EGY - Ambitious Marwan Sarhan aims for spot in senior squad

MONMOUTH (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - In a little over five months, Egypt will play at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. It will be a huge occasion for the country which qualified by reaching the Final at AfroBasket 2013.

Not since the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto, Canada, have the Egyptians graced the big stage.

One of the challenges for coach Amr Abo-Elkhair will be to strengthen the team ahead of a campaign that looks to be the most difficult for any of the 24 sides taking part.

Egypt will compete in Granada in Group A against France, Serbia, Brazil, Iran and hosts Spain.

An injection of quality may come in the shape of Marwan Sarhan.

A member of the Egypt side that played at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship in Latvia, the 21-year-old Marwan has been going from strength to strength ever since in American college basketball.

After beginning his collegiate career at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, Marwan transferred to Western Oregon University in Monmouth.

He gave this interview to FIBA.com.

FIBA: Marwan, you started playing college basketball at the University of Charleston? How was that experience?
Marwan: When I was young, I followed college basketball and aspired to play at that level. I received a great opportunity to start playing in the United States. At the beginning of the year, it did not seem to work out well because I had issues with my eligibility that forced me to sit out. Even though I did not see much playing time, I still worked hard in every practice and got stronger in the weight room. At the University of Charleston, I adapted to the daily routine of college basketball that I was unfamiliar with initially.

FIBA: You are now at Western Oregon and have one more year of eligibility. Has the move met your expectations both on and off the court?
Marwan: During my junior year I gained more experience at Western Oregon University. My expectations were met when I transferred to the Great Northwestern Athletic Conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division II. I have had the opportunity to live on the east and west sides of the country and also in a small town and small city. The environments I have experienced are very different from each other and from my home city of Alexandria, Egypt. The different atmospheres have all helped shape me as a person.

FIBA: What have you studied, and how do you spend your time when not playing basketball or focusing on academics?
Marwan: My major is Business Administration. Basketball and studying fill my day almost completely. In my free time, I socialize with friends and talk to my family.

FIBA: What has been the toughest adjustment for you in terms of playing basketball in the United States? Has it come easy, or has there been a lot to adapt to?
Marwan: My first year in the States, I had to adjust to a more physical and aggressive game. Due to transferring, I have had a lot of adjustments to make with different teammates, coaches and atmospheres. But the most difficult change was language and culture.

FIBA: How would you describe the development you've gone through since playing at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Latvia?
Marwan: In the past couple of years, the physical and mental aspects of my game have improved. Playing in the States brings a different style of basketball that I have blended with my own, which has increased my maturity.

FIBA: What about in terms of gaining confidence?
Marwan: Offensively, I have gained confidence in the post.

FIBA: What have you done about the weaknesses in your game?
Marwan: I have improved my weaknesses by becoming stronger and more aggressive on both ends of the court. Overall, I am working on my complete skill set to develop into a better player.

FIBA: Egypt sprung a major surprise last year at the AfroBasket in Cote d'Ivoire and reached the Final, which qualified the team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Were you able to monitor their progress?
Marwan: I was able to and did follow the team throughout the AfroBasket tournament.

FIBA: How important was it for basketball in Egypt to have the national team make it the World Cup?
Marwan: This accomplishment was major because they had not reached the World Cup in 20 years. Egypt is supportive of both the older generation that leads with experience and the younger generation that brings energy.

FIBA: Have you been able to work out with the national team in the summers since leaving for the United States?
Marwan: Unfortunately, I was unable to return home before the AfroBasket tournament to work out with the national team. I wish I had had the opportunity to represent Egypt with my teammates last summer.

FIBA: What about playing in Spain at the FIBA Basketball World Cup? Are you in contact with the national team coach?
Marwan: I will return home as soon as classes finish this spring term. I have been in frequent contact with coach Amr Abo-Elkhair and he has invited me to work out with the national team upon my return. I believe that I will have the chance to play in Spain and make a difference, as long as I work hard and have fun with the game I love.

FIBA: What about this opportunity for Egypt?
Marwan: Egypt is trying to make a transition to the younger generation, to become more aggressive and mature for the upcoming years. This opportunity will provide the necessary experience to help achieve that.

FIBA: Egypt are in what many believe to be the hardest group with Spain, France, Serbia, Brazil and Iran. What will be the mindset of the players when they travel to Granada for the tournament?
Marwan: The national team will prepare by playing upwards of 30 games against talented opponents. Although this group is highly-challenging, we will be confident and relentless in the pursuit of our goals.

FIBA: Speaking of goals, what are yours in relation to the national team, and also as a professional?
Marwan: It is an honor to represent my country and I want nothing less than to contribute to the strongest national team Egypt has seen yet. Consistent appearances and championship wins are part of my objectives for the team. Personally, I would love to take part in the Olympics. As a professional, I aspire to play in the NBA Development League and improve my game. Ultimately, my dream is to play in the NBA.

FIBA