JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Sina Vahedi has already played on some of basketball’s biggest stages—the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympics among them. Somehow, though, this one still feels different.
"This is my first FIBA Asia Cup," Vahedi said with a smile. "I’m so happy to be here."
It’s not just another stop for the 24-year-old guard. This time, he’s one of the leaders. A guiding presence for a new-look squad trying to write the next chapter in Iranian basketball.
Vahedi was calm and composed in his FIBA Asia Cup debut, notching 15 points, 2 assists and a three-pointer in their win over Guam on Day 2. His backcourt poise and pace stood out in a team still learning its rhythm.
"We have a young team," he said. "But everyone’s doing a good job. The chemistry is coming together. We just have to keep playing hard."
That’ll be essential on Day 4 (Friday) when Iran (1-0) take on a fast and fiery Japan (1-0) in a Group B clash with real implications. A win would put Iran in pole position to top the group and potentially book a direct ticket to the Quarter-Finals.
To do that, Vahedi will need to match up against Japan’s loaded guard rotation. Kai Toews, Yuki Togashi and Keisei Tominaga are chief among them. All of those guys bring relentless tempo and offensive flair.
Iran coach Sotirios Manolopoulos knows the challenge.
"We’re a new team," he said. "But we have to improve fast. The next game is against a very strong team."
Vahedi, meanwhile, is embracing the pressure.
"We want to get a medal," he said. "We’ll need everyone. I believe in our guys."
For a guard who’s been the understudy in past tournaments, the spotlight is now squarely on Vahedi. And with Team Melli's knockout rounds positioning hanging in the balance, he’s ready to seize the moment and make it count.
FIBA