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01 November, 2017
01 February, 2019
4 Mohammed Almarwani (KSA)
15/09/2018
News
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These 4 Western Region teams are through to the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers

MANAMA (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers - Western Region) – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Palestine and Sri Lanka are through to the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, while Bangladesh was eliminated.

Here are the top 4 teams in the order of their final standings:

#1 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dominant through all four games, Saudi Arabia was able to find another gear when it mattered the most. In their game against Palestine, the only West Asian team in the competition, Saudi Arabia took complete control in the second half. Later, against familiar foes Bahrain, they were hugely impressive in the final ten minutes, restricting their opponents to just 6 points in the decisive quarter.

 

Saudi Arabia’s bench players stepped up time and again, while young centre Mohammed Alsuwailem showed promise, although he still has some distance to go. While multiple players contributed, guards Marzouq Almuwallad and Khalid Gabar, and forward Ayoub Alhawsami hugely impressed with their consistency right through the tournament. With its combination of size, athleticism, depth and skill, Saudi Arabia can realistically hope to finish among the top 16 teams in next year's Qualifiers that will progress to the FIBA Asia Cup 2021.

#2 Palestine

First off, let’s just say that it is good to see Palestine back in action after three years. In many ways, considering the unique back story of how Palestine has built its national team in recent years, its mere participation ought to be celebrated. But when you add their actual on court chemistry and quality to the mix, you can’t help but root for this team.

Led by 6ft 8 in power forward, Sani Sakakini, Palestine has shown the level of talent that is available in West Asia. No doubt, the team’s over reliance on Sakakini’s brilliance on both ends of the floor is something the side needs to address. But with the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers over a year away, the side has time to continue to build their roster and keep gaining competitive exposure.

#3 Bahrain

The hosts were arguably the most disciplined side in the competition. While Saudi Arabia boasted of incredible athleticism right from their guards, to their wings and down to their forwards, Bahrain impressed with their mid range and outside shooting.

The loss to Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia before their home fans no doubt would have hurt, especially considering that Bahrain had finished ahead of them in the GBA Pre-Qualifiers. But the side can take heart from the fact that it was the best executing side through the entire tournament. The blowout win over Bangladesh will perhaps go down in the annals of FIBA Asia history for the numerous statistical milestones it set.

 

If anything, Bahrain needs to address its lack of size in the paint. It needs to find players who can fill in for starting centre Mohammed Hammooda and forward Mohamad Kawaid. If they manage that over the next 12 months, then we could have Bahrain spring a surprise on some of the higher ranked teams in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

#4 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka scraped through as the fourth best team in the Western Region. All it needed to do was win against south Asian rivals Bangladesh. While Sri Lanka managed that with a 63-60 victory, it was thoroughly outclassed by the three remaining sides Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Palestine. The one key positive for Sri Lanka will be the elevation of 25-year-old swingman Praneeth Udumalagala, as the side's go to scorer and playmaker. 

Considering that the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers will feature teams of even higher caliber, Sri Lanka has a lot of work on its hands if it hopes to not finish at the bottom among the 24 participating teams.

 FIBA