TAIPEI (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Iran got off to a flying start at the 32 Williams Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei with an 81-68 victory over the Philippines.
 
Despite playing without giant center Hamed Ehadadi, who is with the Memphis Grizzlies’ Vegas Summer League team, and injured Hamed Afagh, the two-time defending champions of Asia had too much firepower.
 
The Philippines are being led by the man who coached Iran to their first Asian title and into the Beijing Olympics, Rajko Toroman.
 
His official title is national developmental team coach, and he watched as one of his former stars tore the Philippines apart.
 
Samad Nikkah Bahrami finished with 27 points while Asghar Kardoust contributed 18 along with 12 boards.
 
Iman Zandi was also a handful and finished with 16 points.
 
While Iran are the buzz of Asia because of their back-to-back titles and their appearance at the 2008 Olympics, the Philippines are causing a stir.
 
"They're getting better and better," said Veselin Matic, Iran's coach.
 
Both Matic and Toroman are Serbians.
 
“The intensity was at a high level,” Toroman said. “I told the players, we have to be satisfied.
 
“We showed Iran that we’ll not give up.
 
"We played tough. We had some problems, but at the end, we showed that we have character."
 
Iran will make their first appearance at a FIBA World Championship when they run onto the court in Istanbul at the end of August.
 
They will compete in Group B against the United States, Slovenia, Brazil, Croatia and Tunisia.
 
FIBA