Iran 2008 [Archive] - InterBasket - International Basketball & Euroleague Forum

View Full Version : Iran 2008

Kings

02-09-2008, 08:24 AM

http://www.iranbasketball.org/www/photogallery/asia_8.jpg
Friendly Games (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6085)
2008.5.26 Iran 56 - Italy 77
2008.5.27 Iran 67 - Italy 84
2008.5.29 Iran 76 - Croatia 66
2008.5.30 Iran 80 - Algeria 78
2008.5.31 Iran 86 - Italy 79
2008.6.16 Iran 68 - Australia 87 (http://www.live.sportingpulse.com/matches/43oJkCwuIq1k_lds.html)
2008.6.18 Iran 53 - Australia 97 (http://www.live.sportingpulse.com/matches/17vmITGYGYgEo_lds.html)
2008.6.20 Iran 65 - Australia 88 (http://live.sportingpulse.com/matches/13/00/04/52/48zeqTD5Q5FM/)
2008.7.02 Iran 79 - Croatia 101
2008.7.04 Iran 71 - Croatia 92
2008.7.05 Iran 80 - Croatia 73
2008.7.08 Iran 71 - Slovenia 96 (http://server4.mbt.lt/prod/kzs/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz00Jm9fbGVhZz00JmZ1c2VhY3Rpb2 49Z2FtZXMubWFpbiZnX2lkPTcyNQ==)
2008.7.09 Iran 80 - Puerto Rico 83 (http://server4.mbt.lt/prod/kzs/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz00Jm9fbGVhZz00JmZ1c2VhY3Rpb2 49Z2FtZXMubWFpbiZnX2lkPTczMQ==)
2008.7.10 Iran 80 - New Zealand 91 (http://server4.mbt.lt/prod/kzs/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz00Jm9fbGVhZz00JmZ1c2VhY3Rpb2 49Z2FtZXMubWFpbiZnX2lkPTcyOA==)

NBA Summer League (http://www.nba.com/jazz/Revue/rmr2008_schedule.html)
2008.7.19 Iran 62 - Dallas Mavericks 79 (http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/rmr08_day2_daliran.pdf)
2008.7.21 Iran 57 - Utah Jazz 82 (http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/rmr2008_day3_iranuta.pdf)

3rd FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=4902)
Preliminary Round
2008.7.29 Iran 71 - Argentina 81 (http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/1/groupname/B/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
2008.7.30 Iran 72 - Serbia 70 (http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/2/groupname/B/langlc//roundid/6361/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
3rd to 4th Place
2008.8.01 Iran 46 - China 75 (http://www.nanjing2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/diamBall/men/scheResu/p/eventid/4002/gamename/8/groupname/8/langlc/en/roundid/6362/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)

10th WABA U18 Championship (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6104)
2008.7.30 Iran 92 - Lebanon 83
2008.8.01 Iran 114 - Jordan 56
2008.8.02 Iran 95 - Syria 73
2008.8.03 Iran 107 - Yemen 81

29th Olympic Games (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=2963)
Preliminary Round
2008.8.10 Iran 49 - Russia 71 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/1/groupname/A/langlc//roundid/6450/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
2008.8.12 Iran 67 - Lithuania 99 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/scheResu/p/eventid/4004/gamename/4/groupname/A/langlc/en/roundid/6450/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
2008.8.14 Iran 68 - Australia 106 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/scheResu/p/eventid/4004/gamename/7/groupname/A/langlc/en/roundid/6450/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
2008.8.16 Iran 82 - Argentina 97 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/scheResu/p/eventid/4004/gamename/12/groupname/A/langlc/en/roundid/6450/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)
2008.8.18 Iran 57 - Croatia 91 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/scheResu/p/eventid/4004/gamename/13/groupname/A/langlc/en/roundid/6450/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html)

20th FIBA Asia U18 Championship (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=5984)
Preliminary Round
2008.8.28 Iran 102 - Malaysia 61 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game5.pdf)
2008.8.30 Iran 100 - Syria 73 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game19.pdf)
Quarter-Final Round
2008.08.31 Iran 111 - Japan 91 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game26.pdf)
2008.09.01 Iran 85 - South Korea 79 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game33.pdf)
2008.09.02 Iran 84 - Philippines 85 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game39.pdf)
Semi-Finals
2008.09.04 Iran 80 - Syria 78 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game47.pdf)
Finals
2008.09.05 Iran 95 - Kazakhstan 76 (http://www.fibaasia.net/cms/pdf/2008/20thFIBAU18/game53.pdf)

mohsena2631

03-10-2008, 12:51 PM

Rajko Toroman has announced the list of called-up players for the first training camp for olympic in Tehran ! just 17 days after Nowrouz !

1 - Mohammad Samad Nikkhah Bahrami (Mahram)
2 - Mehdi Kamrani (Mahram)
3 - Hamed Sohrabnejad (Mahram)
4 - Hooman Rezaei (Mahram)
5 - Mehrad Atashi (Mahram)
6 - Hamed Afagh Eslamieh (Saba Battery)
7 - Hamed Haddadi (Saba Battery)
8 - Mohammad Irani (Saba Battery)
9 - Asghar Kardoust (Saba Battery)
10 - Amir Amini (Kaveh)
11 - Saeid Davarpanah (Kaveh)
12 - Moosa Nabipour (Kaveh)
13 - Farid Zarghi (Kaveh)
14 - Oshin Sahakian (Zob Ahan)
15 - Aren Davoudi (Zob Ahan)
16 - Jaber Rouzbahani (Zob Ahan)
17 - Ali Baheran (Zob Ahan)
18 - Mohammadreza Akbari (Zob Ahan)
19 - Mojtaba Bordbar (Petrochimi)
20 - Ali Doraghi (Petrochimi)
21 - Javad Davari (Petrochimi)
22 - Yousef Arefi (Petrochimi)
23 - Ali Jamshidi (Shahrekord)
24 - Iman Zandi (BEEM)
25 - Pouya Tajik (BEEM)
26 - Tomaj Karimian (BEEM)
27 - Babak Paknejad (Pardis)
28 - Yashar Mohammadpour (Azad)
29 - Taban Ghotbi (Traktorsazi)

5 from Mahram
4 from Saba Battery
4 from Kaveh
5 from Zob Ahan
4 from Petrochimi
0 from Gorgan
1 from Shahrekord
3 from BEEM
0 from Ararat
1 from Pardis
1 from Azad
0 from Gol Gohar
----------
1 from Traktorsazi (Div2)

Jalaa_Syria

03-10-2008, 03:33 PM

Good Luck for Asia Champions and my favourite player Haddadi

We will miss you Aidin

mvblair

03-10-2008, 03:43 PM

Looks like some tough friendlies for Iran. Anybody care to predict the starting line-ups and the main bench players?

mohsena2631

03-10-2008, 06:00 PM

Good Luck for Asia Champions and my favourite player Haddadi

We will miss you Aidin

thanks man, for Haddadi and more for Aidin,

Looks like some tough friendlies for Iran. Anybody care to predict the starting line-ups and the main bench players?

Iran have a good plan for friendlies, i heard about some matches against Italy and Slovenia and 3 friendlies in Utah against NCAA teams ! we just need more experience !! before asian championship, they couldnt find strong opponents !! but now they can :D

starting line-up:
PG: Kamrani is a good choice but we have 2 other good guards (Amir Amini and Javad Davari)
SG: Afagh , if he play like him ! also Iman Zandi can play !
SF: Samad Nikkhah ! he is a world class player
PF: ? / maybe Pouya Tajik or Oshin Sahakian
C: Haddadi , no doubt !

i think Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah have a secure place in starting line-up. but others must fight !

my ideal:

PG: Mehdi Kamrani
SG: Hamed Afagh
SF: Samad Nikkhah
PF: Pouya Tajik
C: Hamed Haddadi

Bench:
Iman Zandi (PG/SG)
Hamed Sohrabnejad (PF/C)
Oshin Sahakian (PF/SF)
Jaber Rouzbahani (C)
Javad Davari (PG)
Amir Amini (PG/SG)
Mousa Nabipour (PG/C)

we have some problems on pos2 and pos4 and also pos3 without Samad !
death of Aidin made big problems for both Iran NT and Saba Battery on pos3.

Jalaa_Syria

03-10-2008, 06:07 PM

I hate playing many friendlies because maybe some players will be injured

daniab

03-10-2008, 06:38 PM

Its very easy to choose iran's roster:

PG:Javad Davari and Mehdi kamrani (both are great)
SG:Iman Zandi and Hamed Afagh(Both a very good shooter)
SF:No one other than Samad Niikhah ( very good player not in the strength of his brother R.I.P but he can be a good replacement)
PF:Poya Tadjik (a player with a lot of experience and potential)
C: Hamed Hadadi and Jaber.(honeslty i dont like both of them but hadadi with his height,he may help a lot ).

Good luck for Iran,they have a quick players,defensive players,tall players,money.... so i predict for them a nice tournament even maybe they will loose as most of the asian teams when they play in such an international tournament.

mohsena2631

03-10-2008, 08:19 PM

I hate playing many friendlies because maybe some players will be injured

you are right, we lost 4 key players during friendlies before FIBA-ASIA 2007, lost Tajik and Kamrani (he played in Tokushima with injured arm and did magic) in Serbian camp and we lost Sohrabnejad and Zandi in Jones Cup ! also we lost Saman Veisi and Alireza Honardoost due to suspension and Karam Ahmadian because he retired !! also Hamed Afagh didnt train with team in last week due to his wife's car accident.

but who knows ! maybe it was a gift from god ! who knows what happened if we played with our best roster !! we played with young players without any international experience in senior level!!

i pray to injury of all 29 players , if we win olympic gold :D :D

--------------------
for Iran
9th place = gold medal
10th place = silver medal
11th place = bronze medal
12th place = 4th place

our 4th place is scure :D but we want more than a gold :D

mohsena2631

03-11-2008, 10:45 AM

SF:No one other than Samad Niikhah ( very good player not in the strength of his brother R.I.P but he can be a good replacement)

no, to be sure Samad is a little better than his recently deceased brother .
in tokushima, Samad was best player of Iran.

-------------------
today Mahmoud Mash'hoon (IRIBF president) had an interview and he said that Alireza Honardoost still have a chance to play in Beijing (if toroman want him). he was suspended by IRIBF after his reaction during WABA 2007 in Syria for 1 year.

Jalaa_Syria

03-11-2008, 10:48 AM

Iran will win silver medal after they lose from Spain 118 / 115 playing 60 minutes ( 4 overtime)

zouz

03-11-2008, 03:59 PM

Iran will win silver medal after they lose from Spain 118 / 115 playing 60 minutes ( 4 overtime)
no they lost to usa with the same score...they won spain easily in the semi final:D:D:D:p

mohsena2631

03-12-2008, 12:04 AM

C: Hamed Hadadi and Jaber.(honeslty i dont like both of them but hadadi with his height,he may help a lot ).

he is not just tall !

Haddadi against Lebanon in FIBA-ASIA final.
NmweMX0Y-8M

also his magical throw beyond half line court, he did it again in ISL final against Mahram.
8WKoCWkX5Po

rikhardur

03-12-2008, 12:15 AM

he is not just tall !

Haddadi against Lebanon in FIBA-ASIA final.
The thing which impresses me the most about him is his mobility and his shot quickness. Most of the times he gets the ball and shoots so quickly, even back to the basket, that the opponent doesn't have time to react. The good thing about this is that he's able to convert! And at that height, it's very difficult to stop him.
Some NBA clubs were rumoured to be interesting in signing him, can that really happen in your opinion mohsena? How could the tension between Iran and the US affect such a possibility?

mohsena2631

03-12-2008, 01:15 PM

The thing which impresses me the most about him is his mobility and his shot quickness. Most of the times he gets the ball and shoots so quickly, even back to the basket, that the opponent doesn't have time to react. The good thing about this is that he's able to convert! And at that height, it's very difficult to stop him.
Some NBA clubs were rumoured to be interesting in signing him, can that really happen in your opinion mohsena? How could the tension between Iran and the US affect such a possibility?

he trained very well for FIBA-ASIA and played magical in final. but he made 2 big mistakes in his life and lost 2 years for that :( before 2006 Asian Games nobody count on him but he came back and now he is very popular in Iran.

about NBA, i think it is possible. he rejected some european offer for that
and i think in this case politics is not effective.

rhk111

03-12-2008, 02:48 PM

I have to say, that outside of Yao & Yi, Hamed Ehadadi, as well as Ha Seung Jin are among the very best Centers in Asia right now.

rikhardur

03-12-2008, 03:45 PM

but he made 2 big mistakes in his life and lost 2 years for that :(
What were those?

mohsena2631

03-12-2008, 05:22 PM

What were those?

first) in 2002 (or 2001 or 2003) he went to UAE (for playing in AL-Wasl) without permission of Iran federation and federation suspended him for 1 year :(

second) in 2005, during a superleague match between Paykan and Sanam , when referees disqaulified him , he go to dressing room and broke the window and broken window cut his blood-vessel of his right hand ! he couldnt play for more than one year. :(

but now , he solve his anger problem and always playing with smile :)

rikhardur

03-12-2008, 11:13 PM

first) in 2002 (or 2001 or 2003) he gone to UAE (for playing in AL-Wasl) without permission of Iran federation and federation suspended him for 1 year :(

second) in 2005, during a superleague match between Paykan and Sanam , when referees disqaulified him , he go to dressing room and broke the window and broken window cut his blood-vessel of his right hand ! he couldnt play for more than one year. :(

but now , he solve his anger problem and always playing with smile :)
Thanks mohsena, I totally didn't know about those problems he had. Hopefully it's all gone now and a great future is ahead of him.

mvblair

03-13-2008, 02:28 PM

FEIFEI

03-13-2008, 02:35 PM

I have to say, that outside of Yao & Yi, Hamed Ehadadi, as well as Ha Seung Jin are among the very best Centers in Asia right now.
What about Wang ZhiZhi?

FEIFEI

03-13-2008, 02:44 PM

first) in 2002 (or 2001 or 2003) he gone to UAE (for playing in AL-Wasl) without permission of Iran federation and federation suspended him for 1 year :(

second) in 2005, during a superleague match between Paykan and Sanam , when referees disqaulified him , he go to dressing room and broke the window and broken window cut his blood-vessel of his right hand ! he couldnt play for more than one year. :(

but now , he solve his anger problem and always playing with smile :)
It's good news for Iran.
Maby he will be the first NBA player of Iran.
Then how old is he?
I think he fi very famous in 2002, right?

mohsena2631

03-13-2008, 11:23 PM

I think Rouzbahni trained in the US for a few months. I know that he met Shaq at one time. Did Haddadi go with him? I don't think that Haddadi's situation is as bad as Michael Ri's situation in the '90s. At least the US has a working relationship with Iran and many Iranians get visas every year. Is he an NBA prospect? Absolutely. His name is frequently mentioned, even thought teams are worried about that "visa situation." Unfortunately, if Haddadi is rejecting lucrative offers from Europe, he might reject a smaller offer from an NBA team.

yes, Jaber met Shaq (i heard in parking) :D :D but Hamed was not with him. At the time he was under suspension.

and about VISA, for athletes it is not a big problem.
i think he want to play in NBA and money is not important for him. olympic will show us that he can play in NBA or not ?

