BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Anticipation is already building up now that another edition of the Basketball Champions League Asia-East (BCL Asia-East) is about to raise its curtains about a couple of weeks from now.
But before we shift all our attention into the new chapter ahead, let's take a quick look at the highly successful inaugurals last year, which, without question, was full of riveting stories that made it one to remember.
5. BCL Asia-East 2025 tips off
The new pan-regional contest tipped off on March 24, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur featuring NS Matrix and Taoyuan Pauian, and the two would go on to put on a show in a bout truly befitting of a competition opener.
Both squads went neck-and-neck to the delight of an electric Malaysian crowd that filled the MABA Stadium, but Treveon Graham and the Pilots ultimately emerged victorious - but not before enduring a double OT thriller.
It was, however, more than just the club from Chinese Taipei escaping with the 98-95 decision, as it also showed the kind of quality the contest could offer, which would be proven by the majority of games that followed.
4. Record night for Hi-Tech in Bangkok
The first season also meant setting the bar for the next BCL Asia-East editions to come, particularly the records which other participating teams could try to meet or, better yet, break if given the opportunity.
Entering the 2026 games, the most points scored by a team in a single game is 119, which was made by Hi-Tech Basketball Club in their rout of Singaporean side Adroit Club at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
The writing was on the wall that a big night was about to happen. The Basketball Thai League outfit raced to a 40-15 lead after the first, and then ended the half with a 75-41 edge - both of which were records themselves.
And as the buzzer rang, Hi-Tech would finish with the most points by a team in a game, clearing the previous record by 14 more previously set by New Taipei in their 105-65 win against the same opponent.
Will this mark be surpassed soon?
3. When 'Chef Mike' cooked
And since we're already talking about records, we cannot go on without discussing Mike Efevberha, who owns the single-game scoring record among players when he fired 39 to lead the Kings past Hi-Tech, 88-82.
Buoyed by a solid crowd at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, 'Chef Mike' produced that many points to power their second-half reversal toward clinching their Final 4 ticket by dashing their foes' hopes.
Then at 40, Efevberha shot 47.8-percent from the floor, including a 6-of-12 clip from deep, and also had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and a block for an efficiency of 37 in the tilt's best individual performance by far.
It would be interesting to see if somebody could break it - or if it can stand the test of time.
2. Ian Miller earns Most Valuable Player honors
But if we talk about the best of the best, Ian Miller is that guy. At the end of it all, the Florida State product stood the tallest, as he was named the inaugural BCL Asia-East MVP after leading Ulaanbaatar Xac to the gold.
Miller saved his best for last, firing 30 points to star in the Broncos' 86-77 victory over Taoyuan Pauian in the Final which then set the stage for his coronation in front of their compatriots at the MBank Arena.
There was truly no one deserving of the award than the heady floor general, who finished the tourney with solid per-game averages of 17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 25.4 minutes of playing time.
1. Broncos: Inaugural champs
Sure, Miller steered the wheel but a lot moved gears to make them a championship-calibre engine. From Jordy Tshimanga, to Jordan Tolbert, to Barsbold Baatar Erdene, to Azbayar Altangerel, everybody did their part.
And so, as the dust settled, the crew would go on to taste the sweetest of success when the Broncos emerged as the first-ever BCL Asia-East champions by taking down the Pilots - and right before their very own fans.
They became the first Mongolian team to win a title in the regional level, and accomplished as much without flaws as they rolled to an eight-game sweep of the tournament, capped by that nine-point win in the Big Dance.
Now, they're back for another run in the BCL Asia-East, with the target on their backs definitely bigger as they will be the hunted in the upcoming festivities. Will they be able to keep the throne?
Or, will a new champion emerge? That we have to find out soon.
The BCL Asia-East 2026 opens shop on March 27. Click here to learn more.
FIBA