DUBAI (UAE) - Club stakes are high at BCL Asia 2025, but for many players, national pride looms just as large. With the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, this elite club competition is a perfect launching pad to build momentum - and earn a spot on their national team rosters.
From seasoned stars to breakout names, here are some Asia Cup hopefuls to watch in Dubai.
Lebanon's core keep going
As usual, Al Riyadi is packed with the heart of Lebanon’s national team. Asia Cup 2022 MVP Wael Arakji, versatile forward Hayk Gyokchyan, defensive ace Ali Mansour, and sharpshoooting wing Karim Zeinoun are all key pieces for the Cedars and remain vital to the country’s bid to reclaim regional supremacy.
Arakji just dropped 33 points to end the group phase for Riyadi, a good sign for both club and country.
With the Asia Cup just months away, this group’s cohesion and dominance will be tested on the BCL Asia stage. So far, they have not disappointed, maintaining the form that keep them undefeated through FIBA WASL here in BCL Asia.
Iran's up-and-comers at Tabiat
Iran's hopes of a successful campaign at the Asia Cup will likely run one of the players currently suiting up for Tabiat - Sina Vahedi. He has been trending upward with 22.3 points per game at the WASL Final 8 and looks poised to lead a new generation for Team Melli in Saudi Arabia.
He's cooled down a bit in the earlier stages of BCL Asia, averaging 10.5 points per game, while also contributing 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per contest.
Rasoul Mozafari, along with frontcourt staples Arman Zangeneh and Hasan Aliakbari, bring experience and grit to this Tabiat team that finished first place in their group. They can also be key pieces for Iran at Asia Cup.
Saker's fresh faces
Fresh off their first-ever KBL title, the Changwon LG Sakers featured rising Korea talents Yu Kisang and Yang Junseok - both of whom made appearances in the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
The Sakers did not advance to the Final Phase of BCL Asia, but Yu and Yang both flashed potential of how they might contribute to Korea in Jeddah. Yang led Korea with 6.0 assists per game (and added 8.0 points per contest), while Yu scored in double-digits in both games to average 11.5 points per game.
Newsome eyes redemption for the Philippines
After helping Meralco capture their maiden PBA crown, Chris Newsome now shifts focus to regional success. The Gilas Pilipinas guard has already proven his value with his athleticism and poise, with consistent outings throughout the OQT in Latvia and all three windows of the Asia Cup Qualifiers.
He's been solid in Dubai with 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game for Meralco. If he can keep it up to complete a strong BCL Asia showing, it could cement his status as a core player in the Philippines’ Asia Cup campaign.
Chinese Taipei’s Pilots aim to take flight
Lu Chun-Hsiang's early injury is a bit unfortunate, but what he had displayed leading up to BCL Asia whether it was in BCL Asia-East or in P.League+ was pointing towards a hopeful national team appearance.
In BCL Asia-East, the local league MVP was averaging 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game and clearly among the brightest of the Pilots' stars. Of course, he had already been impressive for the national team, playing in all three windows of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, putting up 12.8 points per contest - highlighted by his performance in the upset over the Philippines.
For now, his absence leaves room for others to step up whether it is Lin Cheng, Pai Yao Cheng or Chen Yu Jui.
Lin Cheng has also been a part of the Asia Cup Qualifiers squad, averaging 4.3 points across three games. Pai and Chen, however, have not been a part of the recent squads, though Pai averaged 7.7 points per game through the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers while Chen played in the Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.
Brex provide mix of Asia Cup contending talents.
Utsunomiya Brex features top Asian talent Makoto Hiejima, a mainstay for Japan and a World Cup veteran. True to form, he's been one of Brex's best players, recording 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game so far in Dubai.
Hiejima did not play in the most recent Asia Cup, but he's already made three appearances in the region's flagship competition.
Alongside him here with Brex are Isaac Fotu and Finn Delany, two of New Zealand’s key forwards, giving this team squad both FIBA pedigree and continental aspirations. Fotu currently leads the team in points, rebounds, and efficient (19.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 24.5 EFF per game) while Delaney is just behind at third in each category (15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 17.0 EFF per game).
Both Tall Blacks were part of the World Cup 2023 team, though only Delany has made an appearance in the Asia Cup. Could both be in Jeddah in a few months' time?
As the battles begin in Dubai, don’t just watch for who lifts the trophy - watch for who might be lifting their national team come Asia Cup 2025.
Disclaimer: This is not an official announcement of player availability for FIBA Asia Cup. It is created solely to enhance the experience of the fans following the BCL Asia 2025 and FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Final rosters for FIBA Asia Cup will be confirmed following the Technical Meeting, which is set to take place before the start of the competition.
FIBA