JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Ihab Al-Zuhairi has worn the Iraq jersey for years, but this is different. This is his first FIBA Asia Cup, and it’s not just about finally being here. It's about making it count.
"It is like an unbelievable feeling for me," said Al-Zuhairi, who’s long been a fixture for Iraq but missed past Asia Cups. "My dream is high. I’m trying to do something special for my country."
So far, he’s leading from the front. Al-Zuhairi had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists in Iraq’s Day 1 assignment against New Zealand. It wasn’t enough for the win, but it was enough to remind everyone why he’s central to Iraq’s identity.
In the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, he averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game—one of the tournament’s most consistent big men. He recorded four double-doubles, good enough to be among the leaders. However, his value goes beyond the box score.
"I’m really trying to push the players," he said. "Most of them are the same as my age. I tell them, let’s defend our flag. We are coming. Let’s learn from this competition."
On Thursday, Iraq face Chinese Taipei in a virtual must-win Group Phase clash. At 0-1, they need a spark to stay in the race, and Al-Zuhairi is the obvious source.
"He is one of the more experienced guys on the team," said teammate Demario Mayfield. "We’re looking for that experience to help in these games and to lead the future of the younger guys."
Al-Zuhairi accepts that role with quiet pride and relentless effort. He knows how steep the mountain is, but also how important each step can be—not just for this tournament, but for what comes next.
"If we believe we are same as the other big teams, we will improve," he said. "We will have the courage to do more and more. That’s my important thing."
Now, with another shot on Day 3, Al-Zuhairi and Iraq aim to take that next step—together.
FIBA