MIES (Switzerland) - Another cycle of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualification is almost upon us, and the excitement couldn't be higher as Asia's top teams take their first steps towards global silverware.
For the third straight edition, Asia will be staging the World Cup in 2027, adding extra significance to the continental Qualifiers that will be sending seven teams, besides hosts Qatar, to the 2027 showpiece.
While there are exciting young guns to keep an eye out for, when the game’s on the line, it will be the established stars who’ll shine.
Here are 10 must-watch players in the opening window of the Asian Qualifiers.
Jaylin Galloway – Australia
Let’s get the most obvious name out of the way. Still only 22 years old, and already the reigning TISSOT Asia Cup 2025 MVP, the upside on Galloway is immense. The 197 cm / 6'5" guard, who is technically more of a winger, led the Boomers in points, steals and overall efficiency. Expect similar production from Galloway against New Zealand in the opening window, even with another big time swingman in Alex Ducas, returning to the side after winning an NBA title. Australia truly is an embarrassment of riches.
Hu Jinqiu – China
Like Galloway, Hu also made it to the Asia Cup 2025 All-Star Five. The 28-year-old, 210 cm / 6'10" center led the Continental Cup in field goal percentage and double-doubles. Korea will be hard-pressed in trying to contain this Great Wall of China who scored at a ridiculous 77.2 percent from the field.
Mojave King – New Zealand
It was heartbreak for the Tall Blacks at this year’s Asia Cup, finishing just outside the medal bracket. But New Zealand would not have even reached the bronze medal game had it not been for 23-year-old Mojave King. The 193 cm / 6'3" guard led his team in scoring and steals, besides being in the top 3 in efficiency.
Justin Brownlee – Philippines
Already 37, these Qualifiers could be Brownlee’s swansong, making it even more important that we watch him before he hangs up his Gilas jersey. But he's also aged like fine wine, so it will always be a joy to watch Magic Brownlee go to work.
One among only five players at the 2025 Asia Cup to average more than 20 points per game, the 200 cm / 6'6" power forward was also the Philippines’ most efficient performer.
Hyunjung Lee – Korea
Korea's ninth World Cup appearance will depend on Lee continuing where he left off in the 2025 Asia Cup. Facing China in back-to-back games in this window, Korea will be hoping for a different result than their quarterfinal loss in the Continental Cup. If an upset is in order, a lot will depend on the 25-year-old 200 cm / 6'6" forward Lee, not only replicating his Asia Cup per game figures of 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and +20.6 efficiency, but exceeding it too.
Yuta Watanabe – Japan
It is always a welcome sight to see Watanabe back with AKATSUKI JAPAN. The second Japan-born player in the NBA, the 206 cm / 6'9" forward returned from his six-season trans-Atlantic stay last year. The 31-year-old will now be eager to build on his previous stint with the national side in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he put up solid figures of 11.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Mohamed Alsuwailem – Saudi Arabia
If you are unfamiliar with Alsuwailem’s game, think of Croatian center Ivica Zubac with the LA Clippers. Unhurried, unassuming, yet devastatingly impactful, the 208 cm / 6'9" center stunned all stat nerds by leading the 2025 Asia Cup in overall efficiency (+28.3), rebounds (12.5) AND blocks (2.8) per game.
Facing an opponent the should have an advantage over in India during this First Window, the 27-year-old will look to bolster his already impressive numbers.
Sina Vahedi – Iran
We were really looking forward to watch Mohammad Amini take charge for Iran once again, so it was a bit disappointing to see that he was announced unable to play this window due to an injury.
But hey, Iran's Asia Cup 2025 leading scorer Sina Vahedi is just as big of a star and should be just as exciting to watch. The 24-year-old was named to the All-Star Five of the Continental Cup in Jeddah after recording 17.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game in his first Asia Cup appearance, all the way to winning bronze.
So, we're actually more than fine to see Sina rack up points for Team Melli this window.
Benson Lin – Chinese Taipei
Alongside center Brandon Gilbeck, shooting guard Benson Lin or Lin Ting Chien, will be leading Taipei's charge in their latest World Cup qualification bid. 26-year-old Lin was consistency personified in this year’s Asia Cup quarterfinals run, averaging nearly 15 points in a little over 25 minutes per game. Standing between Lin and history, though, is Japan, a team they haven’t beaten in the last five meetings dating back to July 2018.
Wael Arakji – Lebanon
Rounding off our top 10 list is the one and only Wael Arakji. The 31-year-old 193 cm / 6'4" point guard was conspicuous by his absence in the 2025 Asia Cup, despite being listed on the roster. With Cedars facing World Cup 2027 hosts Qatar twice in the opening window, expect this talismanic floor general to lead from both the heart and the mind.
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