MANAMA (Bahrain) - Palestine are dead serious and focused on qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021. They have a good chance, sporting a 1-1 record so far with their only defeat being a 3-point loss to Kazakhstan. All they need to do is finish the qualification phase on a high note.

To do that, aside from trooping their usual big names like Sani Sakakni and Jamal Abushamala, Palestine have also called up some interesting names for additional firepower in these upcoming games.

I'll do anything as long as my team is successful.

Not only have they called up a proven talent in Kydall Dykes, Palestine have also named 22-year-old Jamal Mayali to the team for this crucial phase.

"I am very excited and looking forward to representing my country in the Asia Cup qualifiers," said the youngster.

Mayali is a newcomer to the Palestine basketball scene, having recently played at McGill University in Canada. The opportunity then fell into his lap when President of the Palestine Basketball Federation )PBF), Ibrahim Habbash, reached out to his mother to show interest in bringing him out for the Qualifers.

"My mother let me know that I had an opportunity to represent Palestine, and I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation."

Even though Mayali didn't follow the national team program intensely back when they made their first Asia Cup in 2013, his interest has grown over time ever since his first year in university. Now, he is a key piece of that program, ready to do whatever it takes to collectively claim a win.

"I am a versatile player in the sense that I will do what is necessary for me to help my team be successful. Whether its by me scoring, rebounding, defending, etc. It doesn't matter."

"I'll do anything as long as my team is successful."

That mindset should fit in well with the Palestine national team program where he will be able to learn from an established professional in Sani Sakakini. Palestine's big brother has ignited hope for basketball players in Palestine with his journey. Mayali will now be able to absorb that experience in hopes of replicating a similar level of success, at the very least.

"He is a great all around player. I have a lot of respect for him on and off the court. He is determined to be successful and he and I share the endless desire to want to win and leave nothing on the table when its all said and done."

Securing Asia Cup qualification for only the second time ever seems like a tall task, from a historical perspective. Nonetheless, Palestine and Jamal Mayali are determined to do just that… and maybe even more should they barge their way into the main event in Indonesia later this year.

"I am someone that aims high in everything I do. It doesn't matter the circumstances, I always visualize myself attaining the success I seek to achieve. This mindset carries onto this qualifying tournament as well. I truly believe we can make a run at qualifying for Asia cup 2021 and be successful afterwards."

FIBA