DOHA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) – Qatar are looking forward to their two home games in the third window, and coach Tim Lewis feels it's a great chance for fans to appreciate the game.

"It’s always exciting to play in front of a home crowd," he said. "It’s a great experience for the players and our federation. Hopefully, we can maximize the two home games in June and July, and it’s a great opportunity to promote the game to the people of Qatar."

Al Annabi host Iran at the Al-Gharafa Sports Hall on 29 June and then round up their first round campaign against Iraq on 2 July at the same venue. Qatar will carry a 1-win, 3-loss record into the third window, and they will need at least one more W to book their second round tickets. More than the wins, however, Lewis believes that Qatar will need to focus more on developing their young talents to ensure a bright future for the national team.

"Qatar basketball is definitely in a transition period, and the future is bright," he declared. "There are a number of players who are emerging as the next generation to lead us forward in a highly competitive region. With Abdulrahman Saad, Nasser Al-Rayes and Faris Advic poised to lead a new generation of players, most of them U21, the future of Qatar Basketball is really exciting."

One important factor in making sure Qatar's future will be rosy is having their aforementioned young talents constantly playing in at a high level. It's not surprising then for Lewis to be glad that the Asian Qualifiers' format allows his team to be more exposed to high quality games.

"The new format has definitely helped the players," he explained. "Regular high level international games and media attention have encouraged the players to adopt a more professional approach. They have been more focused as a result of this regular exposure."

Qatar is the second country Tim Lewis is coaching in FIBA Asia. He first helmed SEABA side Thailand from 2016-2017 and then briefly served as an assistant for the Philippines in 2017 before being snapped up by Qatar for the Asian Qualifiers. Under Lewis's watch, the Qataris are aiming for a resurgence in their national team's performance, and making it to the second round will be a huge step in the right direction. For 50-year-old Lewis, though, it's all about helping Qatar's promising talents continue their growth and development.

Hopefully, we can maximize the two home games in June and July, and it’s a great opportunity to promote the game to the people of Qatar.Tim LewisTim Lewis

"Anytime you are entrusted with the coaching of a national team, it is something that should make you extremely proud," he shared. "To coach high level players and in high level competitions is something to really relish. The opportunity to create a unique brand of basketball in Qatar and help impact the development of the game is exciting, and I am happy to be part of it."

FIBA