ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Expect all EABA representatives to up the ante even higher as the fast-approaching FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 is all set to get rolling this weekend in this sprawling Mongolian capital.
The August 31-September 7 festivities actually marks the biennial continental meet's comeback in the East Asia region after nearly a decade, or since the 2017 competitions that was held in the city of Foshan.
For a quick look-back, Australia conquered the tourney with a strong five-game sweep, capped by a 91-67 victory over hosts China in the Final to make it a golden debut - and kick-start what's now become a 'three-peat.'
That particular title run enabled the Crocs to tie Team Dragon for the most number of championships in the tournament, making the 2025 games a potential tiebreaker between the two programs.
China lorded over the first three U16 Asia Cups and have since been looking for their fourth gold medal, as they only settled for a pair of bronze-medal finishes and a silver in three of the last four editions.
But it's not just them which the other competitors should be wary of. Korea are in the mix as well, another East Asian side which was the last to win the crown in this tilt before the Aussies' reign of dominance.
Yes, after the Chinese' own 'three-peat,' the Koreans went on to rule the event in 2015 in Jakarta, Indonesia, beating another sub-zone rival in Chinese Taipei in the finale, 78-69, for their breakthrough chip.
Chinese Taipei were contenders themselves, too, having reached the Semi-Finals twice in a row in the first five contests. And they're surely keen to do it again now that they're returning after eight years.
Not to be overlooked are Japan, who after consecutive bronze finishes in 2011 and 2013, are now hoping to snatch the gold this time - that, after getting close in 2022 in Doha, Qatar as they took home silver.
Last but definitely not the least are hosts Mongolia, a program that's set to make its long-awaited tournament debut and hoping, of course, to contribute to the country's rise in basketball in recent years.
This would also be the Mongolians' second hosting of a FIBA youth event, having done so in 2012 when the U18 Asia Cup was staged in Ulaanbaatar as well where China won the second of three straight golds.
The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 will open on August 31 beginning with the Group Phase that runs until September 2. To know more about the aforementioned teams' groupings and complete schedules, click here.
FIBA