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Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts

FIBA U18 Asia 2018 Group B Preview

August 02, 2018
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The 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship is set to tip off in Thailand this coming Sunday, August 5, where sixteen teams will vie for four berths to the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup. 

 This is the first ever FIBA U18 Asia tourney with both Australia and New Zealand joining, and their entry raises the level of competition quite significantly. 

 2016 champion Iran returns to the fray ready to defend its title, while 11-time champion China hopes to regain its place among the elite after finishing outside of the top 4 for the first time since 2008.  Both the Boomers and Tall Blacks, of course, will contend for the World Cup berths, while traditional Asian powerhouses Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines are also expected to impress. 

 Let's continue our coverage with a preview of Group B. 

CHINA

FIBA Boys Rank: 12th
Previous U18 Asia: 5th place
Size: Average height is 6'6; Tallest players are Wang Yanzhi, Jiang Haoran, and Sun Yansong (all 6'9), and Michael Wang Quanze (6'10)
Experience: One player with experience in the 2015 FIBA U16 Asian Championship and 2016 FIBA U17 World Cup, One player with experience at the 2017 EABA Championship
Projected top players:
Xu Jie (G)
Guo Haowen (F)
Michael Wang (F)

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Outlook: 
- 1st or 2nd place in Group B; makes it at least to the Semi-Finals
- among the favorites to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

China is a team on a mission. This the winningest team in U18 Asia hoops, and their failure to even finish on the podium in 2016 will certainly fuel their drive to the top here in Nonthaburi. The entry of both Australia and New Zealand to the FIBA Asia sphere also threatens China's stranglehold at the top, so they're out to make an emphatic statement. As always, China won't have any problems with size as they have a bevy of bigs who can make life hell for opposing frontlines. Leading the way will be US NCAA-bound Michael Wang along with senior national team call-up Guo Haowen and and playmaking wonder Xu Jie. With a lot of size and depth, China are heavy favorites to make it to the top 4.

PHILIPPINES

FIBA Boys Rank: 34th
Previous U18 Asia: 7th
Size: Average height is 6'4; Tallest players are Kai Sotto (7'1), AJ Edu (6'11), and Geo Chiu (6'8)
Experience: Five players with experience at the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, Three players with experience at the 2017/2018 FIBA U16 Asia Championship, One player with experience at the 2015 FIBA U16 Asia Championship
Projected top players:
Kai Sotto (C)
AJ Edu (C)
Dalph Panopio (G)

Outlook: 
- 1st or 2nd place in Group B; makes it at least to the Semi-Finals
- among the favorites to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

Unlike previous editions of the Philippine U18 team, this year's Batang Gilas U18 will not have any issues with size. Bannered by 7'1 Kai Sotto, 6'11 AJ Edu, 6'8 Geo Chiu, and 6'7 Raven Cortez, this squad's frontline can match up with the best and biggest out there. As sizeable and talented as this team's frontliners are, however, it's their guards and wingmen that will be the ultimate x-factors. Stellazzurra Basketball Academy product Dalph Panopio, in particular, will be a vital cog in how things are run for the Filipinos, with U17 World Cup veteran Gerry Abadiano also expected to provide some offensive punch in the backcourt. If the Filipinos play true to their potential, then they can be among the elite teams in this competition.

LEBANON

FIBA Boys Rank: 43rd
Previous U18 Asia: 4th place
Size: Average height is 6'4; Tallest players are Gebrael Samaha (6'8) and Ameer Kasab, Mohamad Htait, and Andrew Kopaly (all 6'7)
Experience: Five players with experience in the 2017/2018 FIBA U16 Asia Championship
Projected top players:
Gebrael Samaha (C)
Ameer Kasab (C)
Paolo Bedikian (SG)

Outlook: 
- 3rd place team in Group B; makes it to Qualification to Quarter-Finals
- not expected to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

There plenty of interesting players on this roster who have a ton of upside, but that's mainly because this is the youngest team in the entire tournament. With an average age of just 16 years old, this squad boasts of many members who will still be eligible for the 2020 FIBA U18 Asia. That's not to say the Lebanese will not be competitive. On the contrary, they should be able to hang with China and the Philippines in their group, but actually beating either team will be a tall order. Still, if the stars align and this team peaks at the right time, anything can happen. Much of it, though, will depend on the production of prolific guard Paolo Bedikian and the frontcourt pairing of Gebrael Samaha and Ameer Kasab.

