Iranian main core of champions return looking for best U19 showing

TEHRAN (FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017) - Iran will have nearly all of their main players for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017 as eight of the country's top nine scorers from the FIBA U18 Asia Championship 2016 winners were included in the roster for Cairo.

Leading scorer Mohammad Jafari and top rebounder Amirhossein Khandanpoor highlight the squad from head coach Mohammadreza Nouri along with captain Amirhossein Azari, who also played at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2015.

Jafari made his senior national team debut earlier this year as he played at the WABA Championship 2017, alongside fellow U19 teammate Ehsan Samadi.

Four Iranians averaged in double digit points at the FIBA U18 Asia Championship 2016, including Khandanpoor, who averaged a double-double with 11.0 points and 10.3 rebounds to go with 2.4 blocks. Also back is 2000-born Amirhossein Rezaeifar, who chipped in 5.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

The main piece missing for Nouri's team is Seyedabolfazl Seyedi, who led the team in assists but missed the final three games and will not play in Cairo, where Iran will take on Angola, Italy and United States in Group D.

The Iranians have gone through long preparations for this tournament as the Asian powers hope to finally make a statement. Their best showing among their four previous appearances was 11th place in 2013.

Three Iranians will be making their international debut in Meysam Abedi, Mohammad Bahramzad and Farshad Gholami. The 1999-born Abedi could be a big addition to the team as he stands 7ft 0in (2.13m) and will give Nouri some important size.

FIBA