BASKETBALL – BAHRAIN will play a tough eight-game schedule against teams from some of Asia’s top basketball nations in the 44th edition of the William Jones Cup, set to take place in Chinese Taipei from July 12 to 20.
The Bahrainis are one of nine squads hitting the hardwood in the event, which is one of the most prestigious international basketball tournaments in the continent. It is being organised by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, and it will be bringing together national teams, university squads, and club sides from Bahrain, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, the UAE, Qatar, the Philippines, and hosts Chinese Taipei.
The final line-up of the teams each nation will be taking part with has yet to be confirmed.
Bahrain begin their campaign against the Japanese representatives on the opening day of play and then take on Chinese Taipei’s national development team the following night, before playing Malaysia’s squad on July 14.
They then face Australia’s representatives the next day, and on the following four days, respectively, take on teams from the UAE, Qatar, Chinese Taipei’s national team, and the Philippines.
The kingdom’s national team have already begun gearing up for the tournament with local training sessions under newly signed head coach Georgios Vovoras from Greece.
Vovoras is currently working with an 18-player squad, which is expected to be trimmed prior to the Bahrainis’ departure for an overseas training camp leading up to this year’s William Jones Cup.
The roster includes Mustafa Hussain, Muzamil Ameer, Mohammed Ameer, Ahmed Salman, Subah Hussain, Mohammed Juma’a, Ahmed Bin Daina, Ali Hussain, Abdulqader Thani, Ali Jaber, Wayne Chism, Elijah Thomas, Jakarr Sampson, Murtadha Salman, Mohammed Ghazi, Hamad Faisal, Ali Hussain, and Mahmood Abbas.
Vovoras will be taking to the sidelines for the first time for Bahrain in Chinese Taipei. He is a renowned figure in international basketball, having coached at a number of top clubs across Europe including in Greece, Russia, Cyprus, Hungary, and most recently Lithuania.
The 48-year-old was also a member of the technical staff of teams that participated in elite tournaments such as the Euroleague and Eurocup, in addition to the NBA Summer League in the US with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017 and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023.
Bahrain will be making their second appearance in the William Jones Cup, following their debut in the 1978 edition.
Bahraini team’s participation in this year’s event aligns with the Bahrain Basketball Association’s strategy to elevate the performance of the national team.
The initiative seeks to enhance player readiness by engaging with elite-level opponents and gaining exposure to varied tactical approaches.
The tournament serves as a valuable preparatory opportunity for teams to prepare for continental and worldwide competitions.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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