ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2011 in Nha Trang was the second edition of the continental youth showcase, and it firmly established the tournament as a breeding ground for future stars. With the 2025 edition now on the horizon, it’s worth looking back at the class that first shone in Vietnam.
That tilt ran from October 18 to 28, with China, Korea, the Philippines and Japan all sweeping their groups in the preliminary stage. By the time the Quarter-Finals rolled around, eight teams remained, as China and the Philippines led the way with identical 5-0 records. Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines advanced to the Semi-Finals, where China overcame Japan and Korea got the better of the Philippines. The Final was nothing short of a coronation, as a 15-year-old Zhou Qi exploded for 43 points and 19 rebounds to power China past Korea, 92-52, in one of the most dominant youth performances Asia has ever seen.
Zhou Qi and Zhao Jiwei lead the way
Zhou’s unforgettable Final was just the beginning. He went on to anchor China in two FIBA Asia Cups (2015 and 2022), FIBA Basketball World Cups (2019 and 2023), and even having a stint in the NBA. Alongside him was guard Zhao Jiwei, who also made the leap from Nha Trang to becoming a senior team mainstay, steering China’s offense with steadiness and grit. Both Zhou and Zhao were part of the Chinese national team that ruled the FIBA Asia Cup 2015 in Changsha-Hunan.
The debut of Yudai Baba
Japan’s Yudai Baba was another U16 standout who continues to make waves today. From his early promise in Vietnam, Baba blossomed into a dynamic two-way wing and has since become a cornerstone for Akatsuki Japan, including in the recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He has also seen action in the NBA G-League and Australia's NBL. His athleticism and relentless energy remain hallmarks of his game.
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia’s pride
Gerard Hadidian carried the Lebanese flag in 2011 and has gone on to become a steady contributor for the Cedars, including in Jeddah 2025. Hadidian wasa tower of power for Lebanon in 2011, putting up 12.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, Ali Shubayli embodied Saudi Arabia’s hustle and energy. Though he wasn't Saudi Arabia's star in 2011, he has since been one of the program's most enduring players. His longevity has seen him remain a key figure for his national team well over a decade later. In fact, Shubayli has seen action in two FIBA Asia Cups (2022 and 2025) in addition to multiple qualifying tournaments.
Other standout names
The 2011 edition also gave fans glimpses of talents who became fixtures for their own respective countries. Korea’s Heo Hoon, son of legendary coach Hur Jae, emerged as a top guard. The Philippines’ Jordan Heading developed into one of Gilas Pilipinas’ shooters. Indonesia’s Vincent Kosasih represented a new wave of bigs for Timnas Basket.
The Class of 2011 showed that U16 basketball is more than a glimpse of tomorrow. It is where many of today’s Asian stars first made their mark. As Ulaanbaatar prepares to host the 2025 edition, a new wave of talent will be ready to carve out their own place in that legacy.
FIBA