MIES (Switzerland) - Four more teams from both Groups A and B will look to punch their tickets to the next stage in the much anticipated Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
For starters, Australia and the Philippines - both of which are from Group A - were the first to reach the Second Round two windows in, making the June 29-July 6 leg so crucial given the amount of allotted slots left.
So in Group A, it's a toss-up between New Zealand and Guam, while Group B is pretty much an open race as East Asian contenders China, Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei are all still alive.
While there remains lots of possibilities that could unfold in the coming days, one thing is certain: the battle is going to be as intense as it could get, given that their hopes of staying on the road to Qatar is on the line.
Group A
The favorite: Australia
Need we say more? Australia have the best record thus far in the ongoing Asian Qualifiers. They've remained unbeaten in four games thus far, the reason why they became the first to clinch a spot in the Second Round.
With rematches versus Guam and the Philippines, and knowing that they've beaten these two convincingly in the past, expect the Boomers to go all-out even though they've already accomplished half of their goal.
And oh, they're coming in with additional firepower, too. Keep reading.
Key matchup: New Zealand versus Philippines
The focus will be on the reigning three-time FIBA Asia Cup champions, but don't forget that there remains another Oceania team hoping to become the final Second Round entrant via Group A.
New Zealand have thrown themselves back into the mix after sweeping their Window 2 assignments to improve to 2-2 by beating the Philippines and Guam, and their only goal now is to pull off a repeat to advance.
And that begins with yet another waltz with Gilas on July 3 in their own grounds at the Spark Arena in Auckland. Beat them again and they're through, simple as that. Lose, and the door might still be open for Guam.
The underdog: Guam
Emphasis on the word 'might' for Team Guahan. As it stands, they're winless with a 0-4 record, and things don't appear promising for the upstart program given the manner in which they lost in most of their past games.
For this window, they could totally be eliminated if they lose to the Boomers, or if the Tall Blacks beat Gilas. Perhaps, they may need some sort of a miracle to at least feel even a tinge of hope.
Players to watch: Bryce Cotton, Mike Phillips
This is where it gets interesting. Australia added more firepower to their vaunted artillery by the name of Bryce Cotton, who's become one of the NBL's most recognizable names with 6 MVPs.
Also a 3-time champion in the league Down Under, the former NBA pro is expected to be a shot in the arm at the 2-spot being a solid scorer and playmaker at the same time - indeed a welcome boost to the Boomers.
Aside from Cotton, another player which has been generating quite the intrigue is Mike Phillips of the Philippines. Listed at 2.03 M (6'8"), he's been nicknamed 'Motor Mike' due to his elite locomotor skills for his size.
But as to how it would translate in the FIBA stage would be interesting to see. Will he need some time to adjust, or will this springy forward be the personification of plug-and-play for Gilas? That we have to see.
Group B
The favorite: Japan
Currently atop Group B with a 3-1 record, Japan just need to ace their first game of Window 3 to annex a seat in the Second Round. The opponent? China. And in the latter's own turf, too, in Shenyang.
Team Dragon took down their long-time rivals with a come-from-behind win back in Window 2, one of the reasons why they got back on track after getting swept by Korea in the opening window.
Still, Japan have proven in the past that they can beat China, too, like what they did during the last Asia Cup Qualifiers. That, plus their hunger for payback, should be a mean recipe to cook up a vengeful W.
Let's not forget, too, that Coach Dai Oketani now knows what it takes to win in FIBA play, and he'd also be having the luxury of mentoring a team that has Yuta Watanabe and Keisei Tominaga. Fun times ahead?
Key matchup: Korea versus Chinese Taipei
Korea swept China back in Window 1 in easily one of the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers' biggest upsets. But after that nightmare of a Window 2, they're now fighting for their lives.
Still adjusting to new shot-caller Nikolajs Mazuers, Team Korea fell flat and lost to Japan and Chinese Taipei in February and fell to 2-2, leaving them with no choice but ace their Window 3 assignments.
Specifically, their first game of the window against Chinese Taipei in Goyang will be a nailbiter. Based on the standings and numbers, Korea only need to beat Chinese Taipei to advance to the Second Round and to avoid complications.
The underdog: Chinese Taipei
So, that makes Chinese Taipei a heavy underdog - not just in that game, but in the group per se. Currently, they're toting a 1-3 slate, which could've actually been 2-2 if not for the meltdown against Team China.
Chinese Taipei will be eliminated if they lose to Korea and if China beat Japan, and so they'd definitely be needing all the help - and all the luck as well - they could get for the odds to be in their favor.
Player to watch: Yang Hansen
As if they haven't been interesting enough all competition long, China have created much excitement after lining up Yang Hansen for this window following a rookie season in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Since making quite the splash in the previous Asia Cup Qualifiers, the young center has been touted by some as the 'Chinese Jokic.' Will we see his exploits during this window? We all hope so, for sure.
FIBA