How Hong Kong Basketball Team Is Rising in International Competitions

I still remember the first time I watched the Hong Kong basketball team compete internationally—it was during the 2018 Asian Games, and honestly, they weren't even on my radar. Fast forward to today, and something remarkable is happening. The team that once struggled to make it past the qualifiers is now turning heads, and a big part of that shift traces back to coaching philosophies like the one Chris Gavina brings to the table. When I read that Gavina coached his first collegiate game just this past Sunday, it struck me how his approach—focusing on player development and tactical adaptability—mirrors the very changes elevating Hong Kong’s national squad. It’s not just about raw talent anymore; it’s about building a system, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing unfold.

Let me break it down a bit. In the past five years, Hong Kong’s men’s team has climbed steadily in FIBA Asia rankings, moving from somewhere around 25th to breaking into the top 15 as of late 2023. That might not sound like a huge leap, but in competitive Asian basketball, it’s massive. I’ve followed their games, and what stands out is their improved ball movement and defensive coordination—things you don’t achieve overnight. It reminds me of what Gavina emphasized in a recent interview: "You build from the ground up, and it starts with trust on the court." Under coaches who prioritize fundamentals, Hong Kong’s players are showing they can hang with teams from Japan or Korea, even if they don’t always win. Take their match against China last year; they lost by just 8 points, whereas a few years back, the gap was often 20 or more. That’s progress you can’t ignore.

What’s really exciting, though, is how the team is leveraging international exposure. They’ve participated in more overseas tournaments—I counted at least six major ones in 2023 alone—and that experience is paying off. I’ve spoken with a few local coaches who’ve noted that players are adapting faster to high-pressure situations, something Gavina’s methods seem to reinforce. His focus on situational drills and player-led initiatives is fostering a new generation of athletes who aren’t just executing plays but reading the game. For instance, in a recent qualifier, Hong Kong’s point guard made a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds against Philippines—a move that felt instinctive, not scripted. That kind of confidence comes from hours of practice under coaches who value decision-making, and it’s why I believe Hong Kong’s rise isn’t a fluke.

Of course, challenges remain. Funding and infrastructure in Hong Kong basketball still lag behind powerhouses like Australia or Iran, and player depth is an issue. But here’s where I see the silver lining: the community is rallying behind the team. Attendance at local games has jumped by nearly 40% since 2020, and corporate sponsorships are slowly increasing. From my perspective, this grassroots support, combined with strategic coaching hires, is creating a virtuous cycle. Gavina’s recent collegiate game might seem unrelated, but it’s part of a broader trend—Hong Kong is investing in basketball at all levels, and that’s how you sustain growth. I’ve seen similar patterns in other rising teams, and it always starts with a cultural shift toward valuing the sport holistically.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic. If Hong Kong continues on this path, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them crack the top 10 in Asia within the next two years. It’ll take more than just luck—consistent training, maybe a couple of naturalized players to bolster the roster, and continued emphasis on coaching innovation. But the foundation is there, and as someone who’s watched this journey unfold, I can say it’s one of the most compelling stories in international basketball right now. The rise of the Hong Kong team isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about proving that with the right vision, any team can rewrite its narrative. And if Gavina’s early impact is any indication, that vision is already taking hold.