AHMEDABAD (India) - It has only been four years since the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2022 was held in the Iranian capital of Tehran, but there is already a select few who are now building careers others could only dream of.
Take a look at the quintet in this latest edition of Where Are They Now, where we take a look at what's been the latest happenings with some players who have succeeded way beyond the biennial contest.
Yang Hansen (CHN)
Of the five in this list, Yang Hansen has undeniably reached the biggest of stages. The 21-year-old from Shandong Province is now in the NBA, having just concluded his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Once a star in the CBA back home, the 2.16 M (7'1") wonder is now being called to by fans as the "Chinese Jokic" due to his passing prowess for a big man, which he's been showcasing since the 2022 U18 Asia Cup.
That was evident once more during the recent NBA Summer League although fans in this continent were treated earlier after helping China in Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Definitely, there's more that Yang would want to showcase entering his sophomore season in the Association - or perhaps in the World Cup proper in Qatar next year, if ever the traditional contenders make it there.
Mohammad Amini (IRI)
Mohammad Amini turned heads in Tehran after starring for Iran in the 2022 games and he'd become one of the more recognized talents in Asia when he made his senior debut in the 2023 World Cup in Manila.
Yes, at only 18 years young, the 2.01 M (6'7") guard already played for Team Melli and in such a prestigious event, although performing under bright lights is nothing new to the native of Bandar Abbas.
During his first appearances with the Iranian youth teams in 2022, Amini was a member of AS Monaco's U21 team. He was there until 2024 before taking his act to SLUC Nancy Basket in France, opting to stay in Europe.
Also a member of the Iran team that won the bronze medal in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, the 21-year-old is now eyeing to make it to the NBA. In fact, he played for the Boston Celtics in the recent NBA Summer League.
We'd all be happy if he does make it, for sure.
Harsh Dagar (IND)
Harsh Dagar turned 21 just last February but is already seasoned in FIBA play. After competing in the U16 and U18 Asia Cups in 2022, he got called up to the India senior team come 2023, and has since become a mainstay.
He made his men's debut during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers before being named part of the squad that competed in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Syria in the same year.
Dagar would also see action in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where he'd help Team India reach the Asia Cup proper, making sure that the South Asian powerhouse will reach the event for the 11th time in a row.
He most recently played in the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers, helping his team put up a gallant fight against some of Asia's finest although they ultimately fell short once again in punching a ticket to the Second Round.
Dagar, by the way, has been playing professionally as well. He even took his talents to Mongolia and signed with the BCH Knights of The League - the same league where former BCL Asia-East champions Broncos play.
Yuto Kawashima (JPN)
Not often do we see Asian players join the renowned Centre of Excellence in Australia, yet Yuto Kawashima did. He took his talents Down Under to hone his skills, all while being a part of the NBA Global Academy.
And in 2024, the 2.16 M (6'7") forward made the leap and committed to Seattle University after being recruited by one of his Team Japan seniors in Josh Hawkinson, as reported by the Northwest Asian Weekly.
He red-shirted the 2024-25 season to better acclimatize himself to the city and the school. The Gunma-native made his Redhawks debut just last season and appeared in a few games to start his collegiate career.
Kawashima has already played for the AKATSUKI JAPAN men's team, particularly during the recent Asia Cup Qualifiers, and we'd definitely see more of him representing his country in the near future.
Mason Amos (PHI)
Like Kawashima, Mason Amos is still in college in the Philippines. But he definitely has the upper hand against some of his peers, having been exposed to the various FIBA competitions overseas.
Shortly after starring for Gilas Youth in the 2022 U18 competitions, the knock-down shooter would get called up to the senior team and became part of a total of three major events that only fast-tracked his growth.
He made his debut during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, and he'd be lined up to the Gilas unit that competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2024 where they shocked the world by beating Latvia, 89-80.
Amos' last appearance with Gilas was in the recent Asia Cup Qualifiers but we're pretty sure that he'd get another call-up in the near future, especially when he proves his worth with De La Salle University.
FIBA