Mohammad Jamshidi will surprisingly not be part of the national team at the FIBA World Cup. Anyway, he talked a more about Iran with “Basketball Sphere”.
Although he has been one of the best Iranian players in the last decade, Mohammad Jamshidi will not be at the World Cup this time. Despite this, he spoke with Basketball Sphere about the great honor of playing for the national team.
He compared his performances at the previous two Mundobaskets, said a few words about the challenges for Iran in the group stage, and did not hide his enthusiasm for Serbia, which he visited several times.
In addition, Jamshidi revealed his unfulfilled dream and commented from a professional point of view on Nikola Jokic’s decision not to make himself available to Serbian national team this time.
Iran earned a ticket to the FIBA World Cup 2023 through the qualifiers. It was Mohammad Jamshidi who played the most games in that period. He commented on the special feeling of great success on the trip to Mundobasket.
“It’s a matter of pride. It’s simply a huge honor to play for the national team. It’s always an honor, but also a pleasure. As you said, I played the most games during the qualifiers for the World Cup. I’ll respond whenever I can and I’ll be available to Iran.
In the beginning, we were missing some players due to injuries. We were not complete. I had to take on more responsibility and lead the team. Fortunately for us, it went well. The second round was much more demanding, but I think we also played well there. It’s a really nice feeling to know that Iran will be at the World Cup again.“
Incredible performances against Kazakhstan and Syria
Mohammad Jamshidi has an exceptional offensive repertoire. He was the star of the February qualifying “window”. Then, he scored 32 points against Kazakhstan, only to surpass himself a few days later.
In the victory against Syria, he scored an impressive 41 points with six assists and eight rebounds, filling all statistical columns.
“I wanted to contribute to the team in every sense. Statistics are really not important to me if I can do anything to win and achieve the best possible result. Such was the case during that game as well.”
Jamshidi was part of the national team in the previous two appearances at the World Cup. As a young player in 2014, he had a slightly less playing time. Already in China five years later, he showed all his qualities when he carried a large part of the team’s burden on his back.
“In Spain in 2014, I was a young player in the team, without any important role. I came from the bench and tried to learn as much as possible, and gain the necessary experience for everything that came later. The second appearance in China in 2019 I was am one of the leaders of the team. I had to take care not only of myself, but also of my teammates, as well as the team.”
Legendary Hamed Haddadi
Hamer Haddadi, as the most famous Iranian basketball player, will play in the upcoming World Cup. When he suffered an injury after eight games in the qualifiers, he had a long break ahead of him. According to the latest information and coach Hakan Demir‘s “cut”, the Iranian center is coming to Mundobasket.
“He is a legend. A truly great man and player. From the first moment I enjoy being on the floor with him. He is ready to help at any moment and cares about everyone. A great honor. Due to an injury, he was absent for almost seven months, he still hasn’t practiced with the team. It’s clear that we miss him and that we all want him to return to the floor as soon as possible.”
Behnam Yakchali and the chemistry that has been going on for several years now
Mohammad Jamshidi lifted the trophy in the Iranian League for three times in a row. In that campaign, he had the greatest help from a national team colleague. Behnam Yakchali, as an offensively oriented basketball player, won the award for the best scorer on several occasions, while Jamshidi was crowned with individual achievements in the form of the best forward player of the league.
“He is one of the best players in the Iranian League. We have been playing together in the national team for 12 years, we know each other very well. We are teammates in the club, his contribution is huge. The last championship and title we won thanks to him.
During the whole season, we had only two defeats. The chemistry we have means a lot to us in the club, and it is especially important in the national team jersey.“
Challenges at the FIBA World Cup 2023
When we look at the draw for the World Cup, Iran will play against Spain, Brazil and Ivory Coast. There, chances to progress are really small. However, everyone has their shot and Jamshidi points out the charm of sports, in this case basketball, where surprises are always possible.
“Extremely difficult draw. As you know, Spain is defending the title and is certainly one of the best teams in the world. The Ivory Coast played an incredible qualifiers. During that entire period, they had only two defeats. But Iran will run to the floor to fight everyone equally.
The World Cup is also one step closer to qualifying for the Olympic Games. Undoubtedly, Iran will give its maximum. You never know what can happen. Last time we were very close to defeating Spain, but they turned the match in their favor during the last two minutes. That’s the charm of basketball.”
A look at European basketball
“It’s extremely interesting for me to watch European basketball. They play as a team, with a lot of aggressive defense and there are many individuals who are extremely good. I always dreamed of playing in the EuroLeague, but I never got the chance. I must say that I enjoy watching European basketball more than NBA.“
About Serbia and Nikola Jokic’s decision not to play for the national team
“I feel sorry that Serbia has never performed with all the best players they have. They are certainly in the top three in the world along with the United States and Spain. When it comes to Nikola Jokic, the NBA season lasted ten months.
They went to the very end and surely he has reasons why he did not respond to the coach’s call. I wish them the best of luck. I love Serbia, I have been there many times. Great country, people and basketball players.” – concluded Mohammad Jamshidi.