ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2009 in Johor Bahru was the very first edition of the competition, and it didn’t take long before its alumni began leaving their mark on Asian basketball. Now, with the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 set to tip off in Mongolia, it feels fitting to look back at some of those who have gone the distance.
That inaugural U16 Asia tilt ran from November 19 to 27 in Malaysia and immediately set the tone for how competitive youth basketball in the continent could be. China, Korea, Iran and the Philippines all swept their respective groups, before China and Iran continued their unbeaten runs through the Quarter-Finals stage. The Semi-Finals saw Korea edge Iran by just one point, while China cruised past the Philippines. In the Final, China proved untouchable, defeating Korea by 35 points behind Zhai Xiaochuan’s dominant 20-point, 17-rebound performance to claim the first-ever FIBA U16 Asia crown.
The rise of Guo Ailun
While Zhao starred in that Final, the tournament’s most significant long-term legacy belonged to Guo Ailun. Even as a teenager, Guo displayed the all-around brilliance that would later make him the most complete guard Asia has ever produced. From Johor Bahru, he would rise to lead China on the biggest stages: multiple FIBA Asia Cups, FIBA Basketball World Cups, and the Olympic Games. His blend of skill, leadership, and fearlessness became a model for the next generation of Asian players—and a reminder of just how important the U16 platform can be.
Jordan’s steady core
Fast forward to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 and few teams in Jeddah carried as much U16 history as Jordan. Malek Kanaan, Yousef AbuWazaneh and Yazan AlTaweel were all part of that original 2009 U16 cast, and remarkably, all three suited up again for the men’s national team this year. That kind of continuity is rare, but it shows just how valuable Jordan’s youth pipeline has been.
Chinese Taipei's legacy
Chinese Taipei also enjoyed strong U16 representation in Jeddah. Chen Ying-Chun was a U16 star in 2009 and has become one of Asia’s most reliable guards, steering his side with poise and veteran savvy. Alongside him, big man Chen Kuan-Chuan made the climb from Johor Bahru to the senior stage, another example of the Chinese Taipei program’s ability to develop guards who can compete against the region’s best.
Iran’s ironman
Arman Zangeneh, part of Iran’s 2009 U16 squad, has been a steady figure for Team Melli for more than a decade. In Jeddah he once again provided grit, rebounding and even someoutside shooting, embodying the toughness that Iran has long been known for in continental play.
Stars and standouts
The Class of 2009 also featured a number of players who became household names for their countries. Korea’s Lee JongHyun grew into a formidable frontcourt anchor.
The Philippines’ Kiefer Ravena rose to captain Gilas Pilipinas, while Japan’s Ryo Tawatari carved out a pro career across Japan's leagues and divisions. Kazakhstan’s Alexandr Zhigulin and Malaysia’s Ivan Yeo also carried their youth promise into senior prominence.
The 2009 edition was proof that U16 is more than just a starting point—it is a glimpse into Asia’s future. And as Mongolia prepares to host the 2025 tournament, fans may just be watching the next wave of names who will be remembered 16 years from now.
FIBA