Korean Basketball Powerhouse Gears Up for FIBA Asia Cup: Final Roster Revealed!
Seoul, South Korea – In a development keenly awaited by basketball fans across the nation, the Korea Basketball Association (KBA) today announced the final 12-man roster set to compete in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from May 5th to 17th. This is breaking news for sports enthusiasts, and a crucial moment for Korean basketball as they prepare to face tough competition on the international stage. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
Return of the Overseas Duo & Rising Stars
The roster features the exciting return of ‘Overseas Duo’ Lee Hyun-joong and Yeo Jun-seok, both playing for Seattle University, marking their first appearance with the national team in four years. Their inclusion injects a fresh dynamic and valuable experience into the squad. Alongside them, players who shone during recent evaluation matches against Japan and Qatar have earned their spots, including Lee Jung-hyun (Goyang Sono), Yoo Sang-sang, and Yang Joon-seok (Changwon LG).
Veteran presence is also key, with Kim Jong-gyu (Anyang Jeong Kwan-jang) and Lee Seung-hyun (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis) bringing their leadership and skill to the court. Completing the lineup are Park Ji-hoon (Jeong Kwan-jang), Lee Woo-seok (Armed Forces Sports Forces), Ha Yoon-ki, and Moon Jung-hyun (Lee Suwon KT).
Injuries & Notable Absences
Unfortunately, the team will be without Ahn Young-joon (Seoul SK), the regular season MVP, due to a thigh injury. Han Hee-won (KT) and Lee Won-seok (Seoul Samsung) also didn’t make the final cut. These absences present challenges, but also opportunities for other players to step up and prove their worth.
Group A Challenge: Facing Australia, Lebanon & Qatar
Korea has been drawn into Group A, a challenging pool that includes basketball powerhouses Australia (ranked 7th globally), Lebanon (29th), and Qatar (87th). Korea currently holds the 53rd FIBA ranking. The team’s schedule kicks off with matches against Australia and Qatar on May 6th and 8th respectively, culminating in a crucial game against Lebanon on May 11th.
The tournament format sees the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarter-finals, while the second and third-placed teams will compete in a separate qualifying round. Understanding FIBA rankings is crucial; a higher ranking not only influences seeding but also impacts a nation’s ability to attract investment and develop its basketball infrastructure. Historically, Korea has faced challenges against top-ranked teams like Australia, but the inclusion of returning overseas players and the emergence of domestic talent offers a glimmer of hope.
Preparing for Battle: Jincheon Training & Saudi Arabia Bound
The team will reconvene at the Jincheon Athletes’ Village on May 22nd before departing for Saudi Arabia on August 1st. This period will be vital for team bonding, strategy refinement, and ensuring peak physical condition. Ahn Joon-ho will lead the team, focusing on building a cohesive unit capable of overcoming the challenges ahead.
2025 FIBA Asia Cup Men’s Basketball Team – Final 12-Man Roster
- Lee Jung-hyun (Sono)
- Park Ji-hoon
- Kim Jong-gyu (Lee Sang Kwan-jang)
- Yang Joon-seok (LG)
- Jung Sung-woo (Korea Gas Corporation)
- Lee Woo-seok (National Army Sports Corps)
- Lee Hyun-joong (Seattle University)
- Yeo Jun-seok (Seattle University)
- Yoo Sang-sang
- Ha Yoon-ki
- Moon Jung-hyun (Lee Suwon KT)
- Lee Seung-hyun (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis)
The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup represents a significant opportunity for Korean basketball to showcase its talent and improve its standing on the global stage. With a blend of experience, returning stars, and emerging players, the team is poised to deliver an exciting performance in Jeddah. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the FIBA Asia Cup and all the latest sports news. For more in-depth analysis of basketball strategy and player profiles, explore our dedicated sports section.
