India men’s basketball team has been drawn into a tricky yet intriguing Group C at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Group C features three strong teams: hosts Saudi Arabia, Asian basketball giants China, and competitive Jordan. While it is undeniably a tough draw for India, there’s still room for optimism and opportunities to make a mark on the continental stage.
This tournament will be a litmus test for India’s ambitions of progressing beyond the group stage — something they haven’t achieved in a very long time. In fact, India’s best-ever finish at the Asia Cup came in 1975, when the team finished 4th, narrowly missing out on a podium. Decades later, Indian basketball is hoping to rediscover that spark.
Group C Overview: The Opposition
China – 16-Time Champions, Basketball Powerhouse (FIBA Ranking: 30)
Let’s start with the biggest threat in the group — China. A basketball behemoth in Asia, China has won the FIBA Asia Cup a record 16 times.
Their domestic system is deeply rooted in schools and professional leagues like the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), and basketball is arguably the most played sport in China after table tennis. Some of their players even get regular exposure in global leagues, including brief stints in the NBA.
What makes China so dominant is their incredible mix of size, athleticism, and tactical discipline. Players like Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin have been crucial figures in past campaigns, and even their youth squads are often better drilled than many national sides.
India has never beaten China in an official FIBA match, and expecting an upset would be optimistic, though stranger things have happened in sports.
Jordan – Rising Powerhouse (FIBA Ranking: 35)
Jordan is another tough opponent in this group. The Jordanians have been one of the most consistent teams in the Middle East over the last two decades. Their silver medal in 2011 and bronze in 2009 shows that they’re not just making up the numbers.
Jordan is known for its physical and fast-paced game, backed by a strong league system and several naturalized players with international experience.
For India to beat Jordan, everything will need to fall perfectly into place — hot shooting night, aggressive rebounding, and solid defense. Even then, it would take a monumental effort.
Saudi Arabia – Hosts and Opportunity? (FIBA Ranking: 65)
Here’s where India might see a real shot at a win. Saudi Arabia is ranked 65th, just ahead of Bahrain — a team that India recently defeated. Historically, India has a positive record against Saudi Arabia, including a memorable win in previous qualifiers.
That said, the Saudis will have the home-court advantage. Playing in front of a supportive home crowd can significantly boost team morale and performance. Saudi basketball has been on the rise, and the federation has been investing in youth development and coaching, particularly since winning bronze at the 1999 edition.
India’s challenge will be to neutralize this advantage through structured play and sticking to their strengths.
India’s FIBA Asia Cup Record and Ranking (FIBA Rank: 76)
India currently sits at 76th in the FIBA world rankings — clearly the underdogs in this group. Historically, India has struggled to keep up with the more advanced basketball systems of East and West Asia.
While the 1975 fourth-place finish is a proud moment in Indian basketball history, it remains a solitary high in an otherwise underwhelming continental record.
However, India has shown flashes of brilliance over the last few years. Wins against higher-ranked teams like Iraq and Bahrain prove that India is capable of pulling off surprises. The key issue has always been consistency and depth in the squad.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Team India
Strengths:
- Youthful Talent: The emergence of players like Princepal Singh, Muin Bek Hafeez, and Amjyot Singh has brought a new flair to the side.
- Improved Coaching: Under experienced coaches, India’s tactical awareness and transition defense have improved.
- Improved Exposure: With some players getting international stints and the 3×3 Pro Basketball League taking shape, the players are getting more competitive minutes than before.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Big Match Experience: Most players lack experience in high-pressure FIBA Asia Cup matches.
- Size Disadvantage: Compared to teams like China, India is significantly shorter and less physical.
- Inconsistent Shooting: The team often struggles with three-point shooting — a critical factor in modern basketball.
Can India Make It to the Knockouts?
Realistically, India’s best shot at making the knockout stage would be to beat Saudi Arabia and hope for favorable results elsewhere (like point differentials or a surprise upset against Jordan).
Finishing in the top two in this group will be a massive challenge given the firepower China and Jordan bring. However, finishing third may offer a lifeline — depending on the tournament format, third-placed teams from certain groups can qualify for the playoff round to reach the quarterfinals.
That means India must:
- Beat Saudi Arabia.
- Minimize damage against China and Jordan (point difference matters).
- Hope to sneak in through the backdoor as a high-performing third-place team.
Final Thoughts
India’s draw in Group C of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is challenging but not insurmountable. China and Jordan are clearly ahead in terms of talent, infrastructure, and FIBA pedigree. But basketball is a game of momentum and moments — and India must capitalize on every opportunity.
For Indian basketball fans, the group stage offers a blend of anticipation and anxiety. While expectations might be tempered, the possibility of seeing India punch above its weight remains alive. A win against Saudi Arabia could be the first step in restoring faith in the potential of Indian men’s basketball on the Asian stage.
Watch this space — because even underdogs have their day.
