The world of basketball is witnessing a surge in excitement and anticipation as various international tournaments and events are set to unfold. From Mongolia hosting the FIBA 3x3 World Cup to Saudi Arabia preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, and Indonesian teams striving for glory in the Basketball Champions League-Asia, the sport's global presence is stronger than ever. Moreover, the inspiring journey of athletes like Hailey Van Lith, with her international success and eventful college career, adds a compelling narrative to the basketball landscape.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is gearing up to host the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. This event marks a pivotal moment for basketball in the East Asian nation. Khulan Onolbaatar, a key player in Mongolia’s women’s national team, believes that hosting the World Cup will transform both professional and recreational basketball in her home country. With a population of just 3.5 million, Mongolia is expected to see a significant increase in basketball participation among adults and children. The popularity of 3x3 basketball in Mongolia has been on the rise since 2017, when the men’s national team won the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup for the first time. This success has paved the way for more female players on the international level, including the women’s team qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Khulan, who was Mongolia’s first female flagbearer at the Tokyo Games, emphasizes the growing support for basketball in her country. She notes the increasing number of girls wanting to play basketball, the widespread support from Mongolian people on the international stage, and the availability of more 3x3 courts. Basketball is now becoming one of Mongolia’s most popular national sports, alongside traditional sports like wrestling, judo, and archery. Khulan, who also plays professionally in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league, balances her commitments to both 5x5 and 3x3 basketball, expressing gratitude for every opportunity to represent her country.

Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, preparations are underway for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from August 5-17. This marks the first time Saudi Arabia will host FIBA’s flagship event in Asia since 1997. The draw for the tournament has divided the 16 participating teams into four groups. Group A includes Qatar, Australia, Korea, and Lebanon; Group B consists of Guam, Japan, Syria, and Iran; Group C features China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia; and Group D comprises Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, and the Philippines. The tournament will follow a single-round robin format during the Group Phase, with the first-placed teams qualifying directly for the Quarter-Finals. The second- and third-placed teams will compete in a Qualification to Quarter-Finals round, leading to a single-elimination format from the Quarter-Finals onwards.

In Indonesia, Pelita Jaya Basketball showcased their dominance by defeating NS Matrix with a score of 95-59 in the Basketball Champions League-Asia 2025. This victory was a significant morale boost for the team, especially after a disappointing loss to Taoyuan Pauian. Coach Johannis Winar’s team improved to 3-1 in Group A, regaining their confidence as they head into Window 3 of the tournament in Chinese Taipei. James Dickey led Pelita Jaya with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Agassi Goantara contributed 16 points, marking his best performance in the meet. Pelita Jaya’s impressive shooting percentage of 53.5% and their dominance on the boards with 50 rebounds highlighted their strong performance.

On a different note, Hailey Van Lith's basketball journey is a story of resilience and redemption. Despite facing adversity and mental health challenges during her college career, Van Lith concluded her NCAA journey on a high note. Known for her achievements in FIBA competitions, including gold medals at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019, as well as success in 3x3 basketball, Van Lith’s college career saw its share of ups and downs. After a challenging stint at LSU, she transferred to TCU, where she rediscovered her form and leadership. At March Madness 2025, Van Lith led TCU to the Elite Eight, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Her journey from facing criticism to becoming a key player in her team’s success is a testament to her strength and perseverance.

In summary, the global basketball scene is vibrant with activity, from international tournaments in Mongolia and Saudi Arabia to club competitions in Indonesia. The inspiring stories of athletes like Khulan Onolbaatar and Hailey Van Lith highlight the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the sport. As these events unfold, they promise to bring excitement, competition, and memorable moments to basketball fans worldwide.