Farewell Tour: The Sunset Stars of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – The FIBA Asia Cup is often a launching pad for emerging talent, but it can also be a stage for potential last rides. In Jeddah this year, alongside the rising stars stealing headlines, a handful of veterans are writing what might be their final chapters on Asia’s biggest basketball stage. These ‘Sunset Stars’ have carried the weight of their nations numerous times, delivered in the clutch and left memories that will outlast the final buzzer.

For a number of them, the journey may possibly be over. Korea, the Philippines, Guam, Lebanon, Jordan and Chinese Taipei have been eliminated. One lone veteran, who is still standing in Iran’s Final Four push, continues to fight for one last shot at continental glory. Whether their campaigns ended early or are still alive, the possibility looms: this could be the last time we see these warriors in FIBA Asia Cup action.

Kim JongKyu – Korea

For over a decade, 34-year-old Kim JongKyu has been the quiet anchor in the paint for Korea. His combination of size, touch and defensive IQ made him a staple in the national team setup, from FIBA Asia Cup campaigns to FIBA Basketball World Cup appearances. In Jeddah, Kim still showed some flashes of the nimble big man who could block shots and finish inside. Korea’s Quarter-Final exit may have been the close on his FIBA Asia Cup career, but his steady presence has undoubtedly left a lasting imprint.

Amir Saoud – Lebanon

A master of the big moment, Amir ‘The Prince’ Saoud has long been Lebanon’s main perimeter threat. With his smooth shooting stroke, crafty drives and ability to take over late in games, the 34-year-old has delivered countless clutch performances for the Cedars. In Jeddah, the scoring bursts were still there, even as Lebanon bowed out. If this is indeed his farewell, Saoud leaves as one of Asia’s most feared late-game shotmakers.

Liu Cheng – Chinese Taipei

Liu Cheng’s sweet and soft touch and perimeter defense have long been fixtures for Chinese Taipei. At his peak, he could light it up from beyond the arc and harass opposing scorers all night. In this campaign, the scoring bursts were few and far between, but they were still reminders of the days when the 34-year-old could flip a game with a couple of quick-fire baskets.

Arsalan Kazemi – Iran

If hustle could be bottled, it would look a lot like Arsalan Kazemi. The 35-year-old Iranian forward has built his reputation on tireless defense, rebounding and commanding leadership. A veteran of countless battles for Team Melli, Kazemi’s motor hasn’t slowed, and with Iran still in the Semi-Finals, he has a chance to not just win his first FIBA Asia Cup title but also extend his career’s highlight reel. Whether this is his last FIBA Asia Cup or not, his legacy is secure: the ultimate glue guy who made every possession count.

Ali Haidar – Lebanon

Lebanon’s rugged power forward Ali Haidar has been a rock for the Cedars for a decade after debuting at the FIBA Asia Cup 2015. Known for his scoring inside, rebounding and willingness to mix it up against bigger opponents, Haidar’s fire still burned in Jeddah. Lebanon’s Quarter-Final heartbreak might be the last we see of the 35-year-old in this competition, but his grit has been an unmistakable cornerstone of the national program.

June Mar Fajardo – Philippines

The ‘Kraken’ has been the face of Philippine basketball’s frontcourt for a generation. June Mar Fajardo’s dominance inside, rooted in his 211cm/6’11” frame, soft hands and unshakable composure, has given Gilas Pilipinas a steady post presence for years. Injuries have slowed the 35-year-old in recent years, but his leadership remains invaluable. In what could be his FIBA Asia Cup swan song, every screen, put-back and hustle play felt like a final bow to a decorated run.

Ahmad Alhamarsheh – Jordan

Jordan’s Ahmad Alhamarsheh has been one of the FIBA Asia Cup’s most dependable all-around forwards. Whether hitting the glass, locking down wings or stepping out for a timely three, the 38-year-old’s versatility has kept him in the national team rotation for years. In Jeddah, his role was more mentor than mainstay, but his experience remained a steadying influence on a younger Jordanian core.

Tai Wesley – Guam

For Guam, Tai Wesley is more than a player. He’s a pioneer. The versatile 39-year-old forward has been a go-to scorer and playmaker, using his strength to bully defenders and his vision to find teammates in stride. In 2025, Wesley’s game leaned on craft and guile over pure athleticism, but his impact was undiminished, especially as they notched their first-ever Asia Cup win. Guam’s Quarter-Finals exit doesn’t erase his role in putting the island nation on the continental map.

The FIBA Asia Cup always celebrates the future, but 2025 is also a salute to the past. These ‘Sunset Stars’ have given the game their best years, and whether they fade quietly or bow out with one last statement performance, their impact will echo long after the lights go down in Jeddah.

FIBA