TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Aren Davoudi is quite the unknown dynamo of Iranian basketball. Having lived the entire playing career in the shadows of the more accomplished Mahdi Kamrany, the Zob Ahan point guard got his first opportunity to be the leading playmaker of the Iranian National Team at the 4th FIBA Asia Cup.
“Well I have waited a bit too long to get my break. But I have no complaints as he was a very good player,” said the 26-year-old.
Davoudi began his life as the leading point guard well for Iran with a 10 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds along with one steal, but the following day his dreams were shattered when he injured his leg in a freak incident during practice, forced to sit out with bandaged leg stretched as he watched Iran huff and puff their way past Qatar in Overtime.
“I just couldn’t sit,” Davoudi recalled his feelings during that game.
“I just wanted to get out there and help the team especially in closing the gap on their guards. I must thank my physio in putting my recovery on a fast track,” he went on.
The next game saw Davoudi all set and raring to go against Chinese Taipei and the result was an astounding show on defense when he kept the rival guