MIES (Switzerland) - Another window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers is fast approaching and one thing that some fans and observers alike are waiting for is the young talent brimming with potential.
While the big names and the more seasoned players could rise at any given moment, it has known that this stage could also serve as an avenue for the younger ones to perform when the lights get brighter.
And so, here's a rundown of some 23-and-under players worthy to keep an eye on in Window 2, wherein most teams could already qualify for the Second Round should they take care of their respective businesses.
Zeng Fanbo, China
Will the window ahead be the breakout Zeng Fanbo has been waiting for? Many Team China fans have been anticipating that as well, given that he's long been believe to be one of the program's future pillars.
He only played once in Window 1 and for sure, he would've loved to get more action so that he could continue his fine play from the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, in which he averaged 9.0 points per contest in the 4 games he played.
With games against Japan and Chinese Taipei, the former G League Ignite player should serve a bigger purpose for a side hungry for redemption after shockingly getting swept by Korea in the opening window.
Piter Girgoorian, Iran
Piter Girgoorian turned some heads when he erupted for 21 points to complete their two-game sweep of Iraq back in Window 1, dropping 13 in the fourth quarter alone to steer his side to the 86-71 victory.
It was somehow the 23-year-old's announcement of his arrival although some were no longer surprised, for he has been playing well with Shardari Gorgan in the ongoing FIBA WASL-West Asia League competitions.
So far, he's been averaging 10.5 points on 41.-7-percent shooting from three-point distance in the pan-regional league, including a 25-point showing against Al Wahda SC just last February 5.
Ren Kanechika, Japan
Ren Kanechika appears to be one of the wingmen being developed to be a key piece of Japanese men's team for the future given the kind of exposure he's been getting, most especially in FIBA competitions.
The former youth stalwart is slowly becoming a mainstay since the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers. He was part of the squad that competed in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, where he helped his side get past the Group Phase.
Now, he's part of the training camp roster of a Team Japan that's under a new leadership in Dai Oketani, and so it would be interesting to see if his stock would continue to rise with a fresh face manning the helm.
Ahmad Khazaleh, Jordan
Jordan are continuing their youth-driven approach under head coach Roy Rana by bringing in Ahmad Khazaleh, who's being tested to see if he'd fit the kind of future that the Falcons would want to attain.
Listed at 2.00 (6'7"), the winger is a product of St. Clair College Athletics and is currently playing in the Jordanian Premier Basketball League with Al Faisaly FC, where he's teammates with Abdullah Olajuwon.
Daniel Edi, Korea
Daniel Edi made headlines last year when he became the first player to turn pro straight out of high school by declaring himself eligible for the Korean Basketball League Draft, and eventually got selected.
The Yongsan High School standout did so year after playing for Team Korea in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024, and that decision has turned out well for him as he's currently with contenders Seoul SK Knights.
And soon, he could be joining the men's team as the 18-year-old has been named part of the Koreans' lineup for Window 2. Will we see standout performances from the defensive specialist? That we have to see.
Jihad El Khatib, Lebanon
It should be self-explanatory how challenging it could be carrying the El Khatib surname but Jihad has the opportunity to make a name for himself now that he's part of the Lebanon men's team.
After playing for Turkey in the FIBA U16 European Challengers in 2021, the 20-year-old has since taken his act to his father's homeland and is now with the Cedars, with the World Cup Qualifiers his first gig with them.
El Khatib has yet to see action for the Lebanese but there shouldn't be any doubt whatsoever that his time will come, although it could be as early as the upcoming Window 2 should things fall into place for him.
Carlin Davison, New Zealand
Carlin Davison captivated fans with his high-flying act back in the 2025 Asia Cup but what some New Zealand fans would really remember was him being the energy guy that helped the team return to the Semi-Finals.
He came off the bench for the Tall Blacks in the Jeddah showpiece and one of his best showings was against Lebanon in the Quarter-Finals, where he led their finishing rally to eventually reach the Final Four.
The 22-year-old wing has yet to play similarly in the World Cup Qualifiers but the second window appears promising as he and New Zealand are raring to enter the win column after getting blanked in Window 1.
Abdulla Mousa, Qatar
We've already known Abdulla Mousa for his stint with Al Rayyan back in the second season of FIBA West Asia Super League but the 17-year-old continues to hit strides, which could only benefit Qatar in the long run.
In fact, just recently, he shone bright during the Basketball Without Borders All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles when he emerged as the Three-Point Champion. Let's hope he carries that over for the World Cup hosts this window.
FIBA