EGY - Egypt's homework ahead of FIBA Basketball World Cup

CAIRO (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - American-born Omar Samhan might be a much-needed addition for Egypt at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup to be held in Spain this summer.

The 25-year-old's naturalisation process is almost completed and he will be playing for Egypt at the Dubai International Basketball Tournament taking place from 9 to 18 January.

Samhan is part of a 14-man squad that head coach Amr Aboul Kheir selected to play their first games since Egypt finished runners-up at AfroBasket 2013 in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.

Samhan is expected to play for Egyptian side Sporting Alexandria and he provides Egypt with international experience.

In 2011, the 2.10m center helped Zalgiris Kaunas to the Baltic League and Lithuanian League titles while also playing in the Euroleague.

If he makes the final roster for Spain 2014, Samhan would play alongside Egypt's Assem Marei, who led all players in Abidjan in rebounding with 11.6 boards per game.

"Omar could helps us, no doubt about it, but just like everyone else in the team he needs to work hard to make the final squad that I'll be taking to Spain," coach Aboul Kheir explained to FIBA.com.

Only seven of the 12 players who helped Egypt cause one of the biggest shocks in the AfroBasket history last summer will be competing in Dubai.

Marei and Anas Osama Mahmoud are not traveling with the team due to academic reasons in the USA.

Egypt started their training camp last month in Cairo and counts with a few new faces.

"I need to access some young players who might represent the country in the future," said Aboul Kheir.

"I need to make sure they have as much potential as they have shown playing for youth national teams as well as their clubs."

Aboul Kheir says that so far the competition to make the final roster is high, and the Dubai even may help him to decide.

The 10-day tournament, organised by the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association, is to take place at the Dubai Al-Ahli Club centre.

FIBA