It's good news for Iran.
Maby he will be the first NBA player of Iran.
Then how old is he?
I think he fi very famous in 2002, right?

maybe !
he is 22 (near 23) and yes, 2002 asian U18 championship in Kuwait made him famous ! but we lost in final to China !

mvblair

03-14-2008, 12:42 PM

What about Wang ZhiZhi? Everybody forgets about Wang. Wang is still one of the best centers on the planet. If he wanted to, I think he could still make it in the NBA for another season or so. But he appears to have no interest in that anymore.
yes, Jaber met Shaq (i heard in parking) but Hamed was not with him. At the time he was under suspension. Yeah, I think I read that Shaq walked to Jaber and said something like "hey, you're that Iranian kid I heard about." :D
and about VISA, for athletes it is not a big problem.
i think he want to play in NBA and money is not important for him. olympic will show us that he can play in NBA or not ? Well, he received a visa already and he obeyed the terms of that visa, but sometimes, as in the Michael Ri case, those things become big problems.

I think these Olympics will show where Jaber belongs. A lot of NBA scouts seem to think that that Haddadi is a better prospect though.

daniab

03-14-2008, 01:14 PM

Yeah, I think I read that Shaq walked to Jaber and said something like "hey, you're that Iranian kid I heard about." :D

Then,Jaber asks Shaq to give him his signature :D :p

Jalaa_Syria

03-15-2008, 10:43 AM

Then,Jaber asks Shaq to give him his signature :D :p

No Shaq asked Jaber for signature as I heared :p

mohsena2631

03-15-2008, 09:52 PM

Haddadi had an interview (http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=652779) with MEHRNEWS.

important points about his future:

Haddadi have contract with Saba Battery till Asia-Cup and before that he will reject offers. he had many offers from arab countries, 1 from Partizan Belgrade , 1 from Swedish club and 1 from Russia. he rejected arab offers because if he play in Asia, he play in best league (Iran as he said). also he rejected swedish offer due to quality of basketball in Sweden.
Russian contract is good but he rejected it.
his dream is NBA but he think play in europe is a good experience.

mohsena2631

04-06-2008, 03:48 PM

after new year's holiday, yesterday Iran NT starts for Beijing Olympic with 29 players.

2 changes In comparison of first list:

OUT: Yashar Mohammadpour (Azad) and Yousef Arefi (Petrochimi)
because both of them are living outside of Iran and they didnt participate in yesterday training.

IN: Hamed Nazzari and Aidin Shahangian
two new players are living (and playing) in Canada and USA , but they want to play for Iran NT. i dont know anything about them.

Iran New NT ! (absent in picture: Samad Nikkhah and Javad Davari)
http://64.40.99.49/Multimedia/pics/1387/1/Sport/106.jpg

mohsena2631

04-07-2008, 04:35 PM

Iran NT program for Olympic:

April: 6 weeks Training in Tehran
June: 14 days training and friendly matches in Italy and Serbia
and going to Croatia, Slovenia and Lithuania !!! for train and friendly matches against NTs and Clubs.
July: 2 weeks Training in Tehran
August: Diamond Ball Tournament + 2 friendly matches against Spain , Russia or Angola in Beijing.

cardenales

04-20-2008, 06:42 PM

Heddadi has talent, he cans score, will be good for him to play in Europe he would improve there. The iranian pg in this video has good passing skills.

Good luck Iran

mohsena2631

05-09-2008, 12:57 PM

Haddadi, the gentle giant of Iran basketball

KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Champions Cup): There’s that certain deceptive look about Hamed Haddadi. On court, the Saba Battery spearhead is as tenacious as any other center, of 217 cm height, can be in this part of the world. But off the court, the 22-year-old comes across as that naive, yet passionate, youth inspiring one to accord him the tag ‘The Gentle Giant of Iran basketball’.

“I have worked hard for everything in my life. But I think God has been very graceful in giving me the success to my hard work,” Haddadi started the conversation with S Mageshwaran of FIBA Asia during an interview on the sidelines of the 19th FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
“When I started in Ahvaz (a south-western town in Iran, popular for sport), I couldn’t even find shoes my size,” he chuckled. “I would feel very embarrassed when my friends would mock me at my height. But today things have changed, all thanks to basketball.”

“Initially I didn’t even know what basketball was. I first thought I will become a goalkeeper in basketball, because I thought it was like football,” he chortled.

Haddadi was first spotted, about a decade ago, by Saeed Fathi who took the tall player under his tutelage. A year of special training preceded Haddadi’s induction into the Iranian cadet team. And the rest, as they say, is history.

History, indeed it was, when Haddadi led from the forefront steering the Iranian National Team to their maiden triumph in last year’s FIBA Asia Championships at Tokushima (Japan), thus booking a berth in the Beijing Olympis. “It’s all like a dream,” Haddadi reacted.

“From where I started, I couldn’t even dream that I would come this far. Let alone playing the Olympics, playing for Iran team itself was incredible for me. Now, this entry into the Olympics has changed my entire life,” he said.

Haddadi has his agenda set for the Olympics. “It’s a great opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the world. Personally, I would have loved to play against the United States, which comprises the best players in the world. I hope we do well enough to play them in the advance stages,” Haddadi said.

Haddadi attributed his success to the current coach of Saba Battery Mehran Shahintab and the president of the Iranian federation Mahmoud Mashhoon along with “a lot of support from my family and friends.”

“Mr. Mashhoon is more like a father to me. He’s very fond of me. And I look up to him for anything in my life, not only basketball,” he said.

He also thinks imports are one of the factors that have helped the improvement of standards in basketball in Asia. “There are so many things I’ve learnt from the foreign players I’ve played with. When you practice with a player like Garth Joseph (of Dominica) it gives you the confidence that you can play against anybody else,” Haddadi said. “He was also a fantastic person.”

Haddadi also picked the Nikkah brothers – Aidin, who was killed in a road accident last year and Samad – as splendid supporters. “Watching Samad practice in itself is very motivational. Aidin too was a wonderful friend, but unfortunately we don’t have him amidst us today. With support from such players I’m sure I can continue my contribution to Iranian basketball.”

As the conversation steered to the subject of NBA I could spot a sparkle in Haddadi’s eyes. “My next dream is to play in the NBA. It’s everybody basketball players’ dream to do so.”

“But all other dreams are put on hold. For now, my only goal is to contribute my best to the Iranian National Team in the Olympics.”

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia

mohsena2631

05-14-2008, 10:04 AM

new list for Olympic :

PG:
1- Ali Baheran
2- Javad Davari
3- Amir Amini
4- Mehdi Kamrani
5- Aren Davoudi

SG:
6- Saeid Davarpanah
7- Iman Zandi
8- Hamed Afagh

SF:
9- Samad Nikkhah Bahrami
10- Mohammad Reza Akbari

PF:
11- Hamed Sohrabnejad
12- Pouya Tajik
13- Houman Rezaei
14- Oshin Sahakian
15- Babak Paknejad

C:
16- Hamed Haddadi
17- Asghar Kardoust
18- Jaber Rouzbahani
19- Ali Doraghi
20- Mousa Nabipour

mmz6

05-14-2008, 08:21 PM

where did this list come from? I thought decisions are made tomorrow or the day after??

mohsena2631

05-14-2008, 09:45 PM

where did this list come from? I thought decisions are made tomorrow or the day after??

my sources (persian):

http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=683238
http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=683333

and also TV News !

this list is official.

other players: Atashi, Nazzari , Shahangian, Jamshidi, Ghotbi, Irani, Zarghi and Bordbar will play at Waba Championship with Iran B.

mohsena2631

05-14-2008, 10:08 PM

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/fibaEven/olymMen/p/newsid/24692/arti.html

IRI - Remedial Tonic takes Iran's basketball to Beijing

TEHRAN (Olympics) - Rajco Toroman is the coach of Iran's national basketball team. Though Iranian basketball began to show signs of life long before he arrived in the country to coach the national team, it was his diagnosis of the players weaknesses and strength that gave the national team zest for life. His quick fix has sent Iran's basketball, after half a century, to the Beijing Olympic Games. FIBA's Houman Bagheri talked to him to find out the ingredients of his remedy.

Could you tell us about your coaching career?

I have been coaching basketball teams for almost 20 years. I have worked in Serbia, Greece, Belgium, Holland, Poland, China, Cyprus, and many other countries. In ex-Yugoslavia, I was the assistant-coach of the national team, when we won the European Championships twice, once in 1991 in Rome, and then in Athens in 1995. I was also the coach of U-22 national team when our team won third place in Istanbul. Working in a lot of different countries has given me lots of handy experience.

How did you first hear about Iran and the coaching vacancy here?

I was the head-coach in a big international camp in Serbia when the Iranian national team was there in a preparation camp. I already had a lot of info about Iran's basketball. I was there when the Iranian national team was playing for the last night and that was my first close contact with the Iranian national team.

You are the one who has finally succeeded in taking the Iranian basketball team to the Olympics after half a century. What was your remedy?

First of all I tried to understand Iranian basketball. I realized that Iranian players were very athletic, very physical and with lots of basketball skills. The problem was embedded in the lack of discipline, both on and off court. I began my training with them only 4 months before the Asian Championship Games in Japan and my working style was very hard for everybody to digest immediately. I have to say that no one has ever worked like us for those games. I started with two things on my agenda. I tried very hard to bring discipline to the team, and I tried very hard to improve the games tactically. Those were the areas we concentrated on. We sent two DVDs of our games in the finals with Qatar and Lebanon to NBA to see if Iran could play in NBA Summer League. They predicted Iran would lose all games because the outside players were not as strong as those in the Summer League. But they were extremely satisfied and surprised with the discipline and tactical game Iranians showed in Japan. That's a big success and I think it is a great achievement for us that big NBA coaches praised our work. So, the basic things are discipline, hard work and tactical improvements. I think we played well but our players have not yet reached their full potentials. I think we must work on that and improve our games both offensively and defensively in transitions.

Does this mean that previous local coaches were incapable to do this?

I did not say that, because I was not here before. But that was the conclusion I arrived at for the team. I have put very strong rules on the team and they will get even tougher as we get closer to the Beijing Games. We are newcomers and little known in the world of basketball but people are now beginning to notice us. What can make us competitive is hard work and even more discipline that what we already have. If any player shows weakness, he won't be in the Olympics. We need warriors, players with characters, and we need those who fight hard. I told the players in Japan that being nice with others is for the end of the game. If they beat us, we will show them respect, but before the game we must be ready to fight. These guys will play in the Olympics against teams like Argentina which have 5 NBA players. Most of our players haven't even seen those players on TV and now they have to step in the court and play against them. And this requires a strong character, to be able to keep tough for a big battle.

So, they shouldn't get scared of the big names?

Yes, that's exactly what I want from the players; not to get scared to fight, and no niceties before the games. Last season, I was new here and I set up a new national team with a few novice players. Now, everyone knows that if he doesn't try hard, he'll be out.

Qualifying for the Olympics has made every Iranian happy. In fact, you have made a long-awaited dream come true. What was your own impression when Iran beat Lebanon in the finals and cleared its way to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games?

In the first instance I was very tired and emotionally worn out. I could not even attend the celebrations after the game. This was due to the heavy pressure I was under during those days. But after 10 minutes, I felt really proud of the Iranian players. That was the main point and I think we had an excellent emotional interaction there after. I was respecting them, and they were respecting me which made us get closer than ever before. We had a very difficult period of time before that victory. Mehdi Kamrani who was away because of injury joined the national team again after an absence of three and a half months just seven days before we flew to Japan. Hamed Afagh had a personal problem, so he had not practiced for the last 8 days.
The biggest downside for us has been the tragic and premature death of Aidin Bahrami. If he were with us, we would have had a different team and a totally different situation now. The problem of replacing someone in his position is still lingering. I told his brother, Samad, to stay stronger than ever, both for the sake of Aidin's spirit and for the sake of the national team. I believe that if all the negative load was not on the team at that time we could have even played with a more competitive force. However, I was satisfied with the results and with the players' behavior. They sacrificed everything for the team.

What is your idea about Asian and Iran's basketball in particular?

Before I came here, I had a relatively good knowledge of the teams. I had a very good friend who was coaching a team in Qatar for 15 years. He passed on a lot of information about Asian basketball. I also had a good contact in China who gave me some useful tips. The main point with most Asian teams is that though they have the physical power and basketball skills, tactically they are far behind European teams.

You mean in teamwork?

Yes, I remember the words of a famous NBA coach who said the only way to be successful in Beijing is to send the best players to Europe to pick up tactical skills for a better tactical game. If you look at the first five teams, 4 of them have European coaches. Even in China where sending players to Europe was against their rules and regulations, a European coach was hired for the national team. I have had a long conversation on this issue with my friend, who is the Serbian coach of Iran's national volleyball team. He said the only way to improve performance is to go to Turkey with three of the Iranian national team players. There they can pick European experience from the best European teams. That's how they can jump to a higher level.

And do you believe that we have the potential among Iranian players to play in good foreign teams?

Yes, I do. We agreed for Hamed Haddadi to play with one of the best European teams, Partizan Belgrade. But unfortunately the deal was not finalized because Hamed turned it down. If he had played one season in Partizan, it would have projected a different mentality here in Iran. Partizan's coach has so far sent three players to NBA. This team has over 70 very difficult games each season, and Hamed could have opened the door for other Iranian players too. For the moment, I think Samad Bahrami and Mehdi Kamrani are ready to play in Europe. These three are the tops. They can play even in ULEB and the Euro League. I believe they have the potential.

Why did Hamed turn down the offer?

Though it is still unclear to me, Hamed decided not to go for personal reasons. I asked the president of the basketball federation to talk to Hamed. But he still refused to go. It could be because he was a bit afraid of the competitive nature of the European league and the hard work it took. One thing I am sure is that it was not the money, because Partizan offered him a good salary. Also, this is not the issue during the first year as what happens over the next 5 years is much more important. I told Hamed, "You have to choose! Stay here and continue the current pattern of life or go there, fight for your position and earn more. It's your choice. Do what you want."

So, he didn't choose the big challenge?

No, he didn't and I am not sure why, but he did not take the offer.

How much, if any, do you believe foreign players in Iran have helped to improve Iranian basketball?

Of course they have. There are lots of good players who are helping the teams, moreover good teams are choosing better imports. Through their experience, the imports can help Iranian players produce a higher standard competition. Making the right choice is also very important. For example, Kaveh signed on with good players last season. Omar Sneed was my player in Belgium and Mike Jones is a good player too. I believe they could have helped Kaveh tremendously. Kaveh could have reached the finals if the team had been a bit stronger and luckier. Overall, it was very good for Kaveh.

Did you have any offers from other countries at the same time you were contacted from Iran? And what was your motivation to work here?

First of all, I was free when Mr. Zoran Radovic from FIBA called me and asked me if I wanted to take the offer. I said I had to see the whole situation first, and gather some information. I called a Serbian coach who was in Iran, then Bosnjak, and they both told me the potential here is really good. I thought I could do something and so I accepted the offer and arrived here during the play-offs in 2006-07 season. I watched a couple of games like Mahram-Saba and Saba-Petrochimi and I saw some really good and promising players. So, for me it was easy to decide to come here.

What image did you have in mind before coming to Iran?

I didn't expect much but I found a lot of potential in every field, even in the shape of the town. I never expected Tehran to look like this due to the vast amount of negative propaganda in the news. I did not expect to see a nice city with nice people as I have. And I did not expect to see players at this level. As I said earlier, three of them can play in good European teams. I can say Iran has started to have a respectable basketball and it has reached one of its goals which was playing in the Olympics. But our goal must now shift to the 2010 World Championships in Turley because we have a young team with high potentials. We should have a long-term plan for basketball in Iran.

What about Iranian people?

