BAGHDAD (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Ali Ismael is confident that Iraq can get the needed third window results and make it to #FIBAWC for the first time ever.

"We will not rely on luck," he said. "We will create the opportunity, and we will fight to achieve the impossible. Iraq will be in China in 2019."

Ismael has been one of the main reasons for Iraq's resurgence since 2017, and his outside shooting has been his main weapon. In the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, the 28-year-old hit 37,5% from long range, and he has been a very dangerous sniper for them here in the Asian Qualifiers as well. For the 6ft 5in (1.95m) wingman, donning Iraq's green and white is a true privilege he would not dare take for granted.

"Playing for the national team is a great honor for any player, and my joining the team was the first step to reach the dream because the team is a portal that helps the players rise to the level of professionalism," he explained. "With the national team, I was able to witness global basketball and its global development in the world."

Apart from the prestige and pride of playing for flag and country, though, Ismael also loves how the games are much more accessible now for Iraq's own fans, especially because of the New Competition System.

"The new format is excellent because it enables the fans to see their national team play at home, and that is a rare thing for the national teams," he said. "Certainly, playing at home and among our fans is a strong motivation to win. It is the point of strength for the national team. We, as players, are a family, We encourage each other, and it is my duty as a leader to encourage my team to win."

Ismael has certainly come a long way after learning to play from his own father and first playing for the Al Karkh Club. Now he is among Iraq's finest, and he is surely raring to put on the national team's kit and punch their tickets to the next round.

We will create the opportunity, and we will fight to achieve the impossible. We will be in China in 2019.Ali IsmaelAli Ismael

"I started playing basketball in my childhood, and because my father was the one who helped me, the love for basketball is indescribable," he shared. "There are many players who supported me and gave me experience, and I thank them with all my heart because they made me who I am today. We will win for them."

FIBA