Potential debuts to watch: A local legend, a youth MVP, and a G League alum

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - We’ve arrived at the final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

Talents have come through and made an impact through these Qualifiers, solidifying their status in the national team pool. Many did so right in their first times playing for the national team whether it was the likes of Yuki Kawamura, Jordan Clarkson, or Mustafa Rashed, among others.

Even now as the Qualifiers are heading toward the sixth window, there might still be some players that will be making their first senior national team appearances… and expecting to shine when the bright lights are turned their way.

Here are some that you should definitely keep your eyes on if you’re a big fan of Asia basketball.

Justin Brownlee (Philippines)

The journeys that these players take to get where they are on the court are remarkable, as is the case with Justin Brownlee. The 34-year-old forward has traveled the world because of basketball and he found a home in the Philippines.

After experiencing much success, winning, and becoming a fan favorite, Brownlee now has the opportunity to also represent the Philippines by playing for the national team. He’s already been shortlisted on the 24-player preliminary roster and there’s a lot of optimism that he will be suiting up for the games during this window.

Philippines basketball fans know what they would be getting (an all-around talent that can put up around 30 points, 10, rebounds, and 5 assists in 40 minutes) as he’s been starring and winning in the country for nearly a decade. It’s easy to see why Gilas fans are excited to see whether “Magic Brownlee” will be making his debut against Lebanon (24 February) and Jordan (27 February).

Zeng Fanbo (China)

China are transitioning towards youngrt players, opening up the chance for Zeng Fanbo who might be one of the best in the near future.

The 20-year-old has already compiled quite a resume, having played high school basketball in the USA before signing on to be a part of the G-League Ignite team in 2021. After a brief stint in the NBA Summer League with the Indiana Pacers, Zeng returned to China and has since been playing with the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

In the past, Zeng has come close to playing for the national team. Whether it was for the youth national teams from U16, U17, U18, to U19 or even the senior national team for the Asia Cup Qualifiers, Zeng has always been envisioned to be a part of the program even if he hasn’t been able to play so far due to whatever reason.

Now, Zeng has been called up once again to be a part of the national team training camp by coach Sasha Djordjevic (who is making a first-time appearance as a head coach for China as well). There should be a good chance that the sold-out crowds at Tsuen Wan Stadium on 23 February and  26 February when China faces Kazakhstan Iran, respectively, will get to see the talented youngster fly high for the national team.

Yuto Kawashima (Japan)

The times continue to be exciting in Japan basketball as they’ve enjoyed a surge of interesting young talents over the past years. Whether it’s Yuta Watanabe, Rui Hachimura, Yudai Baba, or Yuki Kawamura, you can see why Japanese basketball fans are hyped.

Another name might be added to that list of “must-watch” talents soon after Yuto Kawashima was announced as a part of the updated senior national team training camp pool.

The 17-year-old has nearly done it all at the youth level, whether it’s the U16 Asian Championship 2022 (where he was named the competition’s MVP after leading all players in scoring), U17 World Cup 2022, U18 Asian Championship 2022, and the U19 World Cup 2021 (which he is be eligible to play in again in 2023).

Kawashima has shown that he can do it all as a forward and coach Tom Hovasse seems to like that in his options at that position. Will that be enough to convince the Akatsuki Japan head coach to give him a test run in the games against Iran (23 February) or Bahrain (26 February)? Will it eventually lead to Kawashima earning a spot in the World Cup later this year?

We’ll just have to wait to see and find out.

FIBA