Well, I have a lot of friends here and that's very important for me. I enjoy staying here and I am really satisfied and feel very comfortable.

And what about your daily life here?

I have tried to organize my life as good as I can. There are some other Serbian coaches in Iran and I spend part of my time with them. I feel quite at ease living out of my own country. If you start thinking about home, you will get homesick. In any country I have worked so far, I have been able to find friends and hobbies.

So, you are quite sociable?

Yes! If you are not and if you just stay at home, it will become very rough and very difficult. I go home twice a year to visit my family including my grandson and I am happy with this arrangement.

Is your family comfortable with the type of job you have?

My life is basketball, and basketball is everything for me. My son plays basketball in Belgium and my daughter is also living there. Everything that happens around me is linked to basketball. Usually my wife is with me, but now she has to take care of our grandson. But she often comes over to visit me in Iran and like me she feels at home here too.

Has anything ever shocked you here?

Before I came over and from what I was fed by the media I was expecting bad times here. But it has not been so and I was able to adjust myself easily.

What do you think about Iranian spectators?

It's a pity that in Tehran there aren't a lot of spectators. I think this is the biggest problem in the capital.

Why is that so?

Somebody said that the gym is too far, but I do not believe this theory. I think the clubs must work on their fans very hard. The federation should take basketball to schools, and organize competitions between them, so that young people get more interested in basketball. It's a pity that in some games there are just 50 or 100 people in the gym. But if you go to the other cities, such as Gorgan, Babol, or Sirjan you'll see an amazing atmosphere, because over 5,000 fans come to support their teams and that's really exciting. I can not prescribe anything to overcome this problem, but I think a good advertising campaign will work. Also, if we can arrange big tournaments here, I think that would help find more fans to support the sport. Well, they say the gym in Tehran is too far from the city center, but at the same time you see over 100,000 people present in the same stadium to cheer a football match between the leading Iranian soccer teams. The clubs must work very hard to gain dedicated fans. They should work on their websites, press contacts and give away gifts to their fans. The basketball federation must exert more support for them too.

We have several sports newspapers in Iran, but when it comes to basketball, little is covered by them. What do you think of their coverage of basketball especially about the team qualifying for the Olympics after half a century?

Our biggest success was not only qualifying for the Olympics. Our biggest success was that the name of Iran's basketball appeared on the first page of the most famous world sports newspapers for 10 days when we won the championship in Japan last year. So we can push aside football. Therefore, I can say that basketball coverage is not enough at all. We need the daily newspapers to cover and expose basketball to the people. They should cover all games, print names and statistics and photos of the players.

Despite the success, our basketball is suffering from poor international liaison. There are lots of people overseas who are very interested about Iranian basketball. What measures do you think the federation should take in this regard?

One thing is to organize high-level clinics here in Iran and invite high-level coaches to come. We should not think we know everything. Last season, the federation received invitations from a few low-level or mid-level teams, but this season the invitations are from famous countries in basketball such as Slovenia, Australia, Italy, and many others. We have to grab this opportunity to improve the level of Iranian basketball. I think if we play with good teams here in Iran during which we can also organize some clinics it would help our players a lot.

Have you ever encountered any communication gaps with players or other people?

No, I speak English, and sometimes when someone doesn't understand my assistant translates my words.

What have you learned about the Iranian culture?

I have tried to visit the historical places. I was very impressed by different sites I visited in Isfahan. I was staying in a hotel with a traditional architectural design. The trip was a boost to my peace of mind.

How much can sports bring countries with conflicts together?

A lot. We should not think about politics but only friendship in sports.

Will you consider staying in Iran after the Olympics?

I like it here, but I do not know about my decision after the Olympics. I should see what is best for me and what is best for the federation.

Good Luck Rajco and I hope Iran plays well in Beijing.

Thanks and I hope for the same, too.

Hooman Bagheri
FIBA Official Correspondent in Iran

mvblair

05-15-2008, 03:31 PM

Thanks for posting the interview, the roster and the links, Mohensa.

That Iran 2008 team looks pretty good. I think they'll play very competive basketball in Beijing. Toroman sounds like he's got the team in good shape. Toroman needs to continue arranging friendly games with other countries. Iran has talent, muscle, and brains, but they have so little precious basketball experience.

Off Topic: It also sounds like he knows a lot about basketball life in Iran. Frankly, Tehran's fans sound a little like Los Angeles Laker fans who show up late only when the team is playing well. :rolleyes:

mohsena2631

05-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Toroman choose his team for Italian trip !

only 16 players will go to Italy and other 4 players will train in Iran.

PG:
1- Ali Baheran
2- Javad Davari
3- Amir Amini
4- Mehdi Kamrani

SG:
5- Saeid Davarpanah
6- Iman Zandi
7- Hamed Afagh

SF:
8- Samad Nikkhah Bahrami
9- Mohammad Reza Akbari

PF:
10- Hamed Sohrabnejad
11- Pouya Tajik
12- Houman Rezaei
13- Oshin Sahakian

C:
14- Hamed Haddadi
15- Asghar Kardoust
16- Jaber Rouzbahani

---------------------

Iran's Schedule in Italy :

26 May / friendly match / Alba Adriatica / Iran vs. Italy
27 May / friendly match / Campli / Iran vs. Italy
29 May / friendly tournament / Roseto / Iran vs. Croatia
30 May / friendly tournament / Roseto / Iran vs. Algeria
31 May / friendly tournament / Roseto / Iran vs. Italy

mohsena2631

05-25-2008, 06:04 PM

Italy squad for tomorrow match:

4. Passera Marco (82, 181, P, Cimberio Varese)
5. Cinciarini Daniele (83, 194, G, Angelico Biella)
6. Boscagin Giorgio (83, 196, G/A, Cimberio Varese)
7. Zacchetti Joel (82, 208, A/C, Snaidero Udine)
8. Poeta Giuseppe (85, 190, P, Siviglia Wear Teramo)
9. Antonutti Michele (86, 202, A, Snaidero Udine)
10. Formenti Matteo (82, 194, G, Fastweb Casale Monferrato)
11. Garri Luca (82, 207, C, La Fortezza Bologna)
12. Fultz Robert (82, 188, P, Scavolini Spar Pesaro)
13. Datome Luigi (87, 202, A, Legea Scafati,8,8
14. Fantoni Tommaso (85, 203, A/C, Td Shop.It Livorno)
15. De Min Thomas (86, 200, A, Consum.It Siena)
16. Rullo Roberto (90, 192, P, Aget Service Imola)
18. Lechthaler Luca (86, 206, C, Premiata Montegranaro)
19. Conti Francesco (83, 201, A, Sil Lumezzane)
20. Cerella Bruno (86, 194, G/A, Mach 20 Potenza)

Head Coach Carlo Recalcati
Assistenti Giovanni Piccin, Frank Vitucci

so sad, this is not their A team :(

anyway , Iran-Italy ,Monday, 20:30 (local) , live on Rai Sport più

Kings

05-26-2008, 04:53 AM

http://www.basketball.net.au/_uploads/img/1_90355m.jpg
Jun 16 Iran vs. Australia
Jun 18 Iran vs. Australia
Jun 20 Iran vs. Australia

mohsena2631

05-26-2008, 08:33 PM

Italy 77 - Iran 56
Quarters: (23-11, 23-14, 16-13, 15-18)

Iran's Starting line-up : Amini, Sahakian, Davari, Rezaei, Akbari

Iran played very very bad ! we missed many free throws (as usual :mad: ) and many easy shots + more than 10 stupid turnovers by Amini and Davari !

the only good positive thing was Iman Zandi's return !

-------
tomorrow, IRI-ITA, Campli, 19:00 (local) live on Rai Sport più, i hope we play much better :)

rikhardur

05-26-2008, 08:49 PM

Is there a boxscore of the above game mohsena?

mohsena2631

05-26-2008, 09:27 PM

Is there a boxscore of the above game mohsena?

what i found on Italian Fedration Website:

Italia-Iran 77- 56 (23-11, 46-25, 62-38)

Italia. Cinciarini , 13 (3/4, 1/1), Zacchetti 2 (1/1), Datome 9 (3/6, 1/3), Fantoni 4 (2/4, 0/2), Rullo 4 (0/2, 0/2). Passera 5 (1/2, 1/1), Antonutti 8 (3/4, 0/4), Formenti 3 (0/1, 1/2), Garri 3 (0/3, 1/1), De Min 6 (2/4), Lechthaler 5 (2/3), Cerella 15 (5/6, 1/3). Allenatore Carlo Recalcati

Iran. Amini 7 (2/4, 0/2), Davari (0/3), Akbari Bisheh, Sahakian 4 (2/4),Rezaee 9 (4/5). Tadjik 3 (0/1, 1/2), Kamrany (0/3), Zandi Mashhady 10 (3/5, 1/3), Afagh Eslameh 5 (1/2, 1/2), Sohrabnejad 2 (1/2, 0/1), Nikkhah Bahrami 8 (2/5, 1/2), Ehadadi 8 (2/8). Allenatore: Rajko Toroman.

Tiri: T2 Ita 22/40, Irn 17/42; T3 Ita 6/19, Irn 4/13; TL Ita 15/18, Irn 10/18. Rimbalzi: Ita 34 (Fantoni e De Min 5), Irn 37 (Ehadadi 11). Assist: Ita: 11, Irn 6

Tiri=Shot
Rimbalzi=Rebound
TL=FT

-------
i think this is a little wrong ! Rezaei missed more than 1 shoot ! Tajik never made a 3 points shot !

mohsena2631

05-27-2008, 07:38 PM

Italy 84 - Iran 67
Quarters: (24-29, 17-17, 23-12, 20-9)

we lost again ! but tonight we played much much better (especially in first period) but Italian referees changed the winner ! they helped their national team a lot.

Haddadi fouled out and Iran played around 10 mins without center !
tonight Toroman used 5 different point guards !
Kamrani played very well but in my opinion Samad Nikkhah was best player.

Referees made iranian players very angry but no problem ! :) it is just a friendly match. we still need to learn
first lesson : don't attend to referees !

---------------------------------------------------

http://www.fip.it/newsdettaglio.asp

Italia-Iran 84-67 (24-29, 41-46, 64-58)
Italia. Passera 8 (1/2, 1/1), Cinciarini 20 (3/4, 4/5),Garri 8 (4/6, 0/2), Datome 7 (2/4, 0/1), De Min 2 (1/2). Antonutti (0/2 da tre), Formenti 3 (1/2 da tre), Fantoni 10 (3/5), Rullo 9 (3/5, 0/5), Lechthaler 11 (3/4), Conti, Cerella 6 (3/4). Allenatore: Carlo Recalcati

Iran. Kamrany 7 (1/4 da tre), Afagh 7 (0/2, 2/5), Sohrabnejad 3 (0/3, 1/2), Nikkhah Bahrami 19 (6/9, 2/6), Ehadadi 14 (5/10). Amini, Davari 6 (3/5),Akbari Bisheh 2 (1/1, 0/2), Sahakian 5 (2/2), Rouzbahani Darresari 4 (2/2), Davarpanah Fard, Baheran. Allenatore Rajko Toroman
Arbitri: Alessandro Martolini, Corrado Federici, Marco Giansanti

Note: technical foul by Kamrany (73-61, al 35’)

Spettatori: 400 circa
Tiri: T2: Ita 22/36, Irn; T3: Ita 6/19, Irn; TL: Ita 20/28, Irn . Rimbalzi: Ita 31 (Lechthaler 9), Irn (). Assist: Ita 13 (Cerella 4), Irn 12.

mohsena2631

05-28-2008, 04:58 PM

Asia-Basket.com

Iran loses to Italy in the European tour opener

Iran - Italy 56:77

Iran started their European tour as they plan to play five games in Italy in the upcoming weeks. Iranian National team opened the series against Italy and fell short at the end. Iran will play against the same opponents today before playing versus Algeria, Croatia and once again Italy at the international tournament from May 28 through May 31. Iran have already qualified for the Olympic Games in Beijing as the winner of the Asia Championship last year. They will play in Group A alongside Argentina, Australia, Russia and Lithuania.
Iran struggled right from the start in the game as the hosts ran away to a 12-point distance at the end of the first stanza. The things hardly improve for Asian outfit in the second period as experimental Italian squad stretched the gap to as many as 21 points at halftime. Iran dominated the paint due to impressive performance from Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency) however Italy got too many open looks and enjoyed a 24-point buffer before the fourth term. Italy maintained the lead throughout the final quarter and sealed the winning outcome at the end of the game. Bruno Cerella (194-F-86) scored 15 points to pace Italian side. Andrea Cinciarini (191-G-86) poured in 13 points, while Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) had 9 for the winners. Iman Zandi (186-G-81) answered with 10 points. Hamed Hadadi contributed 8 points and 11 boards in a losing effort. Iran outrebounded the hosts 37:34 but sank 38% from the field and issued only 6 assists. The second game is scheduled for today in Alba Adriatica.

Iran: Iman Zandi 10, Hamed Hadadi 8+11 boards, Rezaee 9
Italy: Bruno Cerella 15, Andrea Cinciarini 13, Luigi Datome 9

---------------------------------------------
Iran defeated again

The second test match between Italy and Iran ended as the previous one: Team Italy won 84-67, with Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) leading the way at 20 points and inside players Tommaso Fantoni (203-F-85, agency: Players Group) and Luca Lechthaler (207-C-86) adding 10 and 11 pts, respectively. Iran, however, started better, staying ahead in the score almost all the first part of the game (ended 41-46) and showing interesting improvements. The best in the Asiatic team were Samad Bahrami Nikkhah (200-F/G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency), who showed good perimetral skills and ended the game at 19 points, and Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency), who scored 14 points and was dominat inside.

------------------------------------
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_Ym0UXmR0IPE5sV,xLes-y1.container_frontpage.articleMode_on.html

Impressive Italy showed their battling qualities by fighting back from a five-point deficit at half-time to defeat Iran 84-67 on Tuesday - their second friendly win over the FIBA Asia champions in as many days.

Angelico Biella's Daniele Cinciarini followed up his 13-point showing in Monday's 77-56 victory with a team-high 20 for the Italians.

He scored eight in a decisive third-quarter spurt which saw the Azzurri take control and lead 64-58 with 10 minutes remaining.

An 8-1 Azzurri run late in the fourth gave Italy a 78-61 advantage and they cruised over the final the final three minutes.

Italy coach Carlo Recalcati said: "It's been a game decidedly different from the first.

"The attitude of the Iranians, they were certainly more competitive and thus it was a real test for us."

Cinciarini is certainly doing his chances of making this summer's national team no harm.

A virtual unknown outside of Italy, he averaged 9.1 points and hit almost 40% of his shots from three-point range during the Lega A campaign.

On Tuesday, he buried four of five shots from behind the arc.

Italy, the silver-medal winners at the 2004 Olympics, did not qualify for this year's competition.

They will instead play in EuroBasket Division A against Serbia, Hungary, Finland and Bulgaria and attempt to reach next year's FIBA Europe Championship in Poland.

mvblair

05-28-2008, 05:32 PM

So, that was an expected result. Of course we'd like to see a closer score. Mohensa, do you know if there is a good box-score somewhere?

mohsena2631

05-28-2008, 10:41 PM

So, that was an expected result. Of course we'd like to see a closer score. Mohensa, do you know if there is a good box-score somewhere?

the result is very bad ! first match was terrible but i am satisfied for second match. and we know in friendly matches, result is not important.

we havent any experience against non-asian strong teams (in these 60 years) !! it is unbelievable but it is true ! we only need to play.

