Ten years after their last appearance in the FIBA Asia Cup final, China's men's basketball team fell just short of the title this year but has its sights set firmly on the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, head coach Guo Shiqiang said. China lost to Australia by a single point in Sunday's final to finish as runner-up in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia. Injuries took a heavy toll on the team during the tournament, making the campaign especially challenging for its younger players, Guo said in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) after the final. Despite the disappointment, Guo said his talented young squad had the spirit and passion to aim for future goals. Shotlist: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Recent: 1. Various of China Men's National Basketball Team training; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Aug 18, 2025 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Guo Shiqiang, head coach, China Men's National Basketball Team: "This Asia Cup presented quite a challenge to our new roster of Chinese National Basketball Team because of changes regarding our team members. Seven of our players had to miss this Asia Cup due to injuries and other issues. That meant only three of our players had prior Asia Cup experience, while nine were competing for the first time. We also had many young players in the squad."; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Recent 3. Chinese team member resting due to injury; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Aug 18, 2025 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Guo Shiqiang, head coach, China Men's National Basketball Team: "The Asia Cup was just one of our short-term targets. We are working within a four-year Olympic cycle with detailed plans and respective goals for each year. We have basically achieved what we hoped for the Asia Cup. The ultimate goal is to perform well at the 2027 World Cup and secure a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games."; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Recent 5. Various of China Men's National Basketball Team training. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]