Latest news with #FIBAAsiaCup2025
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
At 7-foot-1 with an ability to score, China's Yang comes to draft combine looking for an NBA shot
FILE - Josh Hawkinson, top, of Japan and Yudai Baba, left, guard Yang Hansen, right, of China during a Group C match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier match in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.(AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama, File) Yang Hansen, of China, speaks with reporters at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Tim Reynolds) Yang Hansen, of China, speaks with reporters at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Tim Reynolds) FILE - Josh Hawkinson, top, of Japan and Yudai Baba, left, guard Yang Hansen, right, of China during a Group C match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier match in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.(AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama, File) Yang Hansen, of China, speaks with reporters at the 2025 NBA basketball draft combine in Chicago, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Tim Reynolds) CHICAGO (AP) — Yang Hansen had just taken questions for about 20 minutes in his native Mandarin, then decided to show off a little of his English as he walked out of the room. 'Bye bye,' he said, stretching his arm skyward as he waved farewell. 'Bye bye.' Advertisement When it comes to English, he might still have much to learn. When it comes to basketball, he's trying to show that he knows plenty already. Yang — a 7-foot-1, 253-pound center from China — is one of a slew of international players at the draft combine in Chicago this week, meeting with teams, getting measured and being put through drills. He also is taking part in the 5-on-5 scrimmaging, under the watchful eye of executives from every NBA team. He turns 20 on June 26, the day that the Round 2 picks in this year's NBA draft will get selected. That might turn out to be a fairly memorable birthday for the Chinese big man. 'He really feels happiness here," Chris Liu, Yang's interpreter, said after relaying Yang questions from The Associated Press. "And then, he's really willing to compete with everyone and against everyone. He really enjoyed that.' Advertisement Yang knows there is an inevitable comparison. Any Chinese center until probably the end of time is going to be asked about Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming, who at 7-foot-6 was by far the best Chinese player ever to hit the NBA. Yang is not Yao. Being the next Yao, that's not realistic. Being the best version of Yang is the goal. He has gifts: a nice touch around the basket and solid passing ability among them. He also has things to work on, as would almost any 19-year-old trying to get into the league. 'Yao Ming is my predecessor," Yang said in Mandarin. 'I have always respected him. I want to learn from him.' There is a learning curve that goes beyond the language barrier. Liu has been sitting with Yang on the bench and in the huddles at games during the combine, translating what's being said by coaches and others. But when Yang goes into games, he doesn't need much in the way of additional explanation. Advertisement Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in the Chinese Basketball Association this past season and was an All-CBA first-team selection. And this draft combine isn't his first foray into the NBA world — he was on a team that China sent last year to the California Classic summer league, one of the prequels to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Yang also has been working out in Los Angeles in recent weeks, with former Florida Atlantic and Michigan center Vladislav Goldin — another draft hopeful — among those who were with him for some of those sessions. Goldin and Yang were matched up in one of the draft combine scrimmages. 'We kind of know each other now," Goldin said. "It was just cool.' There have been only a handful of Chinese-born players to reach the NBA. Cui Yongxi was the only one this season; the 6-foot-6 shooting guard appeared in five games with the Brooklyn Nets before tearing his ACL in a G League game. Yang might be facing long odds. He doesn't seem worried. 'I will do my best,' he said. ___ AP NBA:
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Fall Short in Asia Cup Qualifying Clash
Late Fightback Not Enough as Iraq Seal Spot in Jeddah Bahrain's hopes of reaching the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 came to an end on Sunday, following an 85-72 defeat to Iraq in Manama. Despite a late surge, Bahrain struggled to contain Iraq's physical dominance and will now have to look ahead to future opportunities after missing out on qualification. Early Setback Proves Costly Playing at the Bahrain Sports City Arena, the hosts found themselves trailing early, conceding a 30-22 first-quarter deficit. Iraq's relentless energy on the boards and efficient perimeter shooting saw them pull away, with Hassan Abdullah's buzzer-beating three-pointer stretching their lead to 53-35 at halftime. Jad El Hajj's side attempted to shift momentum in the third quarter, but Iraq continued to dictate play. By the time Bahrain began mounting a response, the gap had widened to 71-60 entering the final period. A brief rally saw the deficit cut to single digits, but Murad Zewki's six unanswered points halted Bahrain's hopes of a dramatic comeback. Juma'a Impresses, But Bahrain Outmuscled Ahmed Alderazi led Bahrain's scoring with 19 points, while Mustafa Hussain added 17. Mohammed Juma'a produced a standout performance, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals, underlining his growing influence on the team. However, Iraq's size and rebounding advantage proved decisive, winning the battle on the glass 48-26. For Iraq, Demario Mayfield orchestrated play with a triple-double (16 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), while Abdullah and Ali Ismael both chipped in with 16 points. Ahmed Al-Hamdani's 15-point, six-rebound display added to Bahrain's struggles inside. Coach's Verdict Bahrain head coach Jad El Hajj remained defiant despite the disappointment: "We showed fight, but we need to be sharper in crucial moments. The job isn't finished—we'll regroup and come back stronger." The defeat highlighted Bahrain's struggles in rebounding and perimeter defense, areas that Iraq ruthlessly exploited. What's Next for Bahrain? Iraq's win, coupled with India's qualification, secured the two remaining Asia Cup spots from the West Asia tournament. They now join the likes of Australia, Lebanon, and hosts Saudi Arabia in Jeddah from August 5-17. For Bahrain, missing out on qualification is a setback, but with promising performances from players like Juma'a, there are positives to build on. The focus now shifts to future competitions, where lessons learned from this campaign could shape a stronger return.