Fearless

05-29-2008, 12:47 PM

hmmm beaten twice nearly by 20 by the italian B squad?(in which some players don't even play in the first division)... Is really Iran so bad?

mvblair

05-29-2008, 01:50 PM

...Is really Iran so bad? I don't think they're so bad. Like Mohensa said, they just have no experience outside of Asia. They need time to develop. Unfortunately for Iran, right now they have some great prospects, like Haddadi, but the National Team is only just now starting to play with other teams. Also, this Iranian NT is pretty new. They haven't been together very long.

daniab

05-29-2008, 03:12 PM

hmmm beaten twice nearly by 20 by the italian B squad?(in which some players don't even play in the first division)... Is really Iran so bad?

its a friendly game i think.
I doubt Iran will loose if they play with their 5 starters in almost all the game.
the weakest position in Iran NT i think is the wings.

mohsena2631

05-29-2008, 07:14 PM

29 May / Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy / Torneo Bandiera Blu

Iran 76 - Croatia 66
Italy 93 - Algeria 65

i think , this team is Croatia B. but i am not sure.

interxavierxxx

05-30-2008, 04:11 PM

Hi, I know I'm not Iranian but I decided to start a thread since I'm a big fan of International Basketball. So anyways, Iran is in Group A together with Lithuania, Argentina, Russia, Australia, and Qualifier A winner. So anybody here knows the chances of Iran advancing to the next round?

mvblair

05-30-2008, 04:50 PM

I think Iran has a good chance to do well. I don't think they will earn a medal, but they're going to get some good experience against the best teams in the world. They can work on a little strategy and explore the game. There is a good, long thread about Iran here (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6105) if you're interested, Xavier!

Phantim3dx

05-30-2008, 05:10 PM

you know feifei, in my personal opinion, wang zhizhi is one of those hybrid type of guys, that is cant call him a true center or a true power forward. he doesnt play like a center because he prefers perimeter/outside shots. and he doesnt play pf because he isnt fast enough in my opinion. he is mroe in between those two for me in my opinion. and ha seung jin, well if we made wang right now a true center, id rather go with wang than ha seung jin

What about Wang ZhiZhi?

mohsena2631

05-30-2008, 06:36 PM

30 May / Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy / Torneo Bandiera Blu

Iran 80 - Algeria 78 (OT)
Italy 67 - Croatia 63

Iran Played with reserves. final score was 71-71 and Iran only won at overtime.

mohsena2631

05-31-2008, 08:47 PM

31 May / Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy / Torneo Bandiera Blu

Croatia 120 - Algeria 69
Iran 86 - Italy 79

Final Standing:
1-Iran 3-0
2-Italy 2-1
3-Croatia 1-2
4-Algeria 0-3

---------------------

Italia –Iran 79-86 (17-20, 35-46, 57-67)
Italia. Formenti 12 (4/4, 1/5), Garri 22 (4/8, 4/5), Datome (0/1, 0/2), Rullo 9 (3/5, 1/3), De Min 2 (2/2, 0/2).Passera 3 (0/2, 1/2), Bolzanella 5 (1/1, 1/2), Antonutti 11 (2/5, 1/2), Lechthaler 6 (3/4), Conti 5 (1/1, 1/1), Cerella (0/1 da tre), Ne: Fantoni. Allenatore Carlo Recalcati
Iran. Kamrany 16 (3/5, 2/2), Afagh 11 (4/4, 1/6), Sahakian 4 (2/3, 0/1), Nikkhah 19 (5/8, 2/4), Ehadadi 18 (7/17). Tadjik 3 (1/2, 0/1), Amini 2 (1/1), Davari 6 (0/2, 0/1), Zandi 3 (1/2 da tre), Rezaee 4 (1/1). Ne: Akbari e Sohrabnejad. Allenatore Rajko Toroman
Arbitri: Angelo Tullio, Massimiliano Filippini, Davide Ramilli,
Tiri: T2: Ita 20/33, Irn 24/43; T3: Ita 10/25, Irn 6/17; TL Ita 9/10, Irn 20/27. Rimbalzi: Ita 29 (Garri 8), Irn 38 (Ehadadi 17), Assist: Ita 15 (Passera 6), Irn 14 (Ehadadi 4).

75 % free throws for Iran ??? Unbelievable !

-------------------------------
Eurobasket.com

Team Itall felt to Itan 79-86 yesterday night in Roseto, in the Final Game of 'Bandiera Blu' International tournment, and this result allowed Team Iran to be crowned as the competition champion. Pointing on his center Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85, agency: Huss Sport Agency), the guest team outrebounded Italy 38-29, and stayed ahead in the score almost all game long. All the Iranian players showed interesting improvements from the first games. The main performers were Hadadi, who ended the game with 18 pts, 17 rebounds and 4 assists, Samad Nikkhah (200-F/G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency), who scored 19 points, and Mehdi Kamrani (181-G-82, agency: Huss Sport Agency), who added 16 points and an effective quarterbacking. The Italians were limited by the absence of Fantoni, Boscagin and Cinciarini, all injured, and weren' t able to play at the same level of the previous nights. Luca Garri (207-C/F-82) was the last to surrender, ending the game at 22 points in losing effort. The third place in the 'Bandiera Blu' tournment went to Croatia, winner over Algeria 120-69 in the first game played yesterday.

FEIFEI

06-02-2008, 07:39 AM

mohsena2631

06-02-2008, 12:06 PM

Why you said Croatia is a B team ?
Do you have the list of Croatia?
Can you show me?Thanks!

i only found their surnames:

Drezga, Babic, Andric, Zoric, Novacic, Siriscevic, Simon, Car, Vrkic, Vukusic, Samadan, Petrovic

Coach: Josip Vrankovic

------------------------
Croatia A at Eurobasket 2007 :

Ukic, Kus, Popovic, Rozic, Prkacin, Tomas, Planinic, Stojic, Markota, Banic, Kasun, Barac

Coach: Jasmin Repesa

FEIFEI

06-02-2008, 12:11 PM

i only found their surnames:

Drezga, Babic, Andric, Zoric, Novacic, Siriscevic, Simon, Car, Vrkic, Vukusic, Samadan, Petrovic

Coach: Josip Vrankovic
Thanks!:)

mvblair

06-02-2008, 12:18 PM

The wins against Italy and Algeria are big for Iran. Algeria, about 10 years ago, was one of Africa's power-house teams. Italy, even their "B" team is very talented. Looks like Ehadadi had a great game with a big Tim Duncan-like double-double, but he only made 7-17 baskets? He can do much better with his field goal percentage, I'm sure.

mohsena2631

06-02-2008, 09:31 PM

Iran NT went to Serbia for 4 friendly matches against Serbian clubs.

--------------------------------------

photos of "Torneo Bandiera Blu"

Samad Nikkhah with Cup

http://www.iranbasketball.org/www/photogallery/samad_6_b.jpg

Team (left to right)
1st row : Jaber Rouzbahani, Oshin Sahakian, Hamed Sohrabnejad, Houman Rezaei, Mohsen Sadeghzadeh (assistant coach), Hassan Nourbakhsh (director), Hamed Haddadi, Pouya Tajik, Samad Nikkhah, Rajko Toroman

2nd row : serdjan Tetrakovic (Trainer), Mehran Hatami (assistant coach), Doctor !, Hamed Afagh, Mehdi Kamrani, Iman Zandi, Amir Amini, Javad Davari, Mohammad Reza Akbari, Unknown !

http://www.iranbasketball.org/www/photogallery/Temmeli_1_b.jpg

mohsena2631

06-11-2008, 10:12 AM

interxavierxxx

06-11-2008, 10:57 AM

Iran's results in Serbian Camp : (1W - 3L)

Iran 106 - Superfund 77
Mega Ishrana 78 - Iran 75
Metalac Valjevo 85 - Iran 77
OKK Beograd 79 - Iran 69

next plan is AUSTRALIA

-------------------------
by the way Toroman changed 4 players :

OUT: Hamed Sohrabnejad, Houman Rezaei, Ali Baheran, Mohammadreza Akbari
IN: Mousa Nabipour, Ali Doraghi, Babak Paknejad, Aren Davoudi

We also played 4 friendly matches in Serbia last year. I guess no surprises against Mega Ishrana, IRI and PHI both lost by only a small margin. Talk about hard luck.

kajacko

06-14-2008, 10:00 AM

i'm looking forwto the series with australia. could be a good series

mohsena2631

06-15-2008, 12:40 PM

Iran vs. Australia

Game 1 - Challenge Stadium in Perth
Monday 16 June at 7:00pm

Game 2 - Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide
Wednesday 18 June at 7:30pm

Game 3 - State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne
Friday 20 June at 7.30pm

FEIFEI

06-15-2008, 01:28 PM

mohsena2631

06-15-2008, 02:30 PM

Is the Australia a NT or club?
If it is NT ,is it A team or B team?
Thanks!

it is Australia national A team. (without 3 players)

Chris ANSTEY / Centre / 213cm / Melbourne Tigers
David BARLOW / Guard/205cm/Melbourne Tigers
CJ BRUTON / Guard / 188cm / Brisbane Bullets
James HARVEY / Guard / 196cm / Gold Coast Blaze
Wade HELLIWELL / Centre / 213cm / Nuova Sebastiani (Ita.)
Russell HINDER / Forward / 208cm / Sydney Kings
Joe INGLES / Guard / 203cm / South Dragons
Luke KENDALL / Guard / 193cm / Sydney Kings
Darnell MEE / Guard / 198cm / Cairns Taipans
Patrick MILLS / Guard / 181cm / St. Mary’s College Gaels (USA)
Brad NEWLEY / Guard / 198cm / Panionios (Greece)
Matthew NIELSEN / Forward / 209cm / Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania)
Andrew OGILVY / Centre / 210cm / Vanderbilt U Commodores (USA)
Shawn REDHAGE / Forward / 203cm / Perth Wildcats
Damien RYAN / Guard / 193cm / Gruppo Triboldi (Italy)
Glen SAVILLE / Guard / 197cm / Sydney Kings
Mark WORTHINGTON / Forward / 202cm / Sydney Kings

NOTE :
Andrew Bogut awaits contract negotiations in the United States, David Andersen will enjoy a brief rest after returning from a grueling season in Russia while Nathan Jawai is fighting hard to keep his NBA dream alive and may not be back in Australia in time for selection.

mohsena2631

06-16-2008, 01:10 PM

AUSTRALIA 87 - IRAN 68
Quarters: (33-22, 14-13, 21-17, 19-16)

FG : AUS 30/67 , IRI 26/62
3P : AUS 12/28 , IRI 5/19
FT : AUS 15/18 , IRI 11/16
Rebs: AUS 29 , IRI 34
As : AUS 19 , IRI 11
TO: AUS 12 . IRI 19

-----------------------------

IRAN:
Hamed Haddadi / 33 min / 23 pts / 11 rebs / 3 blck
Samad Nikkhah / 35 min / 20 pts
Babak Paknejad / 27 min / 6 pts
Hamed Afagh / 28 min / 5 pts !!
Mehdi Kamrani / 26 min / 4 pts !!!!!!!!

Full Stats:
http://www.live.sportingpulse.com/matches/43oJkCwuIq1k_lds.html?1213620770

mohsena2631

06-16-2008, 04:53 PM

Boomers take opener against Iran

Australia turned a fast start into a comfortable victory over Iran in the opening game of the Boomers World Challenge in Perth on Monday night taking victory by nineteen points, 87-68.

Four 3-pointers in the opening quarter from Melbourne Tigers guard David Barlow, who top scored for Australia with 19 points on 5-7 from behind the arc, set up a lead the Aussies never surrendered.

Perth Wildcat Shawn Redhage added 13 points on debut for the Boomers while CJ Bruton chimed in with 13 points and a team high 3 assists.

Just two days after arriving in Australia, 217cm Saba Battery centre Hamed Ehadadi scored 21 points with 11 rebounds to lead Iran, who put in a spirited effort.

Iranian captain Hamed Nikkah added 20 points for the losing team.

The three-match series moves to Adelaide for the second game on Wednesday night.

David Barlow opened the scoring on a three-point bomb from the corner before Iranian centre Hamed Had idi finished an old-fashioned 3-pointer to make it an early 3-3 tie.

Barlow lit it up again from long range for a 6-3 lead and when AJ Ogilvy score his first points as a Boomer with two foul shots with 7:16 on the clock the Boomers led 12-6.

Barlow continued with the hot hand to put the Boomers up by ten, 17-7, but after a quick time out the Iranians scored six straight points to get back in the quarter.

Barlow made it four 3-pointers for the quarter with 2:30 remaining and when Anstey and debutante Shawn Redhage added long bombs the Boomers ran into the break ahead by eleven, 33-22.

Redhage added a second 3-pointer two minutes into the second quarter and James Harvey continued the Boomers rain dance with 3:39 remaining in the half but the Iranians hung around and when the half time buzzer sounded the margin had only extended by one point, 47-35.

CJ Bruton hit three 3-pointers in a row in the third quarter and the Boomers looked to blow the game open but Iranian captain Samed Nikka kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors.

Pat Mills came off the bench to end those Iranian hopes, scoring four quick points to put Australia up by 18 with 3:15 remaining in the third and when one period remained Australia were up by sixteen, 68-52.

A scrappy final quarter followed, with Australia never threatened by the Asian Champions Iran, who did win the rebound count 34-29.

Starters:
AUS: Ogilvy, Nielsen, Barlow, Newley, Bruton
IRI: Hadadi, Kardoust, Afagh, Kamrani, Nikkah

Quarter by quarter:
1: AUS 33 IRI 22
H: AUS 47 IRI 35 (14-13)
3: AUS 68 IRI 52 (21-17)
F: AUS 87 IRI 68 (19-16)

AUSTRALIA 87 - David Barlow 19, Shawn Redhage 13, CJ Bruton 13 bt
IRAN 68 - Hamed Ehadadi 21, Samed Nikkah 20, Babak Paknejad 6

-------------------------------------------
Patty Mills & Javad Davari
http://www.basketball.net.au/_uploads/img/1_90689m.jpg

Babak Paknejad in his first international match
http://www.basketball.net.au/_uploads/img/1_90688m.jpg

Kings

06-16-2008, 10:04 PM

Game 1 - Box Score (http://www.live.sportingpulse.com/matches/43oJkCwuIq1k_lds.html)

mohsena2631

06-18-2008, 11:50 AM

AUSTRALIA 97 - IRAN 53
Quarters: (20-7, 30-13, 26-11, 21-22)

Hamed Haddadi: 18 pts, 10 rebs
Samad Nikkhah: 14 pts
Pouya Tajik: 8 pts

what a shame ! It is a very disappointing result.

is Toroman's time over ?

BOX SCORE
http://www.live.sportingpulse.com/matches/17vmITGYGYgEo_lds.html

mvblair

06-18-2008, 12:27 PM

AUSTRALIA 97 - IRAN 53
Quarters: (20-7, 30-13, 26-11, 21-22)

Hamed Haddadi: 18 pts, 10 rebs
Samad Nikkhah: 14 pts
Pouya Tajik: 8 pts

what a shame ! It is a very disappointing result. It's not that bad. You forget that Australia is a good NT. They're always fighting in some big tournament. Good game for Haddadi. Good defense from Samad, who had 4 steals. is Toroman's time over ? He just beat a couple of good teams two weeks ago. I think it's too early to want the coach's head. :D

mohsena2631

06-18-2008, 09:57 PM

It's not that bad. You forget that Australia is a good NT. They're always fighting in some big tournament. Good game for Haddadi. Good defense from Samad, who had 4 steals.

hi Matt.
yes, AUSTRALIA is a really good team but 44 pts margin is not acceptable !
that's terrible. But At least it was a friendly !

last match will be held in Melbourne. i hope we play better because many iranians live in melbourne and this city is very historical for iranians

He just beat a couple of good teams two weeks ago. I think it's too early to want the coach's head. :D
:D :D absolutely

----------------------------------------
Iranian tower, Jaber Rouzbahani (2.23m)
http://www.basketball.net.au/_uploads/img/1_90726m.jpg

rikhardur

06-18-2008, 11:00 PM

AUSTRALIA 87 - IRAN 68
Quarters: (33-22, 14-13, 21-17, 19-16)
Finished watching the game and I just have one thing to say: I love Hadadi!

