JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – When Matin Aghajanpour lets the ball fly, there’s often no need to watch where it lands. Against Syria, the 24-year-old guard’s smooth release and unflappable poise produced 24 points, 2 rebounds and an eye-popping six triples. Those numbers underscored both his shooting touch and his growing importance to Team Melli.
Iran’s 82-43 win was comfortable, but for Aghajanpour, it was more than a group stage closer. It was another step in cementing his place as one of the team’s next-generation stars. In a squad with a mix of those who have seen the highs of continental basketball, the youngster has quietly earned the trust to take big shots and make them.
For years, Iran’s offensive identity has been built on size, strength and control of the paint. Now, with players like Aghajanpour stretching the floor, that attack has a new dimension. It's one that opponents will have to respect in the Final Phase. His ability to punish defenders from deep should force rivals to guard every inch of the court and open lanes for Iran’s slashers and big men.
What’s equally impressive is how naturally he’s taken to the moment. There’s no visible hesitation and no shrinking under pressure. It's just the same confident stroke, whether it’s early in the game or with a defender’s hand in his face. That calmness is a rare commodity in win-or-go-home games, where possessions tighten and the margins grow razor-thin.
"Every game is different," Aghajanpour said after their win over Syria. "But as I said, my teammates just kept passing to me, so I kept shooting. Thankfully, I made it."
As Iran turn its focus to the Final Phase, the stakes will only rise. This is where tournament dreams are either realized or cut short. For Aghajanpour, it’s an opportunity to not only keep firing but also to keep proving that he belongs in the conversation about the team’s future leaders.
If his shooting form holds steady under Jeddah's brightest lights, Iran’s opponents may find themselves chasing shadows—and long rebounds—all tournament long.
FIBA