Unbeaten and unstoppable: Aussie young guns rule Asia

The Australian Emus have gone unbeaten and untouchable, storming to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup title with an 89-79 gold medal win over China under South East Melbourne coach Luke Brennan.

Australia set the tone with a blistering 26-18 opening quarter, but China clawed back to trail by just two at half-time. The Emus regained control in the third, 25-22, then slammed the door shut with a 20-15 final term to seal a commanding 10-point win.

In the victory, Jai Fa'ale top-scored with 19 and was one of four Emus in double-figures, being joined by Bailey Hanson (17), Yahya Basaran (13) and Harry Cook (11).

Brennan's team qualified for the final in India following wins against Thailand (102-32), the Philippines (107-69), Chinese Taipei (110-58), Iran (90-69) and Korea (111-74).

Following the tournament, Basaran was named FIBA U18 Asia Cup Most Valuable Player, capping off a dominant campaign that saw him consistently perform on both ends of the floor.

Basaran was joined by teammate Jai Fa'ale in being named to the Tournament's All-Star Starting Five, alongside former Illawarra Hawk and New Zealand guard Jackson Ball, who averaged 20.8 points, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game during his team's journey to the bronze medal. Joining those three were Team China forward Zhang Yizhaojie and Yoon Jihoon of Korea.

Australian Emus squad:

- Riak Akhuar
- John Aryang
- Yahya Basaran
- Antonio Browne
- Harry Cook
- Curtis Evic
- Jai Fa'ale
- William Hamilton
- Bailey Hanson
- Josh McCann
- Isaac Riddle