Kings

06-20-2008, 11:28 AM

Game 3 - Box Score (http://live.sportingpulse.com/matches/13/00/04/52/48zeqTD5Q5FM/)

mohsena2631

06-20-2008, 11:31 AM

AUSTRALIA 88 - IRAN 65
Quarters: (29-13, 12-20, 20-17, 27-15)

score after 34 min : AUS 72 - IRI 64 :) :)
in last 6 min : AUS 16 - IRI 1 :mad: :mad:

Samad Nikkhah: 24pts/ 3P 50% (6/12) / 6 rebs
Oshin Sahakian: 6pts / FG 75% (3/4) / 15 rebs !
Hamed Afagh: 13pts / 3P 50% (4/8)
Hamed Haddadi: 8pts / FG 20% (2/10) :( / 7 rebs / poor match for Hamed !
Mehdi Kamrani: 9pts / FG 18% (2/11) :( :( / 7 As / 5 TO

Kamrani is still on bad form

BOX SCORE
http://live.sportingpulse.com/matches/13/00/04/52/48zeqTD5Q5FM/

interxavierxxx

06-20-2008, 12:47 PM

daniab

06-20-2008, 01:01 PM

Mohsen,its very normal to loose friendly games ! Dont be sad,Iran will perform better in the olympics. i noticed that Samad Nikhah is playing good so this is good thing to mention.
Good luck.

mvblair

06-20-2008, 01:16 PM

Mohsen,its very normal to loose friendly games ! Dont be sad,Iran will perform better in the olympics.....
I also want Iran to play well. As far as national basketball programs go, Iran is an infant country (compared to the US, Lithuania, etc). Iran has so many good, young player. The problem is that they have little experience. I think that by playing these friendlies, they will greatly improve. Iran will probably not get a medal in these Olympics, but if the team goes back home with a couple more friendly victories and some close games in Beijing, they can go home with a lot of pride and hope for the future.

daniab

06-20-2008, 01:23 PM

I also want Iran to play well. As far as national basketball programs go, Iran is an infant country (compared to the US, Lithuania, etc). Iran has so many good, young player. The problem is that they have little experience. I think that by playing these friendlies, they will greatly improve. Iran will probably not get a medal in these Olympics, but if the team goes back home with a couple more friendly victories and some close games in Beijing, they can go home with a lot of pride and hope for the future.

As my team did !:)
We had a gold chance to make the 2nd round in the last WC but we werent so lucky,but at least my team could make something good by winning France and Venuzuela.
Yes Iran have many good players and talented,they need some experience and tough play against better teams and they will get more confidence to compete against high level teams.

mvblair

06-20-2008, 01:33 PM

As my team did !:)
We had a gold chance to make the 2nd round in the last WC but we werent so lucky,but at least my team could make something good by winning France and Venuzuela. Yes. Lebanon is a perfect example. Fifteen years ago, I think Lebanese basketball was a mess: organizational and financial problems for the league and the NT. Then, in '01, they got the Silver Medal in Asia, and they've been an international powerhouse ever since. Iran got a Gold Medal last year, so their time is coming. I just hope that Iran doesn't replace Lebanon. :D

interxavierxxx

06-20-2008, 01:59 PM

Yes. Lebanon is a perfect example. Fifteen years ago, I think Lebanese basketball was a mess: organizational and financial problems for the league and the NT. Then, in '01, they got the Silver Medal in Asia, and they've been an international powerhouse ever since. Iran got a Gold Medal last year, so their time is coming. I just hope that Iran doesn't replace Lebanon. :D

Don't forget, Lebanon is still struggling for a better basketball program due to the country's interminable turmoil. They deserve all the praise they can have.

daniab

06-20-2008, 03:56 PM

Yes. Lebanon is a perfect example. Fifteen years ago, I think Lebanese basketball was a mess: organizational and financial problems for the league and the NT. Then, in '01, they got the Silver Medal in Asia, and they've been an international powerhouse ever since. Iran got a Gold Medal last year, so their time is coming. I just hope that Iran doesn't replace Lebanon. :D

There was no basketball in Lebanon between 1975 and 1993 due for the civil war in Lebanon.
our last medal before that time i remember was at 1973 when we get the bronze medal in the arab champions cup :D

mohsena2631

06-20-2008, 11:02 PM

Mohsen,its very normal to loose friendly games ! Dont be sad,Iran will perform better in the olympics. i noticed that Samad Nikhah is playing good so this is good thing to mention.
Good luck.

i am not sad, Scoring in friendly matches is not important. Iranian players always play better in official matches.

but unfortunately Iranian media are really stupid ! they are ready to kill Toroman :D :D

Yes. Lebanon is a perfect example. Fifteen years ago, I think Lebanese basketball was a mess: organizational and financial problems for the league and the NT. Then, in '01, they got the Silver Medal in Asia, and they've been an international powerhouse ever since. Iran got a Gold Medal last year, so their time is coming. I just hope that Iran doesn't replace Lebanon. :D

I hope too :D :D

michael_selway

06-21-2008, 03:11 AM

Finished watching the game and I just have one thing to say: I love Hadadi!

Hi where did you watch the game?

thx

MS

rikhardur

06-21-2008, 11:15 AM

Hi where did you watch the game?

thx

MS
It's posted here (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=7088).

mohsena2631

06-26-2008, 10:14 PM

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olym/men/news/inte/p/newsid/25846/FE_news_inteArti.html?src_id=25846

http://www.fiba.com/images/web/News/Photos/2008/06/17/_original/Idean_Shahangian.jpg

TEHRAN (Olympics) - Idean Shahangian, is an Iranian-American player who studies Iranology at UCLA, in the US. He is 25 years old and has been playing basketball since his childhood. He was one of the two Iranians who joined Iran National Team from abroad together with Hamed Nazzari from Canada. But like Hamed, he was not lucky enough to be among the players who have been chosen by Rajco Toroman, to play in Beijing Games. Idean took timeout to talk to FIBA's Hooman Bagheri about his life, basketball and his experience of Iran.

When did you first start playing basketball?

My passion and love for basketball began when I was two-years-old. Like all boys who grow up with a deep admiration of their father, every moment I could spend with him, learn from him, I did. My dad was an avid Lakers fan, wouldn't miss a game, and when the purple and gold were on it was Showtime - father and son time. Listening to Chick, watching Magic, and reminiscing with my dad - basketball, for me, could be summed up in one word, happiness.

Who first discovered your talent?

I guess I would have to say myself. Soon after I began watching the Lakers with my dad basketball became my life. Every day I spent hours upon hours in my backyard practicing. Sometimes before the sun would rise, sometimes after it would set, and sometimes from one to the other. Soon I began realizing the potential I had. However, if it weren't for my family supporting and funding the dream, I probably wouldn't have made it as far as I have.

What about other sports? Did you try any others or were you fixated on basketball?

My introduction to sports began with basketball but it didn't stop there. I played, and excelled in, futbol, football, tennis, and just about anything that involved competition. I was never one to get involved in the ill-advised aspects of life so competition has always been my bliss and anything that offered it I embraced. So my daily routine, for as long as I can remember, became driving from one sporting event to the other. In my duffle bag were always cleats, shoes, racquets, and things of the sort. I would hop from a game or practice in one sport to the other, preparing myself each time in the car on the road there. I came to realize and feel that I could choose any one of these sports and reach its highest level. This realization of my athletic ability led me to believe that sports would certainly have a significant role in my life and eventually would come the time to choose one to continue. That time came when I entered high school. I decided it was best for me to stick with one sport and place all my attention and focus in it. Due to my nature, I selected the one that offered the greatest challenge. I selected the one that the people around me thought I couldn't succeed in.

So in a sense people were pushing you away from basketball and yet that is the route you chose?

I have always been one to thrive and excel in the improbable. It was always the clutch situations, both on and off the court, which fueled me. I firmly believe that if I had grown up in an atmosphere where everyone fully supported me and believed in me that I would have peaked a long time ago. So in a sense I have to give thanks to all those in my life who doubted, who discouraged, and who impeded. It was they who provided the fuel to my fire - the passion to my desire.

Tell the readers about your experience once you chose basketball to move forward with. Did it go as planned? Tell us about your high school career.

As I mentioned previously ninth grade was when I came to the decision to continue basketball. Eighth grade had passed and the days of AYSO and such had come to an end, it was time to focalize. I can't say that everything went exactly as planned but the events that transpired certainly helped build my character. I think the only other individual who has experienced as many injuries as I have is Allen Iverson. One reason he is one of my favorite players is because of his ability to come back from any setback stronger than before and continue battling. They say when you break a bone it heals back even stronger, now (knock on wood) nothing seems to phase me. Like A.I. I always get right back up and that kind of summarizes my overall attitude towards life. As far as my high school career, the varsity years are highlighted with individual awards and honors to team achievements such as league titles, CIF and State Championships, and much more.

What happened after high school, what laid next in store for you?

Coming off a great senior year I had high hopes for my future. In league, averaging approximately 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals per game, along with the media attention, I felt the sky was the limit. Unfortunately, in one fell swoop, my hopes and dreams came to a crash and were taken away from me. I was involved in a tragic car accident. My car flipped towards the left thus causing my left arm to extend out the window and drag against the asphalt. So as not to get into gruesome details, I will leave it at that. To make an extremely long and traumatic story short I lost complete mobility in my arm, aside from nerve, tissue, and muscle damage and atrophy. For years this story continued, years full of reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and depression.

Explain the emotions involved with such a tragedy, what you were thinking, and how you coped with it. Also explain what you did in the meantime.

As a kid there was no bigger dream than the NBA and making a living playing basketball. You know as a kid you grow up envisioning the life you want and it never occurs to you that it might not pan out that way. After months of sleepless nights, depression, and unanswered questions, I finally came to terms with this concept. Not in the sense that this was it for me but in the sense that this was just another test for me, another experiment to see how bad I really wanted it. It was just another obstacle I had to overcome and learn from. At the time, because I could not make much use of my body, I switched gears and buried my nose in the books. Fortunately I always came from an upbringing that taught me the importance of an education and a plan B therefore my academics were always up to par with my athletics. It was always a childhood dream of mine to attend UCLA. I have pictures from a young age where I'm sporting UCLA gear and even whenever my family and I drove up the 405 and would pass the UCLA exit I would blow a kiss to the sign and wish to God that one day I would be a Bruin. I had plenty of motivation and just as I poured my heart into basketball, I brought that same will and determination to my studies and was admitted to UCLA on full academic scholarship. I would eventually graduate with a major in Iranian Studies having also taken the required science courses for entry into dental school when the time came. While I was in absolute ecstasy that I had accomplished a lifelong dream, and even jumped in the pool with my clothes, cell phone, and everything else when I found out I was accepted, I still felt a part of me was missing.

What was the atmosphere around you like? What would the people around you say?

I felt like my life had become a movie reel where I could only live in, and hold on to, the past. I felt like Sylvester Stallone did in the last of the "Rocky" series "Rocky Balboa." Unfortunately no one gave me any hope to feel any different. Everywhere I went all I would hear was how what had happened was destiny and God's will and that now it was time for me to focus on other things. Slowly but surely those aspirations I held onto so dearly as a kid were starting to slip away from me and the words of those around me that were constantly pounded in my head - started to become my own.

What put your life back on track and prompted you to make a come back?

I had two options to choose from and one decision to make. I could allow the opinions of others and my current state of mind to win over me thus embodying everything I had grown to detest and spent my life fighting, or I could do what I had done so many times before which was to turn a negative event into a positive one. I simply chose the latter.

Tell us about the path you took to get back into form.

I had some Intramural teams at UCLA as well as other leagues I would play in that started to get me back into shape. After we won the Intramural Championship I began to feel as I did in high school. That feeling of being on top of the world was gone but had never left and now it was a part of me once again. After graduation I decided I was ready and got in touch with whom I, and many others, believe to be the best team of NBA trainers in America. I remember the first day I went there; they had a trashcan on the court. No questions were asked, I knew exactly what was to come and what proceeded was an 11-week training program that even Rocky would have struggled with. Every day I woke up at 6:30 am, began in the weight room at 8:00 am with a team of trainers, then afterwards, when my body was at the peak of soreness, the fun would begin and off to the courts I went where the blood, sweat, and tears had only begun. At the beginning, because of the extent of my accident and the time away, I was rather impatient and had my doubts. However I stuck with it and after a few weeks I was back. Now I understand that no one can come close to understanding and appreciating what athletes go through in the come back process unless he experiences it himself. You put both feet in hell and hope to God you can bring both feet back out.

While you were training you must have heard of Iran's qualification for Beijing and the gravity of history that was being made. What were your thoughts and emotions?

When I came to learn of Iran's qualification a feeling came over me that I hadn't felt in a long time. History was being made and a sense of pride and happiness filled me, both for my people and for myself. I began to feel as though all the pieces of the puzzle were fitting together. Before this people would ask me what my objective was with basketball and why I was pursuing it when everyone knows how difficult it is to get back in the "basketball radar" so-to-speak. I didn't have much more than a dream and optimism to draw from, but when news came of our qualification everything seemed to make sense and I began feeling completely contrary to how I felt after the accident. When everyone was saying your accident was destiny, now I felt the only destiny that lied ahead for me was the Olympics.

Explain about the jump and improvement in Iranian basketball over the past few years and what you attribute to its development.

Iran's basketball has vastly improved over the past four years. I had the fortunate of playing with the youth national team four summers ago and can now say that since then the players' level of play as well as their understanding of the game has greatly strengthened. There are two things I attribute to the development. One is the introduction of foreign players to the league. If you want to get better you have to play up to the competition meaning playing against, and with, players better than yourself. The second reason I attribute to the new level of play is the vision and leadership of the president of the basketball federation. He has spent lots of time and energy in searching Iran's landscape, gathering athletes and producing basketball players.

Do you see the same motivation and determination you've shown thus far in your life in the Iranian players as well?

Unfortunately these are the two aspects, along with discipline, that I feel need more attention in Iranian basketball. To their defense they are only getting started and so expectations must be reasonable. However, I feel that once these issues are resolved the possibilities are endless.

Take us inside the Olympic training camp. What was the atmosphere like?

The atmosphere was great. At first, since I only knew a few of the players from years earlier, I made it a priority to close the gap between us and quickly get acquainted with one another. I thought some of the players might covet my opportunities being that I am coming from America so I made it a point to change their minds and let them know I am one of their own. Once I was able to befriend all the players everything went smoothly. Some of the players today I consider close friends of mine and will continue to keep in touch with. As far as the camp itself it was very demanding, but it was great for us. Our days were divided into three sessions: weight lifting, basketball, and track. Looking back on it I think we ran more around that track than the torch is traveling to reach Beijing. Overall the order and discipline coach brought to the camp was exactly what the team needed and was right up my alley.

