ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2015 in Jakarta, Indonesia marked a turning point in the history of the competition. For the first time, China’s long reign at the U16 level was broken, and a new champion emerged to shake up the balance of power. With the 2025 edition in Ulaanbaatar drawing near, it’s worth remembering the stars who first made their mark a decade ago.
That fourth U16 staging ran from October 29 to November 7, with Japan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines and China sweeping their groups. By the time the Quarter-Finals rolled around, eight teams remained, with Taipei entering as the lone unbeaten squad. The knockout rounds brought drama: Chinese Taipei, Japan, China, and Korea advanced, setting up a pair of tense Semi-Finals. Chinese Taipei defeated Japan, but the real shock came when Korea stunned China to reach the Final for the first time. The championship game was hard-fought, but Korea completed its fairy tale run with a 78-69 win over Chinese Taipei, powered by 17 points apiece from Park Minwoo and Lee JungHyun. Korea, Chinese Taipei and China would later book tickets to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2016 in Zaragoza, Spain.
Yang JaeMin’s coming out party
Jakarta was the launchpad for Yang JaeMin, who averaged 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals to lead Korea’s golden run. He was instrumental in the upset of China, showcasing a fearlessness that defined Korea’s title charge. While he has yet to debut with the senior team, Yang has represented his country at youth levels and built a professional career overseas, already playing for three teams in the B.League.
Korea’s next wave
Yang wasn’t alone. Lee HyunJung, only 15 at the time, impressed with 14.0 points per game and a deadly outside stroke, averaging 2.3 triples. Fast forward to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, and HyunJung was Korea’s top performer, carrying the team with veteran poise. Lee JungHyun also made his mark in Jakarta with 12.6 points and 4.4 assists, later continuing to shine in Jeddah before exiting early.
Chinese Taipei’s star turn
Lin Ting-Chien set Jakarta ablaze, averaging 21.9 points to finish among the top scorers. He also contributed 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals while leading Chinese Taipei to their first and only FIBA U17 World Cup appearance. Today, he remains a cornerstone of the senior team, playing key roles in the 2022 and 2025 FIBA Asia Cups.
Other names to remember
China’s Li Xiangbo played sparingly in Jakarta but showed promise as an inside presence with 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. He is the only member of this class to appear in Jeddah. Lebanon’s Karim Zeinoun, who averaged 22.3 points and 11.0 rebounds while leading the tournament in steals (4.6), has since become a fixture for the Cedars, including in their 2025 campaign. Japan’s Yudai Nishida emerged as a sharpshooter, leading the tournament in three-pointers (3.9 per game) while averaging 18.2 points. He was one of Japan's main guards in Jeddah.
Breakthrough moments
The 2015 edition also produced landmark wins. The Philippines, led by SJ Belangel, notched their first-ever victory over China at the U16 level, a symbolic breakthrough for Gilas Youth. Belangel went on to play for the seniors, including at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup. Kuwait’s WASL veteran Mohammad Hasan also left an impression, posting 11.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks, a bright spot for a nation still seeking a return to the continental stage.
The Class of 2015 proved that U16 basketball can reshape the continent’s hierarchy. In Jakarta, Korea showed that the giants could be toppled, and a new generation of stars announced themselves. In Ulaanbaatar, the next wave will try to write a story just as memorable.
FIBA