China was drawn in a tough group in yesterday's draw for the 16 countries and regions vying for the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship that will be held in Manila in August.
The draw in the Philippines capital put China, South Korea, Iran and the second-placed team at the Southeast Asian Basketball Association tournament that will be held in Indonesia on June 20-23 in Group C.
Group C is widely perceived as the "Group of Death" as it comprises top teams in the region. Iran and China won the FIBA Asia championship in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
The Philippines, as host, was given the privilege to choose which group it will join and it selected Group A, joining Jordan, Chinese Taipei and Saudi Arabia. Group B consists of Japan, Qatar, Lebanon and Hong Kong, China while Kazakhstan, India, Bahrain and the SEABA winner are in Group D.
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