After another dominating performance in the FIBA Asia Championships, Hamed Haddadi capped off his third FIBA Asia championship with being named MVP of the tournament.
In nine wins and no losses, the first Iranian-born player in the NBA, averaged 18.8 points on 62% shooting and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes a game.
It was no real surprise; Haddadi couldn’t be stopped in the finals between his Iranian squad and host Philippines. The 7-2 center dominated the inside to the tune of 29 points and 16 rebounds en route to an 85-71 victory.
Haddadi was simply magnificent inside; hitting 12-15 shots from the field and snatching 6 offensive rebounds against the undersized Pilipinas Gilas team.
As mentioned, it was Iran’s third FIBA Asia gold medal and Hamed Haddadi has been named the tournament MVP in each of those championships. Iran now has won three of the last four events – 207, 2009, and 2013.
China snuck in and won the title in 2011. Between the two nations, Iran and China have won the last eight FIBA Asia Championships dating back to 1999.
Currently without an NBA team, Haddadi is an NBA free agent, but he shouldn’t have any problem finding a team this season. Already, the New York Knicks are showing interest.
Haddadi spent his entire 5-year career with the Memphis Grizzlies playing behind Spanish center and All-Star Marc Gasol before being traded to the Phoenix Suns midseason.
Obviously, Haddadi as the MVP, was also named to the All-Tournament team; joining teammate Oshin Sahakian, Lin Chih-Chieh (Taiwan), and guards Kim Min-Goo (Korea), and Jayson Castro William (Philippines).
With the win, Iran is guaranteed a spot in next year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup – which will help determine who will qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The Philippines and Korea earned Asia’s second and third bid for the 2014 FIBA tournament by taking second and third place at the tournament.
Discuss the tournament results, players, awards in our Asia Championships of Basketball forum or you can discuss Iranian basketball in our Middle East Basketball forum.
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