Optimism grows as Chapman, Kazma notch win no. 1 in Season 2

DOHA (Qatar) - Clint Chapman has become even more optimistic about Kazma's campaign in the FIBA WASL Season 2 after finally notching their first win on Tuesday night.

The Kuwaiti side beat Al Shamal via romp on the road, and the league veteran likes his team's chances, as the breakthrough victory fanned their hopes of at least making some noise in Group B of the Gulf League after starting the tournament with a pair of narrow losses.

"I think it just gives us confidence moving forward, knowing that even though we had two tough losses, we can still fight in this group," he said during the postgame press conference of their 101-75 win at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in the Qatari capital.

Kazma had not won a game since Game 2 of their Qualification to Semi-Finals series versus Manama in the Gulf League inaugurals, and the agony got prolonged when they bowed to the reigning FIBA WASL champs and Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai to start their Season 2.

But none of those defeats were ugly ones, with the crew of Coach Bojan Lazic losing those matches by an average of 6.5 points. That included an 80-85 decision against the Emirati club last December 5, where they came so close as they rallied back from 18 down and got to within three.

Those were just two of the league's contenders that they faced, and that's why none of the squad bowed their heads, all of them believing that the W would soon come.

It finally came their way and far from home, in the form of a 26-point rout, with Chapman himself playing a major role in it as he delivered 21 points and 13 rebounds.

"It feels great," said the American big man, who also had 2 assists, a steal, and a block. "We played two teams that are very good. Of course, Al Shamal is a good club, but they have a limited roster. We knew that going into the game was an opportunity for us to get our first win."

Needless to say, confidence is now high over at Kazma, with Chapman looking forward to the next half of the Group Phase where they will face their fellow Group B teams again.

"We have goals ahead of us, and I think we can compete with all the teams in the group," said the 34-year-old. "I'm excited about our next [games in the] Group Phase."

"I think we have a good opportunity moving forward. We have confidence," he added. "And a game like this was great for all of our players to see the floor for us to really work on our game. There are some things we can always improve on. But looking at the future, I'm excited."

FIBA