UAE

FIBA Boys Rank: 82nd
Previous U18 Asia: n/a
Size: Average height is 6'4; Tallest players are Mohamed Al Maeeni and Shaher Al Hammadi (both 6'8), and Mahmoud Al Sawan (6'7)
Experience: No players with prior experience in any continental level tournament
Projected top players:
Mahmoud Al Sawan  (PF)
Mohamed Al Maeeni (C)
Hassan Hussein (F)

Outlook: 
- 4th place team in Group B; eliminated after group stage
- not expected to qualify for 2019 U19 World Cup

The second-place team in the GBA U18 Qualifiers won't be a pushover. They have great size with an average height of 6'4 and with Mohamed Al Maeeni and Shaher Al Hammadi, and double-double machine Mahmoud Al Sawan manning the interior, while Hassan Hussein takes care of business at the wings. Despite that, UAE's inexperience against top level competition and the high quality opponents they have in this group will be their undoing, unless, of course, they wax hot on offense and play way beyond their ceiling.
Check out all our #FIBAU18Asia Group Previews by clicking on the following!

 Group A Preview

 Group C Preview

 Group D Preview
Images from FIBA.basketball.
Check out the official coverage of the FIBA U18 Asia Championship from the tournament's official website HERE.

 FOR MORE 2018 FIBA U18 ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Quarter-Finals Roundup

August 18, 2017
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Images from FIBA.basketball.
There were heartbreaks and blowouts in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup Quarter-Finals, with Iran, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia all prevailing. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below. 

 IRAN over LEBANON, 80-70
Box Scores.

 Iran will advance to play Korea in the FIBA Asia Cup Semi-Finals after an 80-70 victory over Lebanon in their Quarter-Final on Wednesday evening.

 Hamed Haddadi had a monster 20-point, 20-rebound double double; the first 20-20 game of the tournament, Sajjad Mashayekhi had a number of key plays, and Mohammad Jamshidi had 24 points whilst only missing four shots to help Iran to the victory.

 Iran - who shot 50% on the game - almost led from start to finish, though Lebanon did a good job of hanging around. And although it was Iran who did a poor job of looking after the ball, Lebanon were plagued by poor outside shooting and beaten on the glass. A pushback in the third saw them pull to within six, but it would be the closest they would get the rest of the way.

 Wael Arakji had 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and tried to lead a fourth quarter comeback, but Lebanon's defensive lapses allowed Iran to respond and keep their cushion.


KOREA over PHILIPPINES, 118-86
Box Scores.

 Korea put on one of the offensive masterclasses of the FIBA Asia Cup so far with a 118-86 dismantling of the Philippines to book their spot in the Semi-Finals.

 Korea shot over 66% from the field and 76% from beyond the arc, knocking down sixteen triples and registering 34 assists as nothing the Philippines could do would prevent their onslaught.

 Terrence Romeo caught fire in the first half to keep Philippines within striking distance, registering 22 points on six of nine shooting from beyond the arc, but would not score again after the halftime break.

 Korea were led by 22 points from Sekeun Oh, and 21 points from Sunhyung Kim, as he only missed two shot attempts.

 Korea will face the winner of the Lebanon-Iran Quarter-Final, which will be played later this evening. 


NEW ZEALAND over JORDAN, 98-70
Box Scores.

 New Zealand have set the stage for a Semi-Final match up with Australia after defeating Jordan 98-70 in their Quarter-Final on Thursday evening.

 It turned into a blowout in the fourth quarter, and though New Zealand led from start to finish, Jordan did a good job of refusing to go down without a fight.

