TEHRAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup/Superleague) - Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, one of the greatest players ever to wear the Iran shirt, is doing his best to put last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup disappointment behind him.

The defending champions of Asia, with high hopes of reaching the Round of 16 in Spain, didn't make it out of the Group Phase in Granada although the team did have a chance heading into their last game.

Having received one of the toughest draws in the competition when they fell into Group A with hosts Spain, France, Brazil, Serbia and Egypt, the Iranians beat Egypt in their penultimate game for their first victory.

Bahrami certainly played his part in the win, hitting six three-pointers.

That triumph kept their hopes alive but Iran had to claim a big win against France in their final game to have a chance. Les Bleus defeated them, 81-76.

Despite the disappointment, Iran did have highlight reel plays and showed why they have garnered a lot of respect in the international game the past several years.

The players have turned the page since the Spain exit and that includes the great Samad.

There was speculation that he was going to have a chance to follow in the footsteps of Iran teammate Hamed Haddadi and play in the NBA, but he ultimately did not.

He had one of his best games, last time out, pouring in 25 points and assisting on five other baskets in Petrochimi's 91-87 triumph over Azad in a battle for second place in the standings.

Haddadi, meanwhile, is healthy and playing a lot of games in China. After 32 outings with Qingdao, the giant center is averaging more than 21 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Iran came up short at the World Cup but this summer they could again be the team to beat at the FIBA Asia Championship.

Another title would punch the national side's ticket for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

FIBA