Boomers chasing historic Asia Cup three-peat

• All 16 teams confirmed for FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia
• Chinese Taipei, Guam, India and Iraq secured final qualification spots
• Defending champions Australia seeking unprecedented third consecutive title

Defending men's champions Australia have drawn Qatar, Korea and Lebanon in Group A of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia later this year.

The Boomers are in pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive FIBA Asia Cup title.

Australia solidified its status as the region's premier team after successfully defending their crown at the 2022 tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The FIBA Regional Office-Asia released the four groups overnight.

The 31st edition of FIBA's flagship Asian basketball tournament will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17.

Chinese Taipei and Guam emerged from the Group G qualifiers in Taipei City, with Chinese Taipei going undefeated after victories against both Guam and Thailand. Guam secured their qualification with a 1-1 record after defeating Thailand.

Similarly, India topped Group H in Manama, Bahrain with a perfect 2-0 record, overcoming Iraq before narrowly defeating the host nation. Iraq claimed the final tournament berth by defeating Bahrain in what was essentially a knockout match.

These four qualifiers join host Saudi Arabia and 11 other nations that secured their places during the First Round of the Continental Cup Qualifiers held across three windows from February 2024 to February 2025.

The tournament format is 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with group winners automatically advancing to the quarter-finals. Second and third-placed teams will compete in qualification games to determine the remaining quarter-finalists.

Quarter-final winners will progress to the semi-finals, with victors there advancing to the championship game. The semi-final losers will compete for third place.

For Australia, the tournament represents a chance to further cement their dominance in Asian basketball. Since joining the FIBA Asia region in 2017, the Boomers have quickly established themselves as the team to beat, claiming championships in both their appearances in the continental showcase event.

Australian NBA star Jock Landale, who was outstanding during the Boomers' 2022 Asia Cup triumph, scored 16 points in the final against Lebanon, could potentially return to lead the team's three-peat bid. The 211cm centre's NBA experience with the Houston Rockets has continued to enhance his development as one of Australia's premier big men.

Other Australian players likely to feature include NBL stars such as Jack White and Will Magnay, who have represented the national team in various FIBA competitions over the past year.

For basketball fans across Australia, the tournament will provide another opportunity to see the Boomers compete against Asia's best, with Basketball Australia expected to field a competitive squad even with potential NBA player unavailability due to the timing of the tournament.

The Philippines, always a threat in international competition due to their passionate basketball culture and improving talent pool, will be looking to challenge Australia's supremacy.

New Zealand, another team with significant international experience, will also be among the favourites. The Tall Blacks' physical style of play and disciplined approach make them consistent performers in FIBA competitions.

Host nation Saudi Arabia will be hoping to leverage home court advantage to make a deep run in the tournament. Playing in front of supportive crowds in Jeddah could provide the boost needed to exceed expectations.

FIBA Asia Cup 2025 will serve as an important benchmark for basketball development across the region, with nations like China and Iran looking to reclaim their former status as Asian basketball powerhouses after Australia's recent dominance.

The tournament also presents an opportunity for emerging basketball nations like India and Iraq to gain valuable experience against stronger opposition, potentially accelerating their basketball development programs.

basketball.com.au will have in-depth coverage of the tournament. Stay tuned.