JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – The scoreboard said 95-87, but for Chinese Taipei, the real triumph may have been how the baton was passed.
On a night when FIBA Asia Cup debutants were expected to simply find their footing, they found their fire instead. It was thanksmainly to a team built on a steady blend of veteran presence and youthful promise.
Chen Ying-Chun was the headliner, torching the Philippines with 34 points in a shooting clinic. But this wasn’t just a solo act. It was the unveiling of a Taipei squad shaped by its seasoned leaders and powered by a new generation eager to rise.
"Definitely Ray [Chen Ying-Chun] and Gavin [Liu Cheng]," said Lin Ting-Chien, when asked who he looks up to. "They’ve helped me a lot since I first joined the national team in 2020. On and off the court, they’re great leaders."
Chen, now one of the oldest players on the team at 31, knows exactly what his role is.
"It’s a learning process for me to be a leader," he shared. "Even though I’m one of the oldest, I’m still figuring out how to lead this young team and be the bridge between the coaches and players."
Against the battle-tested Philippines, that bridge held strong, and it helped launch a few breakout performances.
Robert Hinton was one of the biggest sparks, finishing with 14 points and plenty of composure.
"It’s been coming for a while, man," he said after the win. "It means so much to us. This is just an amazing start to the Asia Cup. There’s no better start than a win. I’m so proud of my guys. They worked so hard all the way to the end."
The electric atmosphere inside King Abdullah Sports City only added fuel.
"Those Philippines fans, they were talking crazy online," Hinton said with a laugh. "They brought the energy. It felt like an away game. They packed it out crazy here. That made the win just so much sweeter."
As for 28-year-old center Brandon Gilbeck, he was an anchor in the paint with 16 points and 9 boards, but even he smiled at how young the team has gotten.
"I’m like the third, fourth oldest guy on the team," he said. "Obviously, we have the Hinton brothers, this is their first time. I think everyone's really excited about them. And then, of course, Ma Chien-Hao, he's he's also an exciting player to watch."
Still, the collective chemistry is already showing.
"The Hinton brothers, Gilbeck, Benson... they’re going to be the future," Chen said. "I’m just here to help them grow."
On this night and in this huge win, they grew and won together.
FIBA