SHENZHEN (CHina) - At just 19 years old, Bella Hasan is stepping into uncharted territory. Making her debut for Indonesia at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, Hasan is not only the youngest player on the team but also donning the Timnas colors for the first time ever.
Playing as a guard for Southern Utah University in the United States, this opportunity marks a pivotal moment in her burgeoning basketball journey.
Hasan’s path to the Indonesian national team is a compelling story of family, opportunity, and determination. She described how her brother’s fame as an MMA fighter in Indonesia helped open doors for her.
"In the States, I had a typical freshman year, just being out there. But then my brother, he's an MMA fighter, and he has a lot of fame in Indonesia. And so when he started getting a lot of fame, people started finding out about me," she shared.
"Coaches from Indonesia started reaching out over Instagram and whatnot," she added. "We ended up connecting, and then we found a tournament, which was the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which fit in my schedule. I was able to come here, try out, and go to training camp for a bit. So that’s how I’m here."
Young stars to keep an eye on in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025
Her first game against China was a baptism by fire. In 11 minutes on the court, Hasan contributed 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in a tough 110-59 loss.
"It was crazy. I was just focused on getting ready off the bench. My energy turned my nerves into excitement," she said. "I felt I was stable out there and didn’t overthink anything. That was a really big eye-opener for me."
Adjusting to the senior international level has been a challenge, especially with limited time to build chemistry.
"I’m still trying to find my way into this team," Hasan said. "There’s definitely a lot of energy I can bring. I love to go up and down, bring a spark to the court when I get in, and keep the team’s spirits up."
After her first taste of Women's Asia Cup action Hasan is more aware than ever of the caliber of opponents ahead.
"There’s a lot of big faces we’ll be playing that are very good," she said. "So I’m still trying to wrap my head around who we’re going to play against and just trying to keep my head up and be positive."
As Bella Hasan navigates the steep learning curve of senior international play, her youthful energy and willingness to embrace every challenge set her apart. Hasan’s arrival could signal the emergence of a new generation ready to open new doors for Indonesian women’s basketball on the continental stage.
FIBA
