MIES (Switzerland) – The future of Asian basketball will be on display once again. As the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers return for Window 3, fans will once again get the chance to watch established stars lead their countries in crucial games. Alongside those familiar names, however, is a new generation eager to make its mark.
From rising collegiate basketball talents and professional standouts to youth tournament stars already knocking on the door of stardom, these young players could play important roles for their national teams as the race towards World Cup 2027 continues.
Here are 13 young stars to keep an eye on in Window 3.
Mike Phillips - Philippines
Birth Date: Jul 5, 2002 (23 years old) Height: 203 cm / 6'8"
Mike Phillips has quickly become one of the most intriguing young players in Philippine basketball. The energetic forward was a two-time collegiate champion with De La Salle University in the Philippines and has built a reputation through his relentless motor, rebounding and high-flying intensity. Whether diving for loose balls or battling inside against bigger opponents, Phillips consistently finds ways to impact winning beyond the box score. His style of play makes him a natural fit for the national team environment, and Window 3 could offer the best opportunity for him to establish himself in Gilas Pilipinas colors.
Ryan Salehi Raad - Iran
Birth Date: Jun 22, 2004 (22 years old) Height: 197 cm / 6'6"
Ryan Salehi Raad could be one of the newest names introduced to Asian basketball fans in Window 3., after being called to the Iran national team training camp. He has built an impressive résumé in the American college ranks, most recently starring for the College of Southern Nevada. The guard led the Coyotes in scoring during the 2025-26 NJCAA season, averaging 16.4 points per game while also contributing 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Although he has yet to appear in an official FIBA competition, Raad's scoring ability make him an intriguing prospect for Iran. If given an opportunity, he could emerge as one of the breakout newcomers of the Qualifiers.
Mojave King - New Zealand
Birth Date: Jun 11, 2002 (24 years old) Height: 193 cm / 6'4"
Mojave King has spent much of his young career competing against top-level talent around the world, both professionally and internationally. The athletic wing has become an increasingly important member of the Tall Blacks thanks to his versatility, athleticism and two-way impact. In the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, he averaged 17.7 points and 2.3 three-pointers made per game.
Akira Jacobs - Japan
Birth Date: Apr 13, 2004 (22 years old) Height: 203 cm / 6'8"
Akira Jacobs has continued his development in the United States, competing at the NCAA Division 1, most recently with Fordham University, while steadily progressing toward the senior national team. The versatile wing also represented Japan at last year's FIBA Asia Cup, averaging 7.5 points per game in a relief role. He possesses the size, athleticism and skill set that fit today's modern game. Should he earn a place on Japan's final roster for Window 3, Jacobs could provide valuable depth on both ends of the floor.
Yuto Kawashima - Japan
Birth Date: May 7, 2005 (21 years old) Height: 200 cm / 6'7"
Another rising Japanese prospect worth watching is Yuto Kawashima. The talented big man was named MVP of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2022 after averaging 26.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per contest. Not surprisingly, he has cemented himself as one of the country's brightest long-term prospects. Kawashima has impressed with his offensive creativity and confidence, traits that have helped him emerge as one of Japan's most promising young hybrid forwards. Already having played at the senior level, Kawashima comes in as a double-double threat. As Japan continue blending youth with experience, Kawashima's growth remains one of the most intriguing storylines to follow.
Kang SungWook - Korea
Birth Date: Sep 15, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 183 cm / 6'0"
Korea have traditionally relied on skilled guards and sharpshooters, and Kang SungWook offers a glimpse into the next generation. The young guard previously represented Korea at the FIBA U18 Asian Championship 2022 and FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023. He has attracted attention with his impressive sharpshooting, hitting 1.8 three-pointers per game at the U18 level. His ability to make baskets from beyond the arc makes Korea's perimeter scoring even more dangerous. Should he earn meaningful minutes in Window 3, Kang could further strengthen his case as one of the country's rising stars.
Harsh Dagar - India
Birth Date: Feb 23, 2005 (21 years old) Height: 189 cm / 6'2"
India's basketball future continues to develop, and Harsh Dagar stands among the country's most promising rising stars. Dagar has steadily gained attention through his performances at youth international competitions, and he has also seen action at multiple senior level events, most recently the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 and the previous two windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, displaying maturity and confidence beyond his years. His continued progression represents an encouraging sign for Indian basketball as the program seeks to establish itself among Asia's contenders.
Wang Junjie - China
Birth Date: Apr 3, 2005 (21 years old) Height: 206 cm / 6'9"
Wang Junjie has already shown he belongs on the biggest stages. The versatile forward played an important role during China's successful FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign, putting up 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 triples per game while also shooting 56.1 percent from the field. His ability to score, rebound and defend multiple positions gives China valuable flexibility. With more senior international experience under his belt, Wang enters Window 3 as a player capable of making a significant impact.
Saif Al-Deen Saleh - Jordan
Birth Date: Jul 18, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 204 cm / 6'8"
Jordan have enjoyed success in recent years, and Saif Al-Deen Saleh represents an important part of what comes next. The versatile and talented hybrid forward has steadily earned recognition for his skill, composure and ability to come up big in crunch time. At the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025, he put up 12.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, including scoring 19 points twice against Dominican Republic. Learning alongside experienced senior national team veterans should only accelerate his development. As Jordan continue chasing another FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance, Saleh will be one of the young names worth monitoring throughout the window.
Karl Zamatta - Lebanon
Birth Date: May 7, 2006 (20 years old) Height: 200 cm / 6'7"
Lebanon have consistently produced talented big men, and Karl Zamatta appears ready to follow that tradition. He is a key figure for Lebanon's past youth national teams, having seen action in multiple youth Asia Cups and a couple of youth Basketball World Cups. Most recently, Zamatta averaged 12.7 points at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024, including dropping 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals against Chinese Taipei. Window 3 could provide another important step in his development as he looks to transition from youth standout to senior national team contributor.
Zine Eddine Bedri - Qatar
Birth Date: Oct 15, 2002 (23 years old) Height: 208 cm / 6'10"
Zine Eddine Bedri is quickly emerging as one of the key building blocks of Qatar's basketball future. The big man already made an impression at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor. The versatile Bedri is widely viewed as one of the future cornerstones of the Qatar national team. After missing the first two qualifying windows, his expected return for Window 3 could provide a significant boost for the hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
Yang Hansen - China
Birth Date: Jun 26, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 216 cm / 7'1"
Few young players in Asia are generating as much excitement as Yang Hansen. The highly skilled former Portland Trail Blazers center has drawn attention for his impressive combination of size, passing ability and scoring touch. Already regarded as one of China's most important long-term prospects, Yang's last appearance for China's national team was at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where she averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 block over six contests. As such, Yang has demonstrated that he can influence games in a variety of ways. Every appearance provides another opportunity to witness the development of a player many believe could become one of Asia's next global stars.
Tyrese Proctor - Australia
Birth Date: Apr 1, 2004 (22 years old) Height: 193 cm / 6'4"
Already an Asia Cup champion with the Boomers, Tyrese Proctor continues to establish himself as one of Australia's brightest young talents. The gifted guard also gained valuable experience at the professional level with the Cleveland Cavaliers following a stellar collegiate career at Duke, bringing elite playmaking, defensive instincts and composure well beyond his years. Still only in his early twenties, Proctor already looks comfortable on the senior international stage. As Australia continue their qualification campaign, expect the dynamic guard to once again play an important role.
FIBA