 New Zealand dominated the glass, whilst shooting almost 50% from the field led by 19 points a-piece from Tohiraukura Smith-Milner and Shea Ili, with the latter adding 13 assists, as Finn Delaney finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the young squad.

 The deficit might have been bigger early if it wasn't for Jordan's Mah'd Abdeen being their saving grace, exploding for 20 of his 24 points in the first half whilst missing just one shot.

 One final third quarter rally from Jordan saw them pull within four, that that is as close as they would get the rest of the way.

 Mohammad Hussein joined Abdeen as the only other player in double figures for Jordan, with 14 points.


AUSTRALIA over CHINA, 97-71
Box Scores.

 Australia have booked their place in the FIBA Asia Cup Semi-Finals with a 97-71 drubbing of China.

 A 14-0 run over the final four minutes of the third period, led by Mitchell McCarron, saw Australia take a sixteen point lead into the last quarter where they would cruise for the final 26-point differential.

 The second half saw the Australians tighten the screw defensively, allowing just 29 points.

 Jason Cadee led Australia in scoring with 20 points, McCarron finished with 17, whilst Daniel Kickert and Mitch Creek added 16 points-a-piece.

 Gen Li had 19 points to pace China.

 Australia now await the winner of the New Zealand against Jordan Quarter-Final match up on Thursday evening, and will join Iran and Korea in the Semi-Finals.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 8

August 15, 2017
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Images from FIBA.basketball.
The cast of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup Quarter-Finals is finally complete after China andJordan secured separate wins on Day 8. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below. 

 CHINA over SYRIA, 81-79
Box Scores.

 China survived a serious scare from Syria, coming back from as many as fifteen down to prevail 81-79 on Tuesday evening.

 It means China advance to play Australia on Thursday in the Quarter-Finals.

 China breathed a sigh of relief when Syria's Al Haddad missed two free throws which would have forced overtime, having dominated the fourth quarter 25-11 after appearing down and out following an impressive early display from the Syrian side.

 Micheal Madanly did all he could to give Syria a chance, finishing with 35 points and 7 assists, but it would not be enough.

 A 10-2 start to the final period got China back into the game, before a Ren three pointer broke the tie to give China a three point lead with 5 minutes remaining and from there they would pull away.

 It marks the second time in as many games China have lived dangerously, preventing upsets with big fourth quarter performances.

 Gen Li led China with 19 points, with Xiaoyu Liu having 7 assists to go with his 10 points.


JORDAN over IRAQ, 84-70
Box Scores.

 Jordan rounded out the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 Quarter-Finalists with a 84-70 victory over Iraq.

 It means Jordan will advance to face New Zealand on Thursday.

 With neither team able to gain separation, a 14-4 Jordan run, spearheaded by Amin Abu Hawwas over the final 4 minutes of the third period put the victors up double digits and firmly in the driving seat.

 They extended their lead to as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter and thwarted any attempts at a comeback from Iraq.

 Mohammad Hussein had a monster double-double of 15 points and 19 rebounds to lead Jordan, whilst Mah'd Abdeen joined him with 18 points and 10 assists. Abu Hawwas added 18 points of his own, along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

 Mohammed Al-Khafaji led Iraq's scoring with 21 points, as Kevin Galloway stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals.

FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 6

August 14, 2017
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Images from FIBA.basketball.
The results of Day 6 formalized the Qualification to the Quarter-Finals pairings at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, with Gilas Pilipinas's sweep of Group B the highlight of the day. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below. 

 CHINA over IRAQ, 61-60
Box Scores.

 China survived a scare to prevail with a 61-60 victory over Iraq to tip off Sunday's final Group Phase action.

 With Iraq leading by 9 with just over four minutes remaining, the upset of the tournament appeared to be on, but China refused to go down without a fight.

 Ailun Guo caught fire, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the final three minutes to see China through. Han was the only other player in double figures for China with 11.