Did you expect to make the final roster?

Most of the players around the world, with the exception of certain super stars, who compete at this level all have around the same level of skill as each other - the x-factors are what separate and differentiate us. Things like basketball IQ, discipline, will, determination, and passion are the ingredients that separate a Steve Nash from the next guy. It is for this reason that when I noticed how the coach, his staff, and the federation time and time again emphasized these points that I was sure I would put on the green, white, and red. The very elements I pride myself on having and that I feel separate me from others were what I was told would determine who was selected. Unfortunately it didn't end up that way. I came to learn that I was not selected for reasons out of my hands and control, an issue I'd rather not delve into. On a lighter note, I'm not at all discouraged and still see myself playing in the Olympics one day, whether I get called up from the waiting list this time around or make it directly the next.

You mentioned previously your major is Iranian Studies, what prompted you select that as a major?

UCLA is, as I understand it, the only university in America that offers such a major. I thought it to be a waste if I didn't capitalize on it. Since I have spent approximately ten summers in Iran and have grown fond of the culture and history, I was eager to learn more. Also, being that you can apply to graduate school with any major given the caveat that you've taken the required courses, in my case science, I thought it was a good option to exercise. Lastly, after speaking with a few deans and admission counselors, I was told that pursuing basketball right now, along with the fact that my major is non-science, will not only have not have any negative affect on my application as most people think, but will in fact make me a unique applicant.

Since you have traveled to Iran so many times what has your experience been like and what historic sites have you visited?

Iran is unique in many ways. The people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Contrary to the image the media has portrayed Iran is a great country with great people and unlimited potential. Despite some of its current and hopefully temporary deficiencies, Iran has been my second home since I was seven and will be forever.

Where does dental school fall chronologically in your future?

Since I lose nothing, and in fact can only gain from the experiences that await this journey, I will apply to dental school the day my basketball career comes to a close. I have never been, and never will be, a one-dimensional person. That is to say that there are myriad dreams and goals I want to accomplish before it's all said and done. I want to be able to say I was a basketball player who had the honor of playing in the NBA, was a successful and renowned dentist, starred in several blockbuster motion pictures, and so on. I see my life in phases, right now I'm living the basketball phase and I'm loving every moment of it.

What are your plans for the future with regards to basketball?

As of now I am in talks with several club teams and hope to receive more offers in the near future so that I can make the best decision possible. My accident threw me off course and out of the "basketball radar," as a result of lost time I have to make sure each step I take will lead me to the next. I hope to eventually end up in the NBA and will take the necessary steps to get there as fast as possible. I will expend every last drop of everything I have to wear the jersey of those I grew up watching and admiring - only with my name on the back.

The theme of the story you've presented has been one of struggle and perseverance. What is your message to our readers? What should they take away from this interview?

My life has been marked by a constant fight and struggle to overcome the obstacles that impede my course. From early childhood I was forced to develop the attitude that no one can take away anything you don't allow them to. Many obstacles came my way that were not discussed in this interview, all of which have made me who I am today. Whether it was a coach, an injury, a tragedy, or whatever I always had two options, two reactions to choose from. I could choose to react negatively and believe what was transpiring was an act of destiny attempting to deter me from my path, or I could choose to look at each event as a test of will. Fortunately I was always strong enough to decide upon the ladder. I now embrace the "negative" events that come my way and always seem to find a way to optimistically interpret them. I could choose to hide behind them and use them as excuses later on in life to tell the story of how I almost made it, but that life is soaked in remorse and regret. Instead I've thrived in the improbable, the unimaginable. I welcome the challenges that life has to offer and now, in a sense, I have a chip on my shoulder to where it's not even about basketball anymore - it's about proving these people wrong. If I have a message it's this: "Whether you think you can, or you can't, either way you are right." (Henry Ford).

Hooman Bagheri
FIBA

mohsena2631

06-27-2008, 08:59 AM

Toroman dropped captain Pouya Tajik from the squad !!!!!!!

he chose 15 players for olympic :

PG:
1- Aren Davoudi
2- Mehdi Kamrani
3- Javad Davari
4- Amir Amini

SG:
5- Hamed Afagh
6- Saeid Davarpanah
7- Iman Zandi

SF:
8- Samad Nikkhah Bahrami
9- Mohammad Reza Akbari

PF:
10- Hamed Sohrabnejad
11- Houman Rezaei
12- Oshin Sahakian

C:
13- Jaber Rouzbahani
14- Hamed Haddadi
15- Asghar Kardoust

he dropped Baheran, Paknejad, Nabipour and Doraghi from the squad.

FEIFEI

06-27-2008, 09:16 AM

mohsena2631

06-27-2008, 10:57 AM

Did Jaber Rouzbahani play when Iran NT play with AUSTRALIA NT , Italia ,Croatia?
If he do then
How did he play?
Thanks!

yes, he played, but only 2 or 3 minutes !

FEIFEI

06-27-2008, 11:13 AM

yes, he played, but only 2 or 3 minutes !
Every Game?
Why?

mohsena2631

06-27-2008, 11:35 AM

Every Game?
Why?

most of games. (especially against better teams like AUS and ITA)
because he is weak !
maybe in future ! but for current team, NO. Haddadi is much much better than him.

mvblair

06-27-2008, 11:52 AM

Toroman dropped captain Pouya Tajik from the squad !!!!!!! Why? Any reason?
most of games. (especially against better teams like AUS and ITA)
because he is weak !
maybe in future ! but for current team, NO. Haddadi is much much better than him. Two or three years ago, Rouzbahani was one of the biggest prospects. I'm not sure what happened, but it seems like he just never got strong enough and never produced the skills. Don't get me wrong - he's still a pretty good player. He's just more like Shawn Bradley than Yao Ming. Haddadi has shown far more talent and aggressiveness. Is that right, Mohsena?

Khalid80

06-27-2008, 12:18 PM

I remember around 4 years ago everyone was talking about how Jaber Rouzbahani (223-C-86) might become the next Yao Ming from Asia. Hamed Hadadi (218-C-85) was a good player but most of the media focused on Jaber.
Since then Hamed has consistently been developing his skills from shooting to rebounding, to block shots and he is now one of the best centers in Asia. I still remember against Lebanon during the last Asian Championships when Hamed killed us. Man the guy was scoring from all over the field (Including some 3 pointers and one shot from half court). Hamed in my opinion is a true fighter and I respect his work ethics. If he continues developing like this, I'm sure the guy can try out for the NBA or for some descent teams in Europe.

Jaber on the other hand has not been able to prove himself on court. I don't know if it's because he hasn't been given the chance or if it's because he hasn't been working on himself.

I'm surprised that Pooya Tadjik (202-F/C-80) was dropped out of the team. At 28 years of age he is the oldest player on the Iranian Team and he has the most experience.

mohsena2631

06-27-2008, 10:05 PM

Why? Any reason?

I'm really surprised, Pouya is one of Iranian favorite players. 2 or 3 years ago, he was our star but he missed asian championship in last day (due to leg injury) and now Toroman dropped Tajik and picked Rezaei up ! i cant believe !

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03P6ePP9g1dAP/610x.jpg

our captain will be Samad Nikkhah

Two or three years ago, Rouzbahani was one of the biggest prospects. I'm not sure what happened, but it seems like he just never got strong enough and never produced the skills. Don't get me wrong - he's still a pretty good player. He's just more like Shawn Bradley than Yao Ming. Haddadi has shown far more talent and aggressiveness. Is that right, Mohsena?

his american trip destroyed him. he didnot play basketball more than a year and after a big surgery (and again one-year absence ) he started from zero and now he is weak ! but he is future of Iran's basketball. he is still 22 years old !

rikhardur

06-27-2008, 10:14 PM

Does Rouzbahani suffer from any kind of gigantism/acromegaly? That could hinder his skills.

mohsena2631

06-27-2008, 10:32 PM

Does Rouzbahani suffer from any kind of gigantism/acromegaly? That could hinder his skills.

he derives his incredible height from acromegaly, though he's already undergone surgery to correct the problem.

PRSURF

06-27-2008, 10:33 PM

Iran will play versus Puerto Rico in a exhibition game in Slovenia.....:cool:

Kings

07-01-2008, 06:15 AM

Jul 8 Iran vs. Slovenia
Jul 9 Iran vs. Puerto Rico
Jul 10 Iran vs. New Zealand

mohsena2631

07-01-2008, 02:29 PM

Jul 8 Iran vs. Slovenia
Jul 9 Iran vs. Puerto Rico
Jul 10 Iran vs. New Zealand

and before this tournament, Iran will play 3 friendly matches in Zagreb and Zadar versus Croatian teams.

elaj

07-01-2008, 08:56 PM

mohsena2631

07-01-2008, 09:39 PM

Croatia - Iran 101:79 (25:16, 27:14, 21:17, 28:32)
Croatia: Ukić 10, Kus 13 (4 as), Popović 20 (6/6), Longin 3, Prkačin 13 (6/7), Tomas, Rudež, Nicević 14 (6/8), Markota 10, Banić 10, Bagarić 6, Tomić 2.
Iran: Rezaee 2, Amini 2, Davari 3, Kamrany 12, Akbari, Zandi, Afagh 11, S’Bnejad 2, Sahakian 6, Kardoust 3, Nikkhah 23, Ehadadi 15

thanks for result !

i think the score is not really bad , because we played against Croatia A (only without Planinic , if iam not wrong) . today (1 July) Iran NT travelled to Croatia and they played without any rest.

23 points for Samad ! we need 12 competitive players like him !

Iran's schedule in CRO and SLO
times are local

4 July / Iran - Croatia / 20:30
5 July / Iran - Croatia U21 / 20:30

8 July / Iran - Slovenia / 20:00
9 July / Iran - Puerto Rico / 17:00
10 July / Iran - New Zealand / 17:00

bye

07-02-2008, 08:10 AM

thanks for result !

i think the score is not really bad , because we played against Croatia A (only without Planinic , if iam not wrong) . today (1 July) Iran NT travelled to Croatia and they played without any rest.

23 points for Samad ! we need 12 competitive players like him !

Iran's schedule in CRO and SLO
times are local

4 July / Iran - Croatia / 20:30
5 July / Iran - Croatia U21 / 20:30

8 July / Iran - Slovenia / 20:00
9 July / Iran - Puerto Rico / 17:00
10 July / Iran - New Zealand / 17:00

Hi!

Can you tell me where iran wil play these games?

Thanks!

Prizmatic

07-02-2008, 08:16 PM

So it looks like Iran will be playing in the NBA summer league before the Olympics just like China did last year.

July 2, 2008 -- The Iranian Basketball Federation and its FIBA Asian champion men's basketball team have been invited by the NBA, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, to participate in the Rocky Mountain Revue, the Utah Jazz hosted summer league, later this month.

The Iranian national team will play a series of games against NBA teams and the NBA D- League Ambassadors July 15-22 as they prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The team will also have the opportunity to observe NBA team practices and engage one another in basketball dialogue.

http://www.nba.com/news/fiba_080702.html

mohsena2631

07-02-2008, 10:36 PM

Hi!

Can you tell me where iran wil play these games?

Thanks!

Zagreb (Croatia) and Maribor (Slovenia)

So it looks like Iran will be playing in the NBA summer league before the Olympics just like China did last year.

July 2, 2008 -- The Iranian Basketball Federation and its FIBA Asian champion men's basketball team have been invited by the NBA, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, to participate in the Rocky Mountain Revue, the Utah Jazz hosted summer league, later this month.

The Iranian national team will play a series of games against NBA teams and the NBA D- League Ambassadors July 15-22 as they prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The team will also have the opportunity to observe NBA team practices and engage one another in basketball dialogue.

http://www.nba.com/news/fiba_080702.html

I heard some rumors about that. It will be a good opportunity but i think IRINOC (Iran NOC) will refuse it due to political problems

Federoy

07-02-2008, 11:34 PM

Iran's results in Serbian Camp : (1W - 3L)

Iran 106 - Superfund 77
Mega Ishrana 78 - Iran 75
Metalac Valjevo 85 - Iran 77
OKK Beograd 79 - Iran 69

Mohsena, do you know the cities and the dates that these matches were played?

mohsena2631

07-03-2008, 02:57 PM

Mohsena, do you know the cities and the dates that these matches were played?

2-9 June ! sorry, no more information available!

mohsena2631

07-05-2008, 01:07 PM

4 July
Croatia 92 - Iran 71

5 July
Iran 80 - Croatia U21 73

bigyellow

07-07-2008, 01:43 PM

mohsena2631

07-07-2008, 05:30 PM

can anyone please tell me what do you think about your 2 giants: Jaber Rouzbahani and hamed haddadi?
i read a few years ago that jaber is training in the states with an nba draft specialist coach. what happend to him after he went undrafted?

check these posts to find your answer:

http://forums.interbasket.net/showpost.php?p=151532&postcount=14

http://forums.interbasket.net/showpost.php?p=151614&postcount=17

http://forums.interbasket.net/showpost.php?p=178071&postcount=93

i hope you wont ignore the question just because i am in israel...

why ? :confused: I never ignore people who ask

oldnews

07-08-2008, 03:59 PM

4 July
Croatia 92 - Iran 71

5 July
Iran 80 - Croatia U21 73

Is this Croatia U21 the same team which play with China NT some days ago?

mohsena2631

07-08-2008, 08:05 PM

Alpos Cup

Slovenia 96 - Iran 71
Quarters: (24:15, 24:18, 27:19, 21:19)

Iran:
Samad Nikkhah 22pts, 3p 4/5 80%
Hamed Afagh 17pts, 3p 5/7 71%
Hamed Haddadi 12pts, FG 4/13 ! , 2 reb !
Mehdi Kamrani 7pts
Oshin Sahakian 29 min, 3pts !, 5 reb

Box Score
http://lb1.mbt.lt/prod/kzs/netcasting/?game_number=725

mohsena2631

07-09-2008, 05:46 PM

PRSURF

07-09-2008, 06:10 PM

Prizmatic

07-09-2008, 08:43 PM

I believe Ehadadi definitely has the potential to play in the NBA if not Euroleague. It's a pity that political reasons may hold that possibility back:(

Khalid80

07-10-2008, 06:11 AM

Alpos Cup
Puerto Rico 83 - Iran 80
Quarters: (15-18, 17-27, 23-16, 28-19)

first acceptable result at least !

Iran: 51.6% 2pts / 47.8% 3pts / 78.9% FT !!!!!! / 27 TO

Hamed Haddadi: 17pts, 8reb
Samad Nikkhah: 14pts, 6reb
Mehdi Kamrani: 12pts, 3/5 3p
Hamed Afagh: 11pts
Iman Zandi: 17min, 10pts
Hamed Sohrabnejad: 9pts, 7reb

Box-SCORE
http://server4.mbt.lt/prod/kzs/index.php/b19sYW5nPWhlJm9fc2Vhcz00Jm9fbGVhZz00JmZ1c2VhY3Rpb2 49Z2FtZXMubWFpbiZnX2lkPTczMQ==

I think that the results of all these preparation games are starting to show. The Iranian Team is improving game by game. The experience they are getting from playing all these Top 20 Ranked teams is definitely helping them out and their teamwork has also greatly progressed.
I don't think that Iran will be able to do anything in the Olympics but they will be serious competitors for the title in the next Asian Championships.

