a long overdue podium return.

Kiho Miyashita - Japan

SMALL FORWARD

Height: 1.79cm / 5ft 10in
Date of Birth: October 6, 1998

As was the case with Choi, the Japanese winger has always had some involvement at various levels, but not quite made the final cut for the biggest tournaments. She starred at youth level at the FIBA Women's U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Udine a few years ago and because of her dynamic skill-set, stepped out with her country at the 3X3 Basketball World Cup in 2019. 

 
Playing for the struggling Aishin AW Wings, Miyashita has not been playing for one of the  biggest teams in the WJBL and while that has probably not impacted on her selection chances, it has probably meant her profile is not as big as other national team contenders. Selected for the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, Miyashita did really well and then travelled with the team to Ostend in February last year for the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. While she had to cope with the disappointment of missing out on Tokyo2020, it looks like now is the time to make amends and she is determined to play a major role in helping Japan win a fifth FIBA Women's Asia Cup title in a row.

FIBA