 Omar Alazawi led Iraq with 22 on 8 of 13 shooting, going six of seven from beyond the arc.


PHILIPPINES over TAIWAN, 80-74
Box Scores.

 The Philippines topped Group B with a 80-74 win to hold off a relentless Qatar on Sunday afternoon.

 Matthew Wright had 11 of his 25 points in the first quarter to get the Philippines off to the start they needed and hit huge baskets throughout, as his squad finished the Group Phase at 3-0.

 The Philippines were hot from beyond the arc, knocking down nine of their fifteen triples in the first half in front of a raucous crowd to remain in control.

 Qatar kept on fighting, led by Mansour Elhadary, and got back within five in the fourth but were unable to get over the hump, thanks in large part to the play of Wright.

 Cruz added 13 points for the Philippines, whilst Elhadary had 23 points and 6 assists for Qatar, and Saad finished with 18.


IRAN over JORDAN, 83-71
Box Scores.

 Iran prevailed 83-71 in the battle of the two undefeated teams in Group A.

 Another near triple-double from Hamed Hadadi (17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists), and Behnam Yakhchali's 20-point, 10-rebound double-double proved to be enough for Iran, who finish atop of Group A at 3-0.

 Iran took a 43-26 lead into the break, pestering Jordan into 25% shooting, and led by as many as 22, as Jordan were chasing from the early stages.

 Mahmoud Abdeen had 22 points and 9 assists to lead Jordan in the loss.


SYRIA over INDIA, 87-78
Box Scores.

 Syria joined China in narrowly avoiding an upset with a 87-78 win over India in the final game of the Group Phase on Sunday evening.

 Trailing by as many as nineteen early in the third quarter, Ivan Todorovic had 9 of his efficient 23 points in the period as Syria began mounting their comeback. 

 Trailing by 8 to open the fourth, Micheal Madanly took over. He had 10 points in the final period, including six straight to give Syria the lead that they would hold on to for the victory.

 Todorovic added 14 rebounds with his 23 points, and Madanly finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

 Amritpal Singh did a little bit of everything for India with 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Amjyot Singh Gill had 12 points and 8 assists, Annadurai top scored with 20 points.

 India finish up 0-3 at the bottom of Group A, as Syria picked up their first win at 1-2. They will play the Qualifications to Quarter-Finals on Tuesday.

FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 4

August 12, 2017
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Images from FIBA.basketball.

Day 4 at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup saw the Philippines, Iran, and Jordan remain unbeaten while China bounced back against Qatar. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

 CHINA over QATAR, 92-67
Box Scores.

 Ailun Guo had a dominant individual performance to lead China past Qatar 92-67 to open Friday's action.

 Guo knocked down five three-pointers on his way to 30 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists, as China picked up their first win after an opening defeat to the Philippines. It was not until the second half the Chinese pulled away for good, momentarily falling behind midway in the second quarter before regrouping.

 Abdulrahman Saad and Ali Saeed Erfan were the high men for Qatar with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Qatar continue to look for their first win in Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. 


PHILIPPINES over IRAQ, 84-68
Box Scores.

Philippines recovered from a slow first half to defeat Iraq 84-68 with a dominant third period.

 A 26-7 third quarter run, whilst limiting Kevin Galloway's effectiveness, saw Philippines get the cushion they need to stay perfect atop of Group B at 2-0. 

 Christian Karl Standhardinger had 16 points and 7 rebounds for the Philippines, whilst Terrence Romeo added 17 points and 4 assists.

 Galloway did his best efforts to keep Iraq in it, finishing with 23 points (15 in the first half), 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, but it would not be enough. 


JORDAN over INDIA61-54
Box Scores.

 Jordan improved to 2-0 with a 61-54 victory over a much-improved India side.

 After a mauling at the hands of Iran in their opener, India bounced back and managed to hang with Jordan the entirety of the game, though ultimately were plagued by turnovers, as Jordan registered 12 steals on the game.

 Alawadi had 22 on 9 of 17 shooting and Ahmad Alhamarsheh had 13 rebounds to go with his 8 points for Jordan.

