Asian Basketball Aims for Global Breakthrough

Despite global basketball’s rise, fueled by non-American NBA MVPs, Asia’s men’s teams struggle on the world stage. Addressing this challenge, key figures emphasize the need for increased competition to foster improvement and accelerate growth.

The Yao Ming Blueprint

Asian basketball must elevate its game. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Asian teams faltered in the opening round. In the previous year’s Olympics, Japan, the sole Asian representative, did not advance.

According to former China Basketball Association president Yao Ming, Asian basketball’s advancement hinges on “better competition.”

“The only way (to) get improvement … is through better competition. Better competition will help them find out their own weaknesses and their strengths, and then we need a coach and teammates to help fix it and get to the next level,” said Yao, who was China Basketball Association president from 2017 to 2024.

—Yao Ming, Former China Basketball Association president

Recent data shows a 15% increase in international basketball participation over the last decade, indicating rising global interest and a more competitive landscape (Basketball Stats Source).

Hope for the Future

A potential breakthrough player, 20-year-old Yang Hansen, is just the third Chinese player drafted in the first round. He was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, exceeding pre-draft expectations.

Yao, the 2002 No. 1 overall pick, and Yi Jianlian, chosen sixth overall in 2007, are the only other Chinese players drafted in the first round.

“He is a very talented kid, he’s a very nice kid. I spoke to him about maybe three weeks ago, four weeks ago … and wished him good luck,” said Yao.

—Yao Ming, Former China Basketball Association president

The future of Asian basketball may well depend on the success of rising talents like Yang, and the consistent effort to raise the overall standard of play across the continent.