China Books Quarter-Final Spot at FIBA Asia Cup 2025, Eyes Redemption
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – China secured their place in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals with a dominant victory over Jordan on Saturday, continuing a streak of reaching the final eight for the seventh consecutive tournament.
Despite being the competition’s most decorated team with 16 championships,recent Quarter-Final appearances have yielded disappointment. Following their 2015 gold medal win, China fell short in both 2017 and 2022, losing to eventual champions Australia and runners-up lebanon respectively.
The team is now focused on breaking this trend, a sentiment echoed by guard Hu Mingxuan. “We are definitely here with determination,” he stated.
Mingxuan, a veteran of the 2022 campaign where China narrowly lost to Lebanon 72-69 after a last-second shot by Wael Arakji, has been instrumental in China’s undefeated 3-0 run through Group C.
After a slow start with only two points against Saudi Arabia, Mingxuan found his rhythm, contributing 17 points – including five three-pointers – in a 100-69 win over India. He followed this with 14 points, shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, in their 90-68 victory against Jordan.
“What needed to be adjusted was the mindset,” Mingxuan explained.”I did not do so well in the first game.But the game was in the past once it was over. To know where the opportunities lie and resolutely act on them are important.”
He credits his improved performance to dedicated training under Coach Guo shiqiang. “It also stems from previous training and the requirements set by Coach Guo during the training camp. When the usual training load is met, one can take shots with a calm mindset when opportunities arise,” he said, adding, “And naturally, the shooting percentage will be good.”
With several days until the Quarter-Finals begin on Wednesday, China will use the time to rest and analyze potential opponents, determined by the outcome of the Qualification to Quarter-Finals matches.
“What we need to do is to go all out, unite as one, and fight for every game,” Mingxuan concluded, emphasizing the team’s hunger for success.
FIBA
