BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers - Western Region) – Palestine is all set to return to competitive action after last participating in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

Three years can be a long wait. But finally, the talented West Asian side will be seen back in action when the Western Region Pre-Qualifiers tips off on 11^th September.

Palestine is a bit of a dark horse. Its senior men’s team has participated in just three continental competitions- the 1964 and 1970 FIBA Africa Championship, and the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. But despite limited exposure to competition outside the West Asian sub-zone, the side has been able to upset much more active and higher ranked sides.

In its three appearances at the continental level, Palestine's records are quite impressive. At the 1966 FIBA Africa Championship, it secured a bronze. This was followed by a sixth place finish in 1970.

After moving to the Asian region, Palestine competed for the first time at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship for Men. Immediately the side made an impact.

Grouped in the preliminary round alongside Philippines, Hong Kong and Kuwait, in its very first game Palestine stunned regional powerhouse Philippines 75-73.

The side followed that historic upset with impressive 90-69 and 85-79 wins over Kuwait and Hong Kong respectively.

In the second round, Palestine was moments away from a potential quarterfinals appearance but suffered an agonizing 70-73 defeat to India. The side later lost 67-74 to Japan, eventually finishing 10^th.

Notably, Palestine’s legendary 6ft 8.5 in (2.04M) power forward Sani Sakanini finished as the tournament top scorer averaging 22.4 PPG, in addition to 12.6 RPG.

With seven squad members from the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship - including top scorers Sakanini and Abu Shamala - returning to the side for the upcoming Western Region Pre-Qualifiers, the other teams will do well not to take Palestine too lightly.

 FIBA