What Is 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup squads featured national teams from 8 countries, including Australia, China, and Japan, competing from September 27 to October 3, 2021, in Amman, Jordan. Each team registered rosters of 12 players, with Australia winning the tournament.

Key Facts

The 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup was held from September 27 to October 3, 2021, in Amman, Jordan.
Eight national teams participated, including Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
Australia defeated China 78–61 in the final to claim their second consecutive title.
Each team's squad consisted of exactly 12 players, as per FIBA regulations.
Japan secured third place by defeating South Korea 82–65 in the bronze medal game.

Overview

The 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup was a premier international basketball competition for women's national teams in the FIBA Asia zone. Held in Amman, Jordan, from September 27 to October 3, 2021, it featured eight teams competing for the continental title and qualification to the FIBA Women's World Cup.

This edition marked the first time the tournament was hosted outside of Asia, due to pandemic-related relocations. Australia, reigning champions from 2019, defended their title, showcasing depth and consistency across their 12-player squad.

Australia's roster included key players like Ezi Magbegor and Keely Froling, both of whom averaged over 12 points per game during the tournament.
China's squad was led by Han Xu, a 6'10" center who played in the WNBA, contributing 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Japan's team, the 2019 runners-up, featured captain Rui Machida, who recorded a tournament-high 7.4 assists per game.
South Korea relied on veteran guard Lee Mi-sun, who averaged 11.3 points and 3.1 steals across five games.
Lebanon made their debut in the top division, with their squad averaging just 22.4 years of age, the youngest in the tournament.

How It Works

The FIBA Women's Asia Cup operates under a structured qualification and competition format, with squads selected based on national federation criteria and FIBA regulations. Each participating nation submits a 12-player roster, subject to pre-tournament verification.

Roster Submission: National federations must submit final 12-player squads by seven days before the opening game, as mandated by FIBA rules.
Eligibility: Players must hold valid citizenship of the country they represent and be registered with the national basketball federation.
Injury Replacements: Teams may request one replacement before their second game if a player suffers a documented injury.
Height Requirements: While not enforced, the average squad height ranged from 1.80 m (Lebanon) to 1.88 m (China).
Age Limits: There is no minimum age, but FIBA requires players to be at least 16 years old to participate in senior competitions.
Player Caps: Veterans like South Korea's Park Ji-su had over 40 international appearances, providing experience in high-pressure games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams based on squad composition and performance metrics:

Nation	Squad Size	Avg. Age	Avg. Height	Final Standing
Australia	12	25.1	1.86 m	1st
China	12	24.7	1.88 m	2nd
Japan	12	26.3	1.79 m	3rd
South Korea	12	25.8	1.81 m	4th
Lebanon	12	22.4	1.80 m	5th

The table highlights Australia’s balanced mix of youth and experience, combined with superior height and athleticism. Japan’s lower average height was offset by superior ball movement and assist rates. Lebanon’s young roster struggled with consistency but showed promise for future editions. The data reflects how squad composition directly influences tournament outcomes, especially in close matchups. Height and experience proved critical in the medal rounds, where physicality and decision-making under pressure were paramount.

Why It Matters

The 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup squads represent more than just team rosters—they reflect national investment in women's basketball, player development pipelines, and regional competitiveness. The tournament served as a qualifier for the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, raising the stakes for each team.

Development Pathways: Countries like Japan and Australia have structured youth programs that feed directly into senior national team selections.
Global Exposure: Strong performances boosted players' chances to join the WNBA or European leagues, increasing visibility.
Gender Equity: The tournament highlighted progress in equal funding and media coverage for women's sports in Asia.
Injury Management: Several teams rotated players due to quad and ankle injuries, emphasizing medical support needs.
Regional Rivalries: Matches between China and Japan drew over 2 million online viewers, boosting fan engagement.
Future Planning: Scouts from FIBA and professional leagues monitored the event to identify emerging talent for 2024 Olympics.

The squads from the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup not only shaped the immediate outcome of the tournament but also influenced long-term strategies for national federations aiming to elevate their women's programs on the world stage.