AMMAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) -The recently concluded third window saw two very close games decided by a single point. While Japan and Lebanon ended up on the winning side, Australia and Jordan suffered heartbreaks.

“Against Lebanon we didn’t get lucky, but it’s not the end of the world for us,” said Jordan's Ahmad Al Dwairi. The 6ft 11in (210 cm) centre was Jordan’s most efficient player in the loss, with 16 points, 6 boards and a couple of blocks.

Despite the result, Jordan ended up topping its group, as it had beaten Lebanon in its previous home game by 4 points. 

Jordan ended up winning all three of its home games and Dwairi credits the crowd as being the team's sixth man.

"The fans were amazing. I’m proud that I played in front of my nation, my family and my people and I want to thank them for the amazing atmosphere they created for us.” 

In the second round later this September, the Falcons will be joined again by Lebanon, as well as New Zealand, Korea, China and Syria. 

Dwairi, who was born in Turkey as Ahmet Duverioglu and plays for Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, is aware that sterner tests await.

“The journey is long and we still have important games coming up. We have to build a system, set a goal and build on that. We’re all excited.”

Jordan has been one of the middling sides in Asia, dominating in the early stages only to falter against the likes of China, Philippines, Iran, Japan and Korea. Now with the addition of Oceania teams Australia and New Zealand, the fight for a top three or even a top five finish has gotten immeasurably harder.

While victory can never be guaranteed, Dwairi is sure of one thing -  that his countrymen will continue to show up in large numbers. “We will keep giving our best and I want to ask them to continue supporting us.”

FIBA