JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - Much of the attention will be drawn on Australia when the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 finally raises its curtains this week at the King Abdullah Sports City in this sprawling Saudi Arabian city.
That of course is a given being the defending two-time champions, with observers watching if the Boomers would be able to complete a 'three-peat' - a feat that hasn't been done in this tourney for over 20 years now.
The last time that a team accomplished as much was in 2003 in Harbin, when China struck gold for the third successive time, eventually making it four straight by ruling the 2005 showpiece held in Doha, Qatar.
But aside from title talks, many are curious if they can stay unbeaten.
Since joining in 2017, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists have won all of their 12 matches so far in the Asia Cup, which could have a case as one of the longest winning streaks in this prestigious competition.
Can somebody break that streak as early as the Group Phase?
That's a burning question some have been wondering about, with Australia set to face teams that impose legitimate threats to their bid - Lebanon, Qatar, and Korea - in Group A of the August 5-17 festivities.
Sure, they've beaten the Cedars in the 2022 Final in Jakarta, Indonesia, but not before avoiding the upset axe as the contenders from West Asia made it a long night for them before bowing to a 76-74 decision.
It was undeniably one of the most pulsating Finals in Asia Cup history, and the Lebanese are sure to come out swinging knowing that they can go toe-to-toe with one of the world's top-ranked teams.
Add to that the confidence further boosted by the return of 2022 Asia Cup MVP Wael Arakji, who was included into the 12-man lineup after being thought to sit out due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the BCL Asia last June.
Then there are also the Qataris, a team which should not be taken lightly by anyone as they are hungry to prove themselves worthy, being the hosts of the next FIBA Basketball World Cup set in 2027.
Not only are they gearing up for the sport's biggest stage but Team Qatar are also looking to bring the country back to medal contention in the tilt, something that they haven't done in about two decades.
The last time Qatar stood at the podium was in 2005 in their own home soil, where they completed a back-to-back bronze finish - which to this day remain as the only medals they've won in this event.
Last but not the least are Korea, who's itching to go back to the podium after copping bronze in 2017.
It's going to be easier said than done, with the crew bannered by Kim Jongkyu and Lee Hyunjung embarking on their first Asia Cup in quite a while without Ra Gunah after he retired from international duties last year.
Group A action starts Wednesday, with the Aussies and the Koreans duking it out at 11:00 local time, followed by a clash between Lebanon and Qatar at 21:00 local time - matches that could dictate how this pool would go.
The team that will finish at no. 1 in the group will head straight into the Quarter-Finals that starts August 13, while those ending up at second and third will have to go through the Qualification to Quarter-Finals set on the 11th.
For the complete Group A schedule, click here.
FIBA