ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - Tabiat are headed to BCL Asia 2025 - and they’re doing it in style.
In just their first season in the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL), the Iranian newcomers have gone from national champions to continental contenders, booking their spot in Asia’s premier club competition after a gritty run to the WASL Final 8 Final.
Their message? They may be new, but they belong.
We made a strong presence in all three stages. We showed that we are a pretty good team.
Newcomers, big impact
Led by head coach Mehran Shahintab, Tabiat arrived in WASL as a young, largely untested squad on the international stage. For many, this was their first time competing outside Iran. But what they lacked in experience, they made up for with chemistry, belief - and firepower.
"It’s a success for us," said center Ivan Buva. "Let's be honest, we are a pretty young team and it’s great experience for some young players. Some of them are first time competing outside of Iran for the club. Some of them already have experience.
"But we made a strong presence in all three stages. We showed that we are a pretty good team."
Making History
Tabiat's arrival wasn't quiet. In their first Final 8 game, Stedmon Lemon erupted for 45 points, setting a new competition scoring record. Behind his explosive outing and a team-record 30 assists, they routed Qadsia to put the league on notice.
Lemon wasn’t alone. Sina Vahedi delivered throughout the tournament, scoring 31 points to lead the way in their Semi-Final win over Sagesse - a third straight victory over the Lebanese powerhouse. Buva remained a steady force inside, notching double-doubles and providing leadership in crucial moments.
Tabiat didn’t just qualify for BCL Asia. They beat seasoned teams to get there.
A Lesson in Resilience
Their run ended against a dominant Al Riyadi side in the Final - a 104-77 defeat that exposed the gap between young contenders and established giants. But even in that loss, Tabiat walked away with what they came for: a ticket to BCL Asia, and the belief that they can hang with the best.
"BCL Asia is going to be a tough competition because champions of Japan are coming; Korea, China, too," said Buva. "It's going to be a tough tournament and for us.
"It's been a tough schedule. We've played tough games. It's a lot of tough games in a short period. Obviously it left some marks on the team but we made our goal to qualify for BCL Asia. That was the main goal.
"To win it, it'll be a bonus, but I'm happy to achieve [qualification]. At least to have extra expeirence and extra games because it will help us as a club, a young club. For me, for the young players, for everyone, it’s going to be a benefit."
For a team that’s made history in every stage so far, who’s to say they’re done surprising?
Tabiat are here. And they’re only getting started.
FIBA