Toroman reflects on tough draw for Jordan

AMMAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Jordan know they will have to overcome numerous challenges in Changsha, China, later this year if they are to win the FIBA Asia Championship and qualify for the Olympics for the first time.

At the draw for the tournament over the weekend, the Rajko Toroman-coached Jordanians ended up in Group C with Korea, Singapore and China.

A top three-finish will be needed to progress to the Second Round, which will consist of two six-team groups.

The sides that advance from Jordan's pool will then face the top three teams in a Group D which includes Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, Qatar and Kazakhstan.

The top four sides from each group will advance to the Quarter-Finals.

It's a very difficult group [Group C]. - Toroman 

"Everyone knows the potential of these teams [in Group C], without forgetting that China is the host of the tournament," Toroman said to local media.

"We also will fall with three strong teams in the second round and that leads to a tough Quarter-Final."

The FIBA Asia Championship tips off in Changsha on 23 September and finishes 3 October.

The winning side will clinch a berth in the Rio de Janeiro Games and the teams that finish second and third will earn places in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Jordan booked their place in the FIBA Asia Championship with a second-place finish in the recent WABA Championship, which they hosted in Amman.

In 2011, Jordan limped into the Quarter-Finals with three wins in their six games but then upset the two-time defending champions Iran before knocking off the Philippines.

In the Final against hosts China, Jordan had possession at the end of the game but failed to score and lost, 70-69, allowing the tournament hosts to win the title and advance to the 2012 London Games.

FIBA