In 2013, it seemed inconceivable that India or Kazakhstan could spring an upset against China, Japan, Korea or Chinese Taipei.
Before the event, the Indians knew they would be up against it yet still gave themselves a fighting chance against Chinese Taipei, arguably the weakest of the top four sides on the continent.
Chinese Taipei thumped them, however, storming into a 27-10 lead by the end of the first quarter on the opening day.
They cruised to an 85-57 triumph.
India's only victory would come against Kazakhstan in a battle for fifth place.
"Our first game (against Chinese Taipei), we didn't play well," India's 28-year-old guard Anitha Paul Durai said to FIBA.com.
"Our aim had been to get to the Semi-Finals.
"We wanted to beat Chinese Taipei but weren't able to. Maybe next time."
India's Spanish coach, Francisco Garcia, says there are big hurdles for his squad to clear if it wants to close the gap on the top four.
There is no professional league in India, and once the national team players gather, they do not have enough tours or friendly games.
"Before the tournament, we played in China for 10 days and we did a good job," Garcia said to FIBA.com.
"The problem with my team is that it is not used to competing and when you face true rivals, that defend well, that is when our problems increase.
"But this is the reality and we have to gain experience and learn from playing against these rivals."
Anitha insists there has been improvement in the India team.
"The last two years, Indian basketball has grown up," she said.
"We've had foreign coaches, new facilities - everything is coming up.
"The last time (2011) we finished sixth and this time, we finished fifth. We're very happy about this.
"In India, we need some leagues. We need more camps, more exposures (friendly games). For this (2013 FIBA Asia Championship for Women), we had only three months camp and that's not sufficient.
"China, Korea - they had seven months preparation."
Geethu Anna Jose, the veteran center of India, was able to spend some time playing abroad earlier in her career, including a stint in Australia.
She believes player overseas would help the Indians in the national squad.
"I think the players should go outside and compete," she said.
"I learned a lot in Australia, on and off the court. It was good."
Geethu also says that India have been attracted to the American WNBA style of play but should instead concentrate more on Asian basketball.
It remains to be seen how long the 28-year-old Geethu will remain in the program.
A deputy chief ticket inspector for India Railways, Geethu did not show up for India duty this year until there was less than three weeks to go before the FIBA Asia Championship for Women in Bangkok.
Garcia does believe that India can make strides, even if they are not able to knock off the top four teams yet.
"I am under contract for another year in India," he said.
"I am very enthusiastic and looking to try to grow and do things better.
"I've only been here two months and I'm trying to adapt and learn about basketball here. I hope that little by little, we can grow together."
