JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – It’s a Final that, in some way, feels like it was written in the stars. Two basketball powerhouses, both undefeated, colliding for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 crown.
China, of course, are the most decorated team in tournament history with 16 titles. They are back on the championship stage for the first time since 2015, which was also the last time they won the FIBA Asia Cup. Their run in Jeddah has been defined by consistency and composure, sweeping Group C before grinding past Korea in the Quarter-Finals and overpowering New Zealand in the Semi-Finals. For coach Guo Shiqiang’s squad, this is a chance to reclaim their place atop Asian basketball.
On the other side are the defending champions and modern-day juggernauts. Since joining the FIBA Asia Cup in 2017, Australia have never lost a game. They bring a flawless 17-0 competition record into this Final. The Boomers dominated Group A, dispatched the Philippines in the Quarter-Finals and handled Iran in the Semi-Finals without breaking stride. Coach Adam Caporn’s team now stand one win away from a third straight Asia Cup title.
Jaylin Galloway (AUS)
Key matchup: Jaylin Galloway vs Zhao Rui
The spotlight will shine brightly on these two perimeter threats. Zhao Rui was China’s hero in the Semi-Finals, scoring 24 points and hitting big shots down the stretch to bury the Tall Blacks. Galloway, Australia’s leading scorer at 14.2 points per game, had a very quiet outing against Iran but has been an explosive offensive force all tournament. Both average over two three-pointers per game, and whichever star can win this duel could tilt the momentum for their side.
X-Factor: Bigs on bigs
China’s frontcourt of Hu Jinqiu and Wang Junjie dominated New Zealand, winning the rebounding battle and outscoring them in the paint. They’ll need to be even better against Australia’s towering rotation of Will Magnay, Xavier Cooks and Harry Wessels. The Boomers’ size and depth inside are unmatched, but if Hu and Wang can hold their ground, China’s title hopes will grow.
Stats don’t lie
These are two of the highest-scoring teams in the tournament. Australia are at 95.2 points per game, while China are at 92.0. The difference comes on the defensive end: the Boomers have been elite, holding opponents to just 66.2 points per game, compared to China’s 76.0. If China are to dethrone the champs, they’ll need to sustain their offensive output while playing their best defense of the tournament.
China defense against New Zealand
Previous Asia Cup meetings
These teams have met only once before at the FIBA Asia Cup. That was in the 2017 Quarter-Finals, where Australia won convincingly, 97-71. Hu Jinqiu was part of that China squad, logging just 13 minutes. Eight years later, he has the chance to help his country rewrite history and finally end the Boomers’ reign.
Two undefeated records, two heavyweight pedigrees and one championship on the line. Jeddah is set for a Final worthy of the stage.
FIBA
