RAMALLAH (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers) – The Western Region Pre-Qualifiers in September saw the return of brothers Sani and Salim Sakakini, who proved vital in Palestine's successful pre-qualifying campaign. 

Palestine's basketball future continues to rest in the giant hands of one family. 

The 'Sakakini bros' have been playing together on the national team since 2014. At the Western Region Pre-Qualifiers, the duo combined to lead Palestine to a 3-1 record and secure a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. 

"Our father was the main reason we started playing basketball. He always put us on the court to practice and put a basketball in our hands," Sani Sakakini tells FIBA.basketball. The eldest Sakakini had been a local basketball coach in Ramallah on the West Bank.

"We were six years old when we started playing. Growing up, we used to be in the same team, playing the same position and always fighting for who's going to earn the spot," recalls Sani. 

The two brothers may have started off on the same note, but it was the 6ft 8'' Sani who went on to carve history. He is regarded as Palestine's first professional basketballer to have played overseas. 

"Whenever I come back home from my professional engagements, Salim and I always play against each other, which is fun," says Sani, before quickly clarifying with a smile: "I always win though!"

But beyond sibling rivalries, Sani's ultimate goal has always been to bring basketball back to his troubled homeland. 

Inadequate resources has meant that Palestine  – which belongs to the West Asian sub-zone that features continental championship regulars Iran, Jordan and Lebanon – struggles to regularly participate in Asian competitions. 

Prior to the Western Region Pre-Qualifiers, Palestine had only competed in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. Despite limited exposure coming into the Championship, the side still managed to stun regional powerhouse Philippines 75-73.

During this year's Western Region Pre-Qualifiers, the versatile stretch forward Sani expectedly led all players in efficiency, points and rebounds. Elder brother Salim, who, at 6ft 6'' played the undersized center position, closely followed as second overall in rebounds per game.

The duo's performances are a matter of pride for their father, and Sani hopes to continue contributing to the sport even after retirement.

"I can see myself playing at a high level until [I'm] 38 or 40. Then I think I'll be the Minister of Sports in Palestine and develop all kinds of sports here. I would love to be a coach too."

 FIBA