KUWAIT CITY (Kuwait) - It couldn't get any tougher for Moh Hasan.
Just as when he received the green light to play again during the 2024-25 season, it was all too late for the sweet-shooting wing to help save Kuwait Club's bid for history in the FIBA WASL-Gulf League competitions.
Simply because his team had already bowed out of the Qualification to Semi-Finals after getting swept by Ittihad Club in the best-of-3 series, marking the bitter end of their chase of a then-unprecedented 'three-peat.'
"Last season was particularly tough for me," recalled Hasan.
Hasan missed the entirety of the previous WASL edition due to a wrist injury. And his absence was a massive blow to Kuwait Club and their aspirations of extending their dominion to three in the Sub-Zone League.
My team was there for me, and I'm trying to build on that this season - with our eyes on the gold in all competitions.
The 2023-24 WASL-Gulf League alone saw him post solid per-game averages of 14.2 points behind a 40.6-percent clip from deep, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists as he was a key figure in their successful title defense.
It was his best WASL season to date as well and he was truly keen on sustaining as much, thus his frustration as he was practically robbed of that opportunity when he got hurt and had to stay on the sidelines for a while.
"I struggled a lot mentally. And I was only able to come back at the end of the season, when the WASL season was already over," said the 25-year-old, who was also part of the team that took silver in the inaugural Final 8.
But he has already gotten past that hurdle, having helped Kuwait Club rule the Kuwait Division 1 Basketball League last season before fulfilling a crucial role in their conquest of the Arab Club Championship months later.
Now, his sights are set on bringing his team back to WASL glory in the 2025-26 festivities, and proof of which was his commendable showing in their 113-108 win over Al Ula Club at home last Tuesday.
There, he finished with 17 points behind a 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists as they entered the win column after dropping a close one against Al Arabi SC in their season opener.
Kuwait Club Head coach Dusan Stojkov was all praises for Hasan not only with his offensive production, but with his courage to help defend the towering Thon Maker as well - yes, their former teammate.
"He fought today for 30 minutes, mostly [against] Mr. Maker, and that's not easy," lauded the Serbian bench tactician. "Plus he really showed up offensively, which was what we also needed."
It was a bounce-back of sorts for him as well after being held scoreless in that 83-78 defeat but more than that, it's simply his way of trying to be there for his team - just like when they were by his side when he was hurt.
"My team was there for me, and I'm trying to build on that this season - with our eyes on the gold in all competitions," said Hasan.
FIBA