Thirdy, Tuffin and Tab: Bridges built and burned

When FIBA announced that Australia and New Zealand will now be included in the Asian region (turning it into Asia-Oceania), almost all Asian countries were dismayed. While it meant added slots to contend for, the two countries from down under practically reserved two of them for their own.

Historically, we only listed China, South Korea and Japan as teams to watch. We eventually added Iran, Jordan and Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries and former Russian territories (Kazakhstan). Now, we also have the Aussies and the Kiwis.