DUBAI (FIBA U17 World Championship) - Losing games by more than 57 points must be pretty deflating for a basketball player.

But yet Rashed Mohammad is having the time of his life at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship. After all, it's not every day that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) youngster gets to play against the elite of the elite around the world.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to me," he said prior to his team playing in the Round of 16 of the U17 Worlds.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

This is coming from a player whose team lost its three group games in Dubai by 89 points (against Italy), 111 (against Spain) and 57 points (against Puerto Rico).

"It's an honour to play against these teams. Spain were first in Europe. Puerto Rico are strong in the Americas and Italy is very strong too," said Mohammad, who leads UAE in scoring with 11.7 points per game.

As hosts, UAE did not have to qualify for the U17 Worlds. And it's highly unlikely they would have done so, given the lack of an established basketball program.

Mohammad and the rest of his teammates got a unique chance when Dubai won the right to play host for the U17 Worlds.

"I thank everybody who brought the world championship to Dubai. This will give Dubai a big name, will bring in more sports and more world championships in the future," said the Al Wasl club player.

Playing against such teams helps the UAE in so many different ways.

"We have learned how to play against taller people because our national team is short and also to have contact against bigger players," said Mohammad.

The 1.85m guard has been playing basketball since he was 10 years old.

"I was very tall when I was young so they took me and asked if I wanted to be a basketball player. I tried and I was pretty good," said Mohammad, who looks up to Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan.

When asked about the team's lack of size - none of UAE's players are taller than 1.95m - Mohammad smiled and said: "We need more food."

The 16-year-old wants to eventually become a professional basketball player, adding: "If I can play in Europe, that would be great. If not, then somewhere in the Gulf."

In addition to giving its players the exposure of playing at this tournament, the UAE also shows Euroleague and the local league games on television.

While losing by 57 and more points is not good for the morale of a team, the games themselves are at least a step in the positive direction.

FIBA