ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2022 in Doha proved that the tournament had truly become a gateway for Asia’s next generation of basketball stars. Played from June 12 to 19, it marked the first time China and Chinese Taipei did not take part, but it also opened the door for other nations to break through. With Ulaanbaatar now set to host the 2025 edition, it’s worth remembering the Class of 2022 that continues to make waves today.
That sixth U16 staging saw Australia, Iran, Japan and Korea sweep through the group stage. The Philippines, Lebanon, New Zealand and India joined them in the Quarter-Finals after passing through the Qualification phase. The knockout round delivered plenty of drama: Lebanon and New Zealand shocked unbeaten Iran and Korea, while Australia and Japan marched forward with authority. The four Semi-Finalists, Australia, Lebanon, New Zealand, and Japan, all booked spots to the FIBA U17 World Cup in Malaga, Spain. In the Final, Australia flexed its depth and size, defeating Japan 94-63 behind Roman Siulepa’s 18 points and 9 rebounds.
Iran’s unstoppable scorer
Few players were as dominant in Doha as Mohammad Amini. He averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.6 steals and 2.6 triples per game, showcasing a complete skill set that made him nearly unguardable. Amini has since represented Iran at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and was one of the standout performers again at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, confirming his status as one of Asia’s brightest young stars.
India’s rising leader
India also found a gem in Harsh Dagar. The guard averaged 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists, providing all-around production and fearless play. Dagar led India to a top five finish, which remains their best in U16 competition history. Since then, he has featured in multiple Qualifiers and carried his momentum to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, where he continues to prove that India’s future has promise.
Japan’s breakthrough moment
For the first time ever, Japan reached the U16 Asia Cup Final, and they did so on the back of Yuto Kawashima. The prolific wing lit up defenses, leading the entire tournament with 26.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while sinking nearly three triples per contest. Kawashima has since made his senior debut, appearing in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers and reinforcing his place as one of Japan’s rising stars.
Australia’s next wave
Australia captured their second U16 Asia crown with a roster brimming with future talent. Center Rocco Zikarsky averaged a double-double (11.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks) while Siulepa added 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. Both have since been tabbed as major prospects for the Boomers’ senior program, continuing the Aussies' tradition of depth and dominance.
Qatar’s homegrown cornerstone
Doha also gave fans a glimpse of Qatar’s future in Moustapha Ndao. The athletic forward averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, while also contributing on defense with 1.3 blocks per game. Having already appeared in Qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, he is seen as a potential cornerstone for Qatar’s long-term vision, especially with the nation set to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
The Class of 2022 showed that the balance of power in Asia is constantly shifting. From Amini’s brilliance to Japan’s historic run and Australia’s dominance, Doha was proof that the U16 stage is where future legends begin their stories.
FIBA