RAMALLAH (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017) - Even before the opening whistle of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017 is blown, Sareyyet Ramallah have already made history as the first Palestinian club team to qualify to the tournament. This is after Ramallah impressed in the recently concluded WABA Champions Cup 2017, winning over Iraq's Al Mina to book their Champions Cup tickets. At the helm of Ramallah is experienced coach James Stevens, who had to handle a team despite all the constraints plaguing the team.

Palestine, of course, is not exactly top of mind when one thinks of basketball-mad countries, but they have made some significant steps forward these past couple of years, highlighted by the national team's performance at the FIBA Asia Championship 2015, where they beat Hong Kong, Kuwait, Kazakhstan and continental powerhouse Philippines.

Now, the Palestinians have their sights set on possibly notching another milestone, and coach Stevens feels nothing less than honored to have the opportunity to help the emerging West Asia country pull off a stunner at FIBA Asia Champions Cup later this year.

Stevens recently shared his feelings with FIBA.com.

How does it feel to be the first Palestinian club team in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup?
It is a great honor to be able to coach at a great club like Sareyyet Ramallah. I thank God for the success He allowed us to have in the WABA Champions Cup. I am proud of all the members of the team for their hard work and preparation in the month leading up to the games. I am proud of the way in which the players competed to the best of their abilities in every game of the tournament. These men did not accept the excuses of the many disadvantages they had in resources and preparation, but they found a way to compete courageously together in the games.

How important is this achievement for Palestinian basketball?
It is always important to break through a barrier that has never been accomplished before. It is important to the future of Palestinian basketball because what was once considered impossible, has now been achieved. Hopefully, this will inspire the young people to dream bigger dreams and give them the courage to work hard every day to achieve them. The true importance of qualifying for the first time to participate in the Asian Club games remains to be seen. I hope it will lead to an increased emphasis by the federation to continue growing the game of basketball in Palestine and the process of player development and opportunities for the game to grow among the men and women and boys and girls. I believe the federation is making a great effort to do just that with the very limited resources they have at hand.

How will your team prepare for the stronger opposition in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup?
The team needs to remain focused on the process of making steady improvement everyday. Doing well in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup look impossible to this team now, but so did the WABA Champions Cup before we arrived. They must remember that focusing on the process and using everyday to improve makes what once seemed impossible possible.

FIBA