Iraq hope to do well at FIBA Asia Cup

Doha: Qualifying for the first time in 30 years, Iraq will hope to do well at the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon, from August 8-20.

Iraq are grouped with Qatar, China, Philippines in Group B.

The Iraq Basketball Federation appointed Erman Kunter as their new coach last month, and the Mesopotamians will look forward to carry on their good form after an impressive fourth-place finish behind Iran, South Korea and Jordan at last year’s FIBA Asia Challenge in Tehran.

However, with perennial contender Qatar and 2015 FIBA Asia Championship finalists China and Philippines in their group, Iraq will need to work really hard to claim a place at the knock-out stage.

A lot will depend on talented players Ali Hamad, Ali Hameed, Mohammed Al Khafaji and Dhulfiqar Al Hchaimi while naturalised player American Demario Mayfield was included to strengthen the squad.

“It’s an honour to play for Iraq. My goal will be to play hard and help the team win,” said Mayfield, who played for Al Nift Baghdad.