Daily Tribune
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain eyes FIBA Asia Cup berth, climbs ranks
TDT | Manama Bahrain's national basketball team continues to push forward despite falling just short of securing a direct berth in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. In the latest FIBA rankings, Bahrain climbed to 66th place globally and 11th in Asia—their highest-ever standing. This progress speaks to the team's steady rise on the international stage and their drive to compete among Asia's best. Bahrain's rise in the rankings and continued fight for a place in the FIBA Asia Cup are testaments to the support from His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, whose leadership has pushed the national program forward. Key players like power forward Devon Chism and point guard Ahmed Haji have been instrumental in Bahrain's campaign, with Chism averaging 12 points and 14 rebounds per game. Haji told TDT during the qualifiers, 'Every game we play, we're proving we belong here.' Proving Their Mettle Bahrain's journey to the FIBA Asia Cup took an unexpected turn following a heartbreaking 87-89 loss to Syria in Doha. The defeat marked the conclusion of the continental qualifying competition, where Bahrain managed just two wins in six games. Head coach Jad El Hajj reflected on the narrow loss, calling it a '50-50 game' that could have gone either way. Despite the setback, Bahrain still has one final opportunity to book their place in the tournament. One Last Chance With the main qualifiers complete, Bahrain will now compete in a secondary qualification event alongside Iraq and India this month. The three teams will battle in a round-robin West Asian competition, with the top two securing a ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup, set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17. A total of 16 teams will compete in the final tournament, with 12 nations—including host Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, and Lebanon—already securing their places. Bahrain now faces a crucial test in March as they seek to claim one of the remaining four spots in the continental showcase. A Nation's Basketball Dream Bahrain's basketball ambitions extend beyond rankings and qualification battles. As they prepare for their decisive matchups against Iraq and India, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see them compete on Asia's biggest stage. Head coach El Hajj remains optimistic, stressing, 'We're building something special, and these next games are our chance to show it.' For a country of Bahrain's size, their journey is nothing short of inspiring. As they chase a 10th appearance in the FIBA Asia Cup, one thing is clear: Bahrain is no longer just an underdog—they are a team that demands respect on the court. Their next games will define their path, but their rise is already a story worth following.
LBCI
25-02-2025
- Sport
- LBCI
Stay tuned to watch Lebanon vs. UAE in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at 9:00 PM on lbcgroup.tv or LB2!
Next Lebanon wins over UAE 91-88, securing top spot in Group 6 of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers with no defeats
Daily Tribune
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Gears Up for FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
TDT | Manama With just days to go until their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Bahrain's senior men's basketball team has locked in its final 12-player roster for the decisive Group F matchups against Lebanon and Syria. Led by head coach Jad El Hajj, the squad includes Mohammed Hussain, Mohammed Kowayed, Subah Hussain, Ahmed Salman, Ali Jaber, Ahmed Bin Daina, Mustafa Hussain, Ali Shukrallah, Ali Hussain, Ali Aqeel, Mohammed Ameer, and American-born center Wayne Chism. Crunch Time in Group F Bahrain will first face Lebanon on home soil this Friday, followed by a crucial away clash against Syria on February 24. With two wins and two losses, Bahrain sits second in the group standings, while Lebanon leads the pack with a flawless record. Meanwhile, Syria and the UAE trail behind with one win each. With only the top two teams securing automatic qualification to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain's final games will determine whether they punch their ticket or enter a last-chance qualifying tournament. Building Momentum with Jordan Friendlies As part of their preparations, Bahrain faced Jordan in a friendly match last night at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town. The two sides will meet again for a second warm-up game tomorrow, giving Bahrain a vital test ahead of their high-stakes qualifiers. With the home crowd behind them, Bahrain will look to bring their A-game against Lebanon before heading to Syria for what could be a tournament-defining match. The road to Jeddah is set, and Bahrain is ready to go again.