 India were led by 17 points from Amjyot Singh Gill and Aravind Annadurai's 6-point, 10-rebound, 2-block effort. 


IRAN over SYRIA, 87-63
Box Scores.

  Iran registered 29 assists on their way to a 87-63 victory over Syria to stay undefeated in Group A.

 Hamed Hadadi continued to make his case for one of the best passing big men in the game, finishing one assist shy of a triple double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists.

 Syria struck first just 15 seconds into the game, but Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi responded immediately with a three to give Iran a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the way, pulling away in the second period to extend their lead to 20 by halftime.

 Jamshidijafarabadi provided additional support on the ball sharing front, adding 9 assists of his own to go with 16 points, whilst Behnam Yakhchali led the scoring with 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting.

 Micheal Madanly led Syria, who dropped to 0-2, with 22 points.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 2

August 09, 2017
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Image from FIBA.

The 2017 FIBA Asia Cup saw a couple of upsets on Day 2, highlighted by the Philippines' stirring win over China and Iraq's unexpected victory over undermanned Qatar. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

 PHILIPPINES over CHINA, 98-87
Box Scores.

 Two years after their infamous Final loss in Changsha-Hunan, the Philippines dealt sweet vengeance against perennial tormentors China.

 The Philippines have had a painful history facing China at the continental level, and by all indications, today's game was supposed to be another notch in China's favor. Entering this matchup, China had won 6 of their last 9 meetings with the Philippines at the senior men's level.

 The Chinese were bigger, deeper and had significantly longer preparation as they entered the Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut. With 2015 All-Star Five member Guo Ailun leading the way, China were heavily favored against Gilas Pilipinas, who were without prized naturalized player Andray Blatche and who recently lost key center June Mar Fajardo to injury.

 As soon as the opening tip of today's pivotal encounter, though, the Philippines were in overdrive. Coach Chot Reyes's wards looked every bit like the favorites. They were throwing triple-teams at China, forcing turnovers, running in transition and hitting their three-point bombs.

 The Filipinos channelled all the pent up frustration of the past and turned it into energy that they used to the hilt.

 The duo of Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo proved to be magical again for the Philippines, with Asia Cup newcomers Matthew Wright, Raymond Almazan and Christian Standhardinger also holding their own. Castro had 13 points and 7 assists, while Wright drained 2 triples en route to 12 points. Aguilar, for his part, was a defensive dynamo, recording 5 blocked shots.

 This result pushed the Philippines as favorites to top Group B, and it will be interesting to see how they approach their next matches against the Qatar and Iraq.


IRAN over INDIA, 101-54
Box Scores.

 Take a look back on the highlights as Iran sent a message to the rest of Group A with a dominant 101-54 performance over India.

 Iran jumped out to a 21-point first quarter lead and never looked back, as they faced little resistance from the Indian side.

 Hadadi led the victors with 20 points and 8 assists, whilst India were led by Amjyot Singh Gill's 10 points, as the only player in double figures.


IRAQ over QATAR, 75-66
Box Scores.

 Iraq registered a huge victory, taking down Qatar 75-66 to put them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages.

 Despite a surge from Qatar in the fourth, Iraq stayed in control from start to finish, led by Kevin Galloway's 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals,

 Abdulrahman Saad was Qatar's top performer with a game-high 23 points.


JORDAN over SYRIA, 68-66
Box Scores.

 Jordan survived a furious late rally from Syria to prevail 68-66 in the final game of Day 2 at the FIBA Asia Cup.

 Jordan appeared to be in control of the contest, before Syria cut a 20-point lead to single digits, even taking a lead momentarily. However, Jordan made plays when it counted to hold on for the win.

 Sixteen points from Mousa Alawadi led Jordan, with a game-high 25 points from Tarek Aljabi proving not to be enough for Syria.


FOR MORE 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP COVERAGE, CHECK OUT THIS LINK! 

 FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut

 LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 

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