PRSURF

07-10-2008, 03:14 PM

I think that the results of all these preparation games are starting to show. The Iranian Team is improving game by game. The experience they are getting from playing all these Top 20 Ranked teams is definitely helping them out and their teamwork has also greatly progressed.
I don't think that Iran will be able to do anything in the Olympics but they will be serious competitors for the title in the next Asian Championships.Is a exhibition game, Iran throw all the points in the three line, in a real game, Iran will lose to Puerto Rico by 15 or something like that.;)

And yeah, they are improving good.

mohsena2631

07-10-2008, 05:49 PM

daniab

07-11-2008, 01:24 AM

New Zealand 91 - Iran 80
Quarters: (23-18, 22-21, 22-18, 24-23)

so sad ! poor result !

Samad Nikkhah: 24pts, 3p 4/6 66%
Mehdi Kamrani: 21pts, 2p FG 5/7 (only 26min ! why ?)
Hamed Haddadi: 14pts, 8reb
Javad Davari: 9pts

almost the same margin btw NZ vs Iran and NZ vs Leb.
Samad is doing a great job..i think hes an all around player.Mehdi kamrani,after some bad games he back to his real performance.
Good luck for iran.

mohsena2631

07-12-2008, 01:34 PM

Mehdi Kamrani: 21pts, 2p FG 5/7 (only 26min ! why ?)

Kamrani played only 26 min, and now i know why :(

we are destroyed, our excellent PG missed olympic 99%. his leg was broken.

second shock after Aidin's Death, i want to cry :(

mohsena2631

07-13-2008, 06:26 PM

Samad is doing a great job..i think hes an all around player.

Haddadi is the person everyone is watching but in my opinion Samad is our best player. who can hit the shots from anywhere and he is very good in defence.

Mehdi kamrani,after some bad games he back to his real performance.
Good luck for iran.

:( :( :(

update on Mehdi: his injury is not that serious but he still need 3 weeks rest at least.

-----------------------------------------------------
Iran NT, the next station will be USA !! Ping Pong diplomacy with a larger ball !

Italy, Serbia, Australia, Croatia, Slovenia and now United States ! the rest of the world !

July 19th: Iran v Dallas 4:15pm EST
July 21st: Iran v Utah 9pm EST

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008utahsummerleagueschedule

mohsena2631

07-14-2008, 10:44 PM

TEHRAN, July 14 (Reuters) - Iran's basketball team have departed for a tournament in the United States, an official said on Monday, for a rare sporting encounter between the arch-foes.

Mohammad Mashoun, head of Iran's basketball federation, said the Asian champions had been invited to a tournament in the state of Utah by the U.S. National Basketball Association (NBA), ahead of next month's Olympic Games in Beijing.

"After many requests made to Iran by the U.S. basketball federation and after a review of the request by Iranian officials we accepted this invitation," Mashoun told Reuters, without giving details on which U.S. teams they would play.

Mashoun, declining to comment on any link between the event and politics, said Iran flew to Dubai on Sunday and planned to continue to the United States later on Monday where they would stay until July 22.

"I'm not a politician. Please don't ask me these kinds of questions," he said when asked about any political significance of an Iranian team competing in a country that Iran's clerical leaders see as "the Great Satan".

Even though the countries have been bitter foes since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which was followed by the United States cutting diplomatic ties in 1980, they have at times put aside their differences in the arena of sports.

About 20 American athletes and their coaches came to Iran for a wrestling competition in January 2007.
In April, the U.S. State Department said Iranian wrestlers had been invited to train in the United States for the Olympics as part of efforts to increase ties with the Iranian people.

Basketball is one of Iran's most popular sports and several former NBA players have in recent years played for teams in the Iranian league. (Additional reporting Parisa Hafezi; Writing by Fredrik Dahl; Editing by Ken Ferris)

daniab

07-15-2008, 06:17 AM

Iran's preparation for the Olympics is really amazing,playing against the best world teams,thats a good point to improve and learn from the better teams.
Mehdi will miss the olympics ? i hope not,it will be a big loss especially that Amir Amini and Javad davari honestly are not as talented as Kamrani.Its like when Ali Mahmoud got an injury in the finals of asia.
Haddadi is really improving fastly,i wish he will not do the same mistakes that Fadi has did.Haddadi still 23 years,and he can make a pro career in Europe or NBA for at least 5 or 6 years and maybe more if he wants that.

JGX

07-16-2008, 05:07 AM

According to this article Iran will also be playing two games against the D-League Ambassadors, on the 17th and 20th.

http://www.nba.com/news/iran_080715.html

Khalid80

07-16-2008, 11:52 AM

mohsena2631

07-16-2008, 12:47 PM

The following info was obtained from Asia-Basket Website (by Houman Bagheri)
"The 7-foot-1 starting center, Hamed Hadadi, was invited to play for Partizan Belgrade, the Serbian champion which narrowly missed the quarterfinals of the Euroleague last season.
Toroman is still mystified by Hadadi's decision to turn down an opportunity to play with the best in Europe.
'I don't know why he turned it down. He said it was for personal reasons, but he may have opened the door for other Iranian players to go abroad,'' he said".

Salam Mohsena!
Do u know any information concerning the above and what type of personal reasons would prevent Hamed from playing with such a great European team?

Salam Khalid

i am not sure, but i can guess !

1) he want to play in olympic and then he may receive a better offer !

2) he is lazy !

3) he was marriaged , and maybe he want to stay with his family !

4) he joined Saba Battery to win Iranian and Asian title, now he is a free agent

5) he does not want to play in europe, his lone goal is NBA!

according to rumors: he will not play in Iranian league next year

bye

07-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Khalid80

07-16-2008, 02:17 PM

Salam Khalid

i am not sure, but i can guess !

1) he want to play in olympic and then he may receive a better offer !

2) he is lazy !

3) he was marriaged , and maybe he want to stay with his family !

4) he joined Saba Battery to win Iranian and Asian title, now he is a free agent

5) he does not want to play in europe, his lone goal is NBA!

according to rumors: he will not play in Iranian league next year

Yo do have a point concerning ur guesses:

1) True, if he plays well in the Olympics he might get better offers than that from Partizan Belgrade.

2) :p Is he that lazy?

3) How long has he been married? Isn't he too young or is it common in Iran to marry at that age?

4) Possible

5) Now that's something he needs to work hard on. i personally believe that either Hadadi or in the future Kazami have a chance to hopefully make it to the NBA.

mohsena2631

07-16-2008, 05:43 PM

Hi Mohsena,
you're informed about everything of iranian team!

Could you tell me something about next team of Samad Nikkah?

Will he play in european team? Does he have some offers?

Thank you very much!

hi

concerning Samad , i am sure he had some european offers (as far as i heard from France) but he made more than $200,000 in Iranian league and he (and other Iranian basketballers) will reject low offers.

Yo do have a point concerning ur guesses:

1) True, if he plays well in the Olympics he might get better offers than that from Partizan Belgrade.

2) Is he that lazy?

3) How long has he been married? Isn't he too young or is it common in Iran to marry at that age?

4) Possible

5) Now that's something he needs to work hard on. i personally believe that either Hadadi or in the future Kazami have a chance to hopefully make it to the NBA.

3) i think 2 years ago
yes,he is too young, but maybe it is common for rich boys ! :D because Hamed is not lone married young basketballers ! (Samad is married too)

Hamed with his wife
http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/images/upload/news/pose/8604/hamedhadadi300-jn.jpg

rikhardur

07-16-2008, 06:12 PM

She's tall as well isn't she?

mvblair

07-16-2008, 10:05 PM

She's tall as well isn't she?
Please tell me there is an Iranian women´s NT. She should be on it!

mohsena2631

07-16-2008, 10:11 PM

Please tell me there is an Iranian women´s NT. She should be on it!

:D :D :D
She is a retired swimmer, she is not that tall (1.74m) she looks tall due to camera angle.

bye

07-16-2008, 10:33 PM

You really said????? Samad is married? You're sure?

mohsena2631

07-16-2008, 10:43 PM

You really said????? Samad is married? You're sure?

yeah, i am sure

Samad with his wife and his brother (RIP)
http://www.persianv.com/khabar/m-185-1-3.jpg

rikhardur

07-16-2008, 10:44 PM

Please tell me there is an Iranian women´s NT.
There is actually ;)

bye

07-16-2008, 10:53 PM

thank you! you have opened my stupid eyes!

mohsena2631

07-16-2008, 11:22 PM

thank you! you have opened my stupid eyes!

:) why you say it ? :D

i am just curious , why you interest in Iranian players ? are you Iranian ? i think no ! because you wrote Nikkah , his correct name is Nik-Khah
KH in persian = J in Spanish (Garbajosa)

bye

07-16-2008, 11:24 PM

It's not easy to say... sorry!

bye

07-16-2008, 11:47 PM

could you come in yahoo messenger?

Khalid80

07-17-2008, 06:12 AM

yeah, i am sure

Samad with his wife and his brother (RIP)
http://www.persianv.com/khabar/m-185-1-3.jpg

Thanks for the info and pics!
Is Samad's wife purely Iranian? She looks a bit European?

mohsena2631

07-17-2008, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the info and pics!
Is Samad's wife purely Iranian? She looks a bit European?

:D :D
no, she is purely Iranian. Iran is a place you could find every type of people.

bye

07-17-2008, 11:17 AM

hi mohsena could we speak on yahoo messenger?

mohsena2631

07-17-2008, 11:40 AM

hi mohsena could we speak on yahoo messenger?

hi bye , check your Private Messages.

bye

07-17-2008, 11:48 AM

i still cannot send you private message cause i'm too young member!

mohsena2631

07-26-2008, 01:27 PM

Iran's final roster for Olympic

PG
1- Mehdi Kamrani
2- Amir Amini
3- Javad Davari

SG
4- Hamed Afagh
5- Iman Zandi
6- Saeid Davarpanah

SF
7- Samad Nikkhah Bahrami

PF
8- Hamed Sohrabnejad
9- Oshin Sahakian

C
10- Hamed Haddadi
11- Mousa Nabipour
12- Ali Doraghi

-------------------------------------------------------
Mehdi Kamrani (Injured) and Javad Davari (VISA Problem) will not play in Diamond Ball tournament , they replaced by Aren Davoudi and Mohammad Reza Akbari

rikhardur

07-26-2008, 01:52 PM

Rouzbahani was left out or is he injured?

mohsena2631

07-26-2008, 02:15 PM

Rouzbahani was left out or is he injured?

i know he is a little sick, but Toroman dropped him because of his weakness

Khalid80

07-26-2008, 03:15 PM

mohsena2631

07-26-2008, 09:49 PM

How is Mehdi recovering from his injury?
I hope he gets back on track and be able to play in the Olympics since the Iranian NT really needs his services.

no , he is still injured and he missed diamond ball tournament. but he will play in olympic even with injury !

g.g

07-27-2008, 11:52 PM

Khalid80

07-28-2008, 06:01 PM

Good luck to Iran, I think you'll need plenty in the Olympics. I do believe Iran has a solid bb team but in the Olympics would have to face teams that a level above Iran's capabilities....however, you can only get better if you use to compete against the best.

The Iranian NT coach, Rajco Toroman, is realistic and a man with a vision (he thinks and prepares for long term goals with a specific agenda in mind).
He has previously stated that Iran's main objective isn't the Olympics. It's preparing for qualifying and getting good results in the next World Championships in Turkey in 2010. His team is still in the development phase and is growing together as a unit bit by bit. So whatever the Iranian team can gain and learn from such an important tournament as the Olympics is bonus points for them.

asapa11

07-31-2008, 09:40 AM

mohsena2631

07-31-2008, 04:12 PM

Good Job Iran in defeating Serbia!!!

Its Nice to see Asian teams being able to play competitively against countries from europe!

Keep it up!

I noticed that Ali Dohragi wasnt part of the line-up for the training team... how come he made it to the final line-up???

who do you guys think is the best back up center for Iran??

6'11 Dorahgi? 7'0 Nabipoor? 6'11 Kardoust??

I really doubt the competitiveness of Rouzbahani, he seems to be all height and nothing more, i dont think he should be in Iran NT..

yes, Toroman dropped Doraghi but invited him again !

i think Kardoust is a better player, but last season he didnot play enough for his club, he need to play more matches. currently Doraghi is a better choice ! and i am opposed to Nabipour :) he played terrible in last year Asian final.

concerning Jaber, he is a little sick, maybe one day he play for Iran NT as a superstar, but not in near future.

stuart

08-05-2008, 04:19 AM

Found this...

60 years later, Iranian basketball is back in Olympics
Iranian basketball team hasn't been to Olympics since 1948
Associated Press

Suddenly, basketball matters in Iran.

Normally the sport is an afterthought given the popularity of soccer, weightlifting and wrestling. But that has all changed now that Iran's national basketball team is preparing for its first Olympic appearance in 60 years.

"For every athlete, it is like a dream to participate in the Olympic Games — especially for us because basketball in Iran is not that ... important," captain and forward Samad Bahrami said. "Everyone is looking for you and taking care of you."

By beating Lebanon for the FIBA Asian Championship last year, Iran clinched its first Olympic basketball berth since 1948 — a different era for both the Olympics and the world. The '48 Games took place in London, which was still cleaning up the rubble left by years of bombing raids during World War II. Iran itself was only a decade removed from being known as Persia.
Sixty years later, Iran's relations with much of the West are strained. The team's success comes as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad deals with increasing pressure from world powers to freeze Iran's uranium enrichment program.

At the Olympics, Iran's basketball team has little chance. It is in the same group as defending gold medalist Argentina, Australia and Russia — all featuring at least one NBA player. Iran, which opens against Russia on Aug, 10, doesn't have nearly the international experience of its opponents.

Coach Rajko Toroman, a Serb, is pointing more toward the 2010 world championships than next month's Olympics. In Beijing, he fully expects his players to be awed before the array of international talent.

Toroman is putting his team through a difficult pre-Olympic schedule. He said his players have the physical ability but lack the skills and knowledge that come from playing at levels not found in the Iranian professional league.

"In my opinion, that's only way to improve these players because Iranian league is not so strong. They don't have enough tough games," he said. "Genetically they have good abilities. They have good body skills, but they do not have enough good technical games in Iranian league."

Part of Toroman's barnstorming was a visit to the Rocky Mountain Revue, the summer league for NBA rookies and other young prospects hosted by the Utah Jazz. The talent doesn't compare to that of the U.S. team that will be playing in Beijing, but Toroman sees it as a valuable part of his accelerated lesson plan.

Iran played the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday and lost 79-62. The Iranians held their own early, taking a 20-18 lead after the first quarter, but the Mavericks overwhelmed them with a 25-8 advantage in the third quarter.

Iran also played two games against the NBA D-League Ambassadors, a team that played in the developmental league last season. The trip concludes with a game against the Utah Jazz today.

NBA Commissioner David Stern welcomed the Iranians and hopes this is a step in showing "how something as simple as a game of basketball can promote understanding."

"In an increasingly turbulent world, it is rewarding to bring people together to celebrate teamwork, discipline and respectful competition on the court," he said in a statement.
Bahrami and his teammates are thrilled to be heading to Beijing.

"Everybody knows . . . we cannot win any medals," Bahrami said. "But it's going to be a very good experience."

ricodgame

08-07-2008, 03:58 AM

geeup

08-19-2008, 07:20 PM

in 2005, during a superleague match between Paykan and Sanam , when referees disqaulified him , he go to dressing room and broke the window and broken window cut his blood-vessel of his right hand ! he couldnt play for more than one year. :(

do you have a news article link for this? i'd like to read more about it.

mohsena2631

08-20-2008, 11:27 AM

do you have a news article link for this? i'd like to read more about it.

unfortunately i can't find any english article about that !

but if you can read persian :

http://www.tebyan.net/Sports/News/SportsNewsYear1383/2004/11/21/9334.html

nardy

09-23-2008, 05:31 PM

Toroman, being considered to run Philippine long-term program for the men’s Basketball national team
By Nelson Beltran
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, being considered by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to run its long-term program for the men’s national team, is in town for four days now, hosted as a special guest by the national cage body.

Toroman watched Game One of the UAAP finals between Ateneo and La Salle last Sunday and the San Beda-Mapua knockout match for the second finals berth in the NCAA last Monday.

Yesterday, he made a round of the practices of the Barangay Ginebra Kings, the San Miguel Beermen and the Alaska Milk Aces.

The architect of the Iran conquest of the FIBA-Asia men’s championship in Tokushima last year, Toroman, 53, is set to formally meet SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan today.

“There’s no formal contract yet but the reaction of the SBP leadership in hiring Toroman as coach is good,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala. “He’s interested to coach the Philippines but at the end of the day it would still depend on the contract he’ll be offered.”

Toroman, assistant coach of the Yugoslavian national team from 1991-96 and head coach of the Yugoslavian youth team in 1996, is now unattached following the expiration of his contract with Iran.

Toroman has other offers but appears inclined to accept coaching job here.

He has a son, Denis, who’s currently playing in the Premier A Slovenian Basketball League.

karim

09-25-2008, 06:30 PM

mohsena2631

09-25-2008, 11:55 PM

hello my iranian friends , especially mohsena who seems the most active member here ..i want to ask u something

Hamed Sohrabnejad played less minutes than Oshin Sahakian and Iman Zandi played almost as much as Amir Amini in the olympics 2008 but they seem much better from their statistics , is there a reason for that ? especially Hamed he scored 14pts in 49minutes and shot so effeiciently from the field including 2/2 from 3pt range and i think 5/6 overall which is very good for an iranian player since iranians have strong athletic bodies and play with a big heart but their weakness is that they do alot of mistakes and dont shoot well .......so is it becuz their injured or are amini and sahakian better than zandi and sohrabnejad ? and btw nabipoor is really a bad player all he does is fouls i never saw him scoring a basket or catch a decent rebound , shouldnt rouzbahani be in his place ?

Salam/Hello

Toroman had his own strategy !
Sohranejad and Zandi (plus Pooya Tajik) were our main players in Doha Asian Games but they missed 2007 Asian Champs because of injuries. and after their return to team Toroman never used them enough to know anything about them :mad: ! even he dropped Pooya :mad: (our best Power Forward and Ex-Captain)

no doubt Oshin is not a good scorer, but he is very effective in defence, very effective , but Hamed is a good shooter ! i can't compare them ! but i think Tajik is better than both of them !

Amini is a Point Guard and Zandi is a Shooting Guard ! Iran's best PG is Kamrani (and Davari after him), Amini is not that good to play in olympics ! but he played because The coach likes him ! :mad: Iran's main SG is Hamed Afagh, in my opinion Afagh and Zandi are same ! but Iman had a little injury , so he didnt play enough.

consider Centres, Kardoust and Rouzbahani were Toroman's choices , but he was forced to use Nabipour and Doraghi instead !
as far as i heard , Kardoust had Asthma !! and IOC did not allow Jaber to play in Olympics ! he is sick and he must use some medicine and these drugs are in IOC black list ! he can play in every international tournament but not in olympic !

karim

09-26-2008, 11:08 AM

mohsena2631

09-26-2008, 10:20 PM

but i think the coach was right in staying with the core players that won him asia ...i mean in 2005 iran was 6th and after only 2 yrs they won it all ...i dt think he should play hamed and iman that much less though and i didnt think removing takij was a good idea ...but anyway winning asia is not an easy thing to do so if the new players got 1st and the old players were not even reaching the semis than thats wat he is going to do ...its true iran got 3rd in asian games 2006 but they lost to qatar , last year they won them so this seems to be a better team defensiveley and on the offensive rebounds wuth sahakan even though hes only 196 ...but i think they can still use iman and hamed for much more minutes than they did in the olympics and maybe play them as much sahakian and afagh ....and if pooya is good they should put him beside amini , amini has very poor shooting skills and his dribble is really bad he tries running around the opponent each time he wants to give a pass ...

we had a good team in 2005, but head coach (Vladimir Bosnjak) leaved the team just a week before the tournament and we lost ! they are not that old, 27, 28 or 29 !

yes, in asian games we lost to Qatar , but in second match (semifinal) we lost only by 3 ! they were host and referees ... :mad:

no doubt Toroman is far better than Onica and Bosnjak! but i think we need a better coach ! and iran federation are agree with me !

in olympic we had a young team, I think if we had more experience we could get better results, espexially in first match ! and Mr Toroman didnt use our older player !

nardy

09-27-2008, 06:43 AM

Mohsena ..... any news on who would be the new National Coach of Iran?

Ishmael

09-27-2008, 09:19 AM

Mohsena ..... any news on who would be the new National Coach of Iran?

vacant nardy, though I kept hearing of them adding a sub coach by the name of kermit washington, name seems familiar but I am uncertain of who he is.

nardy

09-27-2008, 10:37 AM

vacant nardy, though I kept hearing of them adding a sub coach by the name of kermit washington, name seems familiar but I am uncertain of who he is.

Kermit Washington is a retired NBA Superstar who was a skilled big defensive forward and has the ability to gather rebounds. But he became more famous for punching opposing player Rudy Tomjanovich (who would later become the Champion Coach of the Houston Rockets). That violent roundhouse punch took Tomjanovich by surprise, fractured his face about 1/3 of an inch away from his skull and left Tomjanovich unconscious in a pool of blood in the middle of the arena. As it turned out, Tomjanovich came very close to dying on the court. Besides having the bone structure of his face detached from his skull, he was leaking blood and spinal fluid into his skull capsule. Washington was suspended for two months, missing 26 games--at the time, the longest suspension for an on-court incident in NBA history.

Despite the incident, Washington had an otherwise good reputation, and it was often stated at the time that he was being used as a scapegoat for the NBA's recurring problems with violence.

Since retiring in 1983, Washington has run restaurants and is a founder and operator of a number of charitable organizations. He has also served in a coaching role with Stanford University, and worked at Pete Newell's fabled "Big Man Camp" for 15 years.. In 1995 he founded The 6th Man Foundation which is otherwise known as Project Contact Africa.

In addition, Washington is involved with charity work in Africa for which he has drawn much praise from a plethora of people of all different walks of life. He also managed to reach out to the NBA, which—despite Washington's reputation—has actually made monetary contributions to his charity work. However, he was unable to land a coaching job in the NBA or any league aligned with it until 2005, when he served as an assistant coach with the NBDL's Asheville Altitude for one season. That one season, however, he helped lead the Altitude to the NBDL title.

Since Iran is blessed with so many big men, maybe it would be Kermit's job to develop them which he did in Pete Newell's Big Man Camp. This is a good move since your players would not be needed to go the US to attend said camp but instead have the trainor teach them on a more personal basis while at home in Iran.

karim

09-27-2008, 12:53 PM

might iran naturalize someone on the position 4 ? or maybe a scorer , iran needs a scorer besides ehdadi and samad especially after aidin,s death(god bless his soul) who used to score around 11 PPG .........

daniab

09-27-2008, 12:54 PM

karim

09-27-2008, 02:19 PM

nice the only powerhouse in asia besides China to be like that ....leb,japan,korea and jordan have all a naturalized player and as we know qatar has 11 of them :) so congrats to Iran we have to respect them for having 12 pure iranians and i think all of them being born and raised in Iran

mohsena2631

09-27-2008, 03:25 PM

vacant nardy, though I kept hearing of them adding a sub coach by the name of kermit washington, name seems familiar but I am uncertain of who he is.

:eek: :eek:
where u find this name ? i checked every iranian websites, and I cant find nothing !

Mahmoud Mash'houn (head of basket federation) said that they will hire a coach who is greater than Toroman and i always believe him! i dont know who is this man , but i think he is not an Amercian !

Khalid80

09-28-2008, 07:12 PM

we had a good team in 2005, but head coach (Vladimir Bosnjak) leaved the team just a week before the tournament and we lost ! they are not that old, 27, 28 or 29 !

yes, in asian games we lost to Qatar , but in second match (semifinal) we lost only by 3 ! they were host and referees ... :mad:

no doubt Toroman is far better than Onica and Bosnjak! but i think we need a better coach ! and iran federation are agree with me !

in olympic we had a young team, I think if we had more experience we could get better results, espexially in first match ! and Mr Toroman didnt use our older player !

Is Toroman still the coach of the Iranian NT? (Cuz i was hearing rumors that he might be leaving)

Ishmael

09-28-2008, 08:02 PM

:eek: :eek:
where u find this name ? i checked every iranian websites, and I cant find nothing !

Mahmoud Mash'houn (head of basket federation) said that they will hire a coach who is greater than Toroman and i always believe him! i dont know who is this man , but i think he is not an Amercian !

I just heard it from an irani, not sure about information but might be good move for iranian team, nardy pointed out he played in nba during lakers good years so he might teach our bigs post moves to better themselves.

Ishmael

09-28-2008, 08:03 PM

No,As mohsen said in iran naturalization is considered as cheating !

the irony, iranian wrestler have been naturalized by other countries but iran seems to be against this. interesting though but even in tajikistan it isnt alowed

nardy

09-28-2008, 08:22 PM

Is Toroman still the coach of the Iranian NT? (Cuz i was hearing rumors that he might be leaving)

Serbian gets nod to coach RP team
By Nelson Beltran
Sunday, September 28, 2008

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Serbian coach Rajko Toroman have come to terms, striking a deal where the former Iranian national coach is to run the long-term program for the Philippine team geared towards a stint in the Olympics in London in 2012.

“We haven’t signed the contract yet but he’s accepted our offer with a few minor revisions. He’ll handle our program for the national team as well as help in the development of the local coaches,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala.

“He’ll handle the SBP program for the national team outside of the PBA-formed RP team for the FIBA-Asia championship next year. But he’ll also offer assistance to coach Yeng Guiao,” Eala added.

Eala said Toroman already has a few players in mind for the national pool since he has watched a few UAAP and NCAA games.

The SBP official mentioned Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, Chris Tiu and Ryan Buenafe, La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer and Jayvee Casio, San Beda’s Ogie Menor and Jake Pascual, Jose Rizal’s Mark Sena and John Wilson and San Sebastian’s Arvie Bringas as among the players that impressed Toroman.

“He feels Arvy Bringas will be the stalwart of the RP team in the future,” said Eala making special mention of the 6-foot-6 Bringas who’s just completed his stint in the NCAA juniors play.

“He’s also impressed with Kelvin dela Peña. He’s wondering if we can encourage him to serve the national team first before eventually turning pro,” Eala said of the 2007 NCAA MVP awardee already set to join Alaska Milk in the PBA.

Eala and Toroman are going to Cebu today to also check on the Cebuano players.

Toroman, the engineer of Iran’s stint in the recent Beijing Olympics, is going home Wednesday and is returning Oct. 20 to immediately start his job here. His contract with the SBP takes effect Oct. 15.

“We’re very happy with this partnership as we believe he can help us. He’s also happy and upbeat, believing the Philippines has a good chance to achieve its goal of a return stint in the Olympics,” said Eala.

“It’s not the monetary consideration that clinched it for coach Rajko but the opportunity to work in a country with the same passion as his for basketball,” Eala also said.

The SBP executive director didn’t divulge the financial details of their agreement. It will be a three-year contract with an option for an extension should the Philippines make the 2012 Olympics.

Khalid80

09-28-2008, 08:28 PM

Serbian gets nod to coach RP team
By Nelson Beltran
Sunday, September 28, 2008

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Serbian coach Rajko Toroman have come to terms, striking a deal where the former Iranian national coach is to run the long-term program for the Philippine team geared towards a stint in the Olympics in London in 2012.

“We haven’t signed the contract yet but he’s accepted our offer with a few minor revisions. He’ll handle our program for the national team as well as help in the development of the local coaches,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala.

“He’ll handle the SBP program for the national team outside of the PBA-formed RP team for the FIBA-Asia championship next year. But he’ll also offer assistance to coach Yeng Guiao,” Eala added.

Eala said Toroman already has a few players in mind for the national pool since he has watched a few UAAP and NCAA games.

The SBP official mentioned Ateneo’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, Chris Tiu and Ryan Buenafe, La Salle’s Rico Maierhofer and Jayvee Casio, San Beda’s Ogie Menor and Jake Pascual, Jose Rizal’s Mark Sena and John Wilson and San Sebastian’s Arvie Bringas as among the players that impressed Toroman.

“He feels Arvy Bringas will be the stalwart of the RP team in the future,” said Eala making special mention of the 6-foot-6 Bringas who’s just completed his stint in the NCAA juniors play.

“He’s also impressed with Kelvin dela Peña. He’s wondering if we can encourage him to serve the national team first before eventually turning pro,” Eala said of the 2007 NCAA MVP awardee already set to join Alaska Milk in the PBA.

Eala and Toroman are going to Cebu today to also check on the Cebuano players.

Toroman, the engineer of Iran’s stint in the recent Beijing Olympics, is going home Wednesday and is returning Oct. 20 to immediately start his job here. His contract with the SBP takes effect Oct. 15.

“We’re very happy with this partnership as we believe he can help us. He’s also happy and upbeat, believing the Philippines has a good chance to achieve its goal of a return stint in the Olympics,” said Eala.

“It’s not the monetary consideration that clinched it for coach Rajko but the opportunity to work in a country with the same passion as his for basketball,” Eala also said.

The SBP executive director didn’t divulge the financial details of their agreement. It will be a three-year contract with an option for an extension should the Philippines make the 2012 Olympics.

That would be a great achievement for the RP NT if it all works out well

nardy

09-28-2008, 09:12 PM

That would be a great achievement for the RP NT if it all works out well

Here in the Philippines, we are keeping our fingers-crossed as finally there would be a real basketball program in place.

Do also wish that everything goes well with Lebanon's new head coach, Aaron McCarthy

mohsena2631

10-24-2008, 03:33 PM

mohsena2631

12-06-2008, 01:34 PM

news:

Iran's new head coach will be a foreigner ! :(
I hope they dont choose a serb again. they are very ungrateful :mad: ! but surely iranian federations never choose an american coach. so I guess they will choose another serb ! :(

--------------------
but our U18 new head coach will be an iranian coach (maybe Reza Nouri) , after our bad performance in FIBA Asia U18 Champs with another Serb Nebojsa Raicevic federation decide to trust iranian coaches.

Khalid80

12-07-2008, 12:13 PM

mohsena2631

12-07-2008, 02:21 PM

Why not go for a Russian or Lithuanian coach instead :D

maybe, it is not a bad idea. :D at least they are not Serbs ! :D

karim

12-07-2008, 02:40 PM

interview with Mahmoud Mash'houn:

1) we appreciate Toroman, but fortunately he signed with Philippines, why fortunately ? because we didn't want to renew his contract but on other hand we didn't want to fire him because of his success in Iran. to be honest he is not good enough for our current team !

2) Iran NT will NOT play before the end of 1387 (iranian calendar, 5 months later) so we are not hurry to find our new coach !

3) we don't want to participate in 2009 Islamic Solidarity Games (http://www.iran2009.com) in next summer but we are the host and we must participate !

he took iran which had never reached the semis before to the final and won the final game against lebanon who was always second best to china and broke our dream which we had been waiting for since 2005 ....how is he not good enough ? very weird this statement he said :confused: