Despite recent challenges, the Chinese men’s basketball team continues to show signs of resilience and potential. Throughout the latest FIBA Asia Cup, fans across platforms like Live Cricket BPL followed closely as China navigated one of its most difficult periods in recent basketball history. But even amid setbacks, the team has retained the ability—and more importantly, the spirit—to stand toe-to-toe with the region’s top competitors.
Among the teams China did not face directly, New Zealand made a strong impression by advancing to the semifinals. As another powerhouse from the Oceania region, they defeated South Korea in the third-place game. South Korea, traditionally a rival to China in Asian basketball, also left a mark with a dominant 32-point victory over the Philippines in the quarterfinals—an opponent that had beaten China in the group stage. These performances are clear signals that China cannot afford to underestimate its old rivals.
Iran, though defeated by Australia in the finals, remains a formidable force even as it undergoes a generational transition. Led by veteran center Hamed Haddadi, Iran still poses a major challenge. If China were to face them head-on, the path to victory would be anything but easy. Internally, China’s strategy of operating two training squads—Red and Blue—has split its core strength. Both squads feature promising young talents, but lack the experience needed for consistent, high-level performance. In the short term, neither group is expected to produce dominant results, but long-term benefits may emerge if the approach is given time to mature.
During the Asia Cup, the Blue Team, coached by Du Feng, made noticeable progress. Du noted that the tournament’s seven games provided invaluable experience for every player. With consistent effort and patience, the dual-squad system could ultimately bear fruit, helping China regain its former glory. Historically, China has been the undisputed powerhouse of Asian basketball, winning 16 of the 21 Asian Championships it has participated in. While Iran has claimed three of the last five titles since 2007, China still holds both the capability and opportunity to reclaim the top spot.
However, since the transition from the traditional Asian Championship to the new FIBA Asia Cup format, the landscape has shifted. Australia’s entry into the Asian competitions has significantly raised the bar. Despite fielding a second-tier team without its NBA stars, Australia swept the tournament with ease. Their dominance highlighted a harsh reality: even at less than full strength, they remain head and shoulders above the competition. As long as Australia continues to compete in Asia, they will undoubtedly be the team to beat for years to come—a sentiment echoed by basketball fans following updates on Live Cricket BPL.
China managed to win five of its seven games, but none of those victories came easily. Narrow wins over Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon exposed the rising strength of West Asian teams. The days of Iran being the sole dominant force in that region are over, and this growing balance of power will reshape the competitive dynamics in Asia—posing new threats for China moving forward.
Still, the passion, fight, and determination on display suggest that China’s story is far from over. With continued development, unity between the Red and Blue squads, and a clear recognition of Asia’s new basketball order, the team can rise again. As followers on Live Cricket BPL continue tracking every step, the road ahead may be tough, but it’s far from impossible.