One inch short, but a huge step forward — Team China's near-miss at the FIBA Asia Cup has served its tough rebuild a timely boost, heralding a new dawn at the end of a long night for Chinese basketball.

Hu Jinqiu (C) of China attempts a lay-up during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

In what was their first appearance in the continental showpiece final in a decade, the Chinese men's team did the country as proud on Sunday as they had by winning the 2015 edition in Changsha. However, this time around, they came up just short, falling to a narrow 90-89 defeat to Australia in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It was just a few centimeters short, to be precise, after China's leading scorer Hu Mingxuan's 3-point attempt to win the game hit the rim at the buzzer, leaving the hard-cheering, red-clad crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City deflated.

Although unable to bring home its second title in 10 years, what would have been a 17th overall, Team China left the tournament with plenty of pride, earning acclaim from fans, media and pundits alike for putting up a gusty fight that bodes well for its rebound from a long struggle on the international level.

By edging out New Zealand in the semifinals and pushing the world No 7 Boomers to the verge of a huge upset on Sunday, the young Chinese squad, currently ranked 30th in FIBA world rankings, has done more than enough to prove its recovered prowess on a continental stage that has included the two Oceania countries since 2017.

It was a supreme team effort but leading the way for China was Hu, who carried the offensive load with 26 points and five three-pointers, while veteran big man Hu Jinqiu supplied a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that kept his team in contention until the final seconds.

Australia's star forward Xavier Cooks led the Boomers with a game-high 30 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting to go with nine rebounds, and constantly broke down China's defense with his drives. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Jaylin Galloway, playing in his first Asia Cup final, also rose to the occasion, drilling six 3s on his way to 23 points and five rebounds. He was later named the tournament's MVP and nominated in the All-Star Five along with fellow Boomer Jack McVeigh.

China's Hu and young forward Wang Junjie were also named on the tournament's All-Star Five.

"I think our performance at this tournament has been a shot in the arm for our young team and will, for sure, boost our confidence to come back strong on the world stage," said Team China head coach Guo Shiqiang.