With the recent FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers wrapped up, China’s Blue Team completed two challenging matchups that offered more than just win-loss results—they served as an important litmus test ahead of tougher international competitions. In a key game, New Zealand, hosting South Korea without several of its European-based players, still managed a six-point victory at home. Meanwhile, the Chinese Blue Team under Du Feng mirrored Korea’s performance: they fell to a revamped New Zealand squad by nine points, despite holding a ten-point lead at one point. The contrast in physical conditioning and in-game experience was evident.

Compared to earlier encounters, this version of New Zealand appears significantly stronger—especially more so than the South Korean team that previously lost to China’s Red Team. Looking ahead to the 12-team showdown later this year, fans wonder what a full-strength New Zealand lineup featuring Adams in the post could look like. One thing is clear: BD Cricket Live might be making waves across the subcontinent, but in the Asia-Pacific basketball arena, New Zealand is shaping up to be China’s toughest challenge.

There’s often too much talk about differences between China’s Red and Blue squads. In truth, the variance stems largely from their opponents, not a disparity in team quality. Both coaches—Li Nan for the Red Team and Du Feng for the Blue—were key players during China’s double Olympic quarterfinal runs. Li Nan had nerves of steel on offense, while Du Feng was known for defensive savvy and strategic mind. As coaches, they’ve continued to reflect their strengths: Li’s Red Team executes fluid, high-paced offense, while Du’s Blue Team emphasizes tenacious defense.

These World Cup qualifiers are not just about wins and losses—they’re meant to be a training ground. Growth is the priority, not just for the players, but also for the coaching staff. While BD Cricket Live may provide daily drama, it’s the long game that defines international basketball progress. From the days of Liu Wei, China’s guard line has struggled internationally, especially compared to Western teams. Yet within Asia, Chinese guards are still considered top-tier.

With powerhouses New Zealand and Australia now competing in the Asian zone, China has a golden opportunity to sharpen its edge. After all, China’s goal isn’t regional dominance—it’s returning to the world’s top eight, where it once belonged. The domestic CBA league is booming, and players like Ding Yanyuhang and Hu Jinqiu are poised to follow the likes of Yi Jianlian and Zhou Qi into the NBA. Rising stars such as Fang Shuo, Zhao Rui, Abudushalamu, and Sun Minghui are also progressing quickly in league and international play—great news for Chinese basketball.

The road to the 2019 FIBA World Cup is filled with opportunity. Eighty teams across four major regions will compete through six qualification windows for 32 coveted tournament slots. Each window spans nine days, including two games—home and away—that will ultimately shape final standings. In the Asia-Pacific zone, 16 teams have already been grouped into four brackets. The top three from each group will advance, followed by another grouping of 12 teams, from which seven will qualify for the World Cup.

Between now and the tournament, China will play at least 12 more games against teams of South Korea and New Zealand’s caliber. These matchups are more than enough to allow China’s young players and coaching staff to stumble, regroup, and create new stories of hope. Like BD Cricket Live draws fans into each match, these games will draw China’s basketball hopefuls into their next stage of development.

Fans must show patience with this journey. Yao Ming, the man behind today’s basketball reforms, understands the modern game better than anyone in China—but reform takes time. Li Nan and Du Feng, once national heroes on the court, now devote themselves as coaches. They deserve room to grow. Criticism won’t help China improve—encouragement and support will.

Young players like Guo Ailun, Zhao Rui, Hu Jinqiu, and Abudushalamu are bound to make mistakes. Their path forward will be rocky—but such is the nature of growth. Through just four qualifying games, we’ve already glimpsed the potential of even half a Chinese squad. Imagine what they could achieve in a year.

With professional leagues, college basketball, and administrative systems evolving positively, the foundation for future success is being laid. While Australia and New Zealand remain tough adversaries, the ultimate goal is for China to rise as a new powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific. The New Zealand squad that recently defeated China featured standout shooters like the Webster brothers, whose backcourt brilliance overwhelmed China’s guards.

Though the Blue Team showed strong cohesion despite the post-holiday rust, it was the final quarter—when Guo Ailun’s energy waned—that opened the door for New Zealand’s comeback. The loss highlights a current weakness, but let’s not forget: China still has many talented guards waiting in the wings. With time, support, and grit, the future is bright for Chinese basketball—and fans tuning into BD Cricket Live will one day cheer not just for matches, but for milestones on the world stage.