JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah has given us the full package. We have seen high-stakes games, jaw-dropping plays and the kind of drama only Asian basketball can deliver. However, beyond the established stars and household names, a fresh wave of talent is making its mark. The under-23 crowd is not just tagging along. They’re driving their teams deep into the tournament with fearless play and breakout performances.
Keep in mind, these players were chosen based on their age (born 2002 or younger) and their form over the first 10 days of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Only players whose teams advanced to the Quarter-Finals were considered.
Jaylin Galloway – Australia (born 2002)
When Australia needed someone to set the tone, Jaylin Galloway answered with authority. Leading the Boomers in both points (17.3) and efficiency (18.3), the 197cm/6'5" wing has been a whirlwind on both ends. His standout game came against Lebanon in the group phase, where he had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, four steals and two triples. That performance helped Australia eventually punch their ticket directly to the Quarter-Finals. Galloway’s combination of length, skill and competitive fire has made him one of the faces of the Boomers’ new generation.
Mojave King – New Zealand (born 2002)
Mojave King’s game is pure smoothness wrapped in confidence. Averaging 18.5 points and ranking second in efficiency (17.3) for the Tall Blacks, King shined brightest against Chinese Taipei, dropping 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four triples. His ability to create off the dribble and score in bunches has kept New Zealand in striking distance against anyone. He's a big reason they reached the Semi-Finals.
Yeo JunSeok – Korea (born 2002)
Korea’s high-energy forward Yeo Junseok isn’t one to shy away from the moment. His 22-point, six-rebound game against Qatar in the group phase was a showcase of his scoring instincts and relentless hustle. Sure, he’s averaging five rebounds per game. However, it’s his activity on both ends that has given Korea an extra gear in key stretches.
Youssef Khayat – Lebanon (born 2003)
For Lebanon, Youssef Khayat has been more than just a promising prospect. He’s been one of their primary offensive weapons. He is second on the Cedars in scoring (11.4) and rebounds (5.8) while ranking third in efficiency (14.0). Khayat’s mix of size, skill and poise have been on full display. Even in a group phase defeat to Australia, he poured in 22 points, grabbed six boards and added a couple of steals, showing he’s capable of shouldering big-time responsibility.
Carlin Davison – New Zealand (born 2003)
Carlin Davison might not fill up the scoring column every night, but he’s been New Zealand’s glue guy and their leading rebounder at 7.5 boards per game. In the Tall Blacks’ incredible Quarter-Final comeback against Lebanon, Davison stuffed the stat sheet with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a block. His energy and versatility have been vital in helping New Zealand power through to the Semi-Finals.
Adam & Robert Hinton – Chinese Taipei (born 2003 & 2006 respectively)
Basketball is a family affair for Chinese Taipei, and the Hinton brothers have been a sparkplug duo. Adam, the older of the two, is averaging 12.0 points and had a standout 18-point performance in the Qualification to Quarterfinals phase against Jordan.
Robert, just 19, lit up New Zealand with 24 points and four triples in the group phase. Together, they’ve brought scoring punch, energy and a sense of swagger to Chinese-Taipei's FIBA Asia Cup run.
Mohammad Amini – Iran (born 2005)
It’s rare to see a 20-year-old dictate the flow of knockout basketball, but Mohammad Amini has done just that for Iran. He’s second on the team in scoring (17.8), rebounds (6.5) and efficiency (16.0) while also ranking third in assists and steals. His defining moment came in the Quarter-Finals against Chinese Taipei, when he exploded for 30 points and 11 rebounds to lead an epic comeback. Iran’s march to the Semi-Finals has Amini's fingerprints all over it.
Wang Junjie – China (born 2005)
China’s frontcourt future is in good hands with Wang Junjie. Just 20 years old, he’s averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds while hitting two triples per game. His Quarter-Finals outing against Korea was a masterclass in inside-out play. He tallied 21 points, seven boards and sank three triples. Wang’s combination of size, touch and court awareness makes him one of the tournament’s most exciting young bigs.
From teenagers playing beyond their years to young veterans embracing the spotlight, these U23 standouts have reminded us that the FIBA Asia Cup isn’t just about the here and now. It's also a glimpse into the region’s basketball future. In Jeddah, the next generation isn’t idly waiting their turn. They’re taking it.
DISCLAIMER: These choices are completely subjective and an effort by FIBA Asia Communications team to enhance fans experience. They in no way represent an official or precise ranking system.
FIBA