Basketball has gained immense popularity in Asia and several teams have made a significant impact on this dynamic sport. Every basketball fan should familiarize themselves with the strongest and most popular teams in Asia to keep up to date with current sports trends.
Guangdong Southern Tigers
The Guangdong Southern Tigers, based in Dongguan, Guangdong, are one of the most successful teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Founded in 1993, the team quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple championships and establishing themselves as a powerhouse in Asian basketball.
Team Info:
- Date of Founding: 1993
- Home Stadium: Dongguan Arena
- Championships: 11 CBA titles
- Notable Players: Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu, Lester Hudson
The Southern Tigers have a reputation for developing local talent and attracting top international players. They have won the CBA championship 11 times, with their dominance peaking in the 2000s and 2010s. Key players like Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu, and imports like Lester Hudson have played crucial roles in their success. The team’s fast-paced and aggressive playing style has made them a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on the court.
Alvark Tokyo
Alvark Tokyo is a professional basketball team based in Tokyo, Japan, competing in the B.League, Japan’s top basketball league. Established in 1948, the team has a long and storied history in Japanese basketball. Alvark Tokyo has consistently been one of the top teams in the league, known for their disciplined play and strong team dynamics.
Team Info:
- Date of Founding: 1948
- Home Stadium: Arena Tachikawa Tachihi
- Championships: 2 B.League titles
- Notable Players: Daiki Tanaka, Joji Takeuchi, Alex Kirk
The team has won multiple championships, including back-to-back B.League titles in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Alvark Tokyo has been instrumental in promoting basketball in Japan, helping to increase its popularity and bringing more attention to the sport. With a solid roster that includes both Japanese stars and talented imports, the team continues to be a dominant force in the B.League.
San Miguel Beermen
The San Miguel Beermen, based in the Philippines, are one of the oldest and most successful teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Founded in 1975, the Beermen have a rich history and a loyal fan base, making them a cornerstone of Filipino basketball culture. The team has won an impressive 27 PBA championships, the most in the league’s history.
Team Info:
- Date of Founding: 1975
- Home Stadium: Smart Araneta Coliseum
- Championships: 27 PBA titles
- Notable Players: June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross
The Beermen are known for their competitive spirit and the ability to attract top talent, both local and international. Players like June Mar Fajardo, a multiple-time MVP, and imports such as Arwind Santos have been key to their success. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive in various eras of the PBA has cemented their legacy as one of the premier basketball teams in Asia.
Asian Perfection
Asian basketball has surpassed its American counterparts in many ways. Primarily because of its culture of dedication and discipline, the teams display marvels of technique and will to win. This makes every game involving the aforementioned teams an unforgettable spectacle. Enjoy the matches of worthy teams from this region and find out why sports experts say that Asia will soon become the center of basketball growth!