Kevin Murphy, Mike Harris stack up Muharraq squad for FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019

BANGKOK (Thailand) - It’s been a while since a club from Bahrain has played at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup. Reigning league champions Muharraq has the opportunity this year to display their level against other champions across Asia and they will look to make the most of this chance.

Muharraq will be coming into the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019 in Thailand while retaining a large part of the squad that won the Zain Bahrain Premier League.

Mike Harris will be featured for the “Red Wolves” once again after a season of averaging 24.0 points and 16.7 rebounds on his way to be named the league’s Best Foreign Player. The 36-year-old former NBA player boasts a lengthy and illustrious resumé including championships and other MVP awards in China, Puerto Rico, Philippines, and the NBA G-League.

Kevin Murphy also played for Muharraq last season and was just as important to the team's championship run. The 29-year-old former 2012 NBA second-round draft pick has also "been there, done that" with experience playing in the NBA, France, China, Japan, Croatia, and the Philippines.

Both players will undoubtedly be giving Muharraq the firepower they need in the Asia Champions Cup.

Harris and Murphy are joined by Muharraq’s core which includes Ahmed and Mohamed Alderazi, as well as sharpshooting Bader Malabes. Ahmed Alderazi, in particular, was vital to Muharraq’s championship run with a superb average of 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the Finals.

However, Muharraq have also made some notable adjustments to their roster in preparation for the clash in Thailand. The team added experienced head coach Dean Murray who excelled last season coaching the Formosa Dreamers in Chinese Taipei. Another major addition is acquiring the service of Mohamed Buallay, who played for rivals and Finals opponents Al Riffa last season. The 24-year-old rising star averaged 13.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game and was named the league’s MVP.

(Mohammed Buallay)

Muharraq are placed in Group A along with hosts Hitech Bangkok City, Fubon Braves, and Naft Abadan. They will face Naft Abadan in the opening game of the completion on September 24 at 13:00 (GMT +7), followed by a meet with the hosts on September 25 at 18:00 (GMT +7). Their final game of the Group Phase will be against the Fubon Braves at 15:30 (GMT +7) on September 26. All games will be played at GSB Stadium29, Nonthaburi.

Whether it’s combining proven pieces from their championship run along with talented installments to the squad, will it be enough to get Muharraq through to win the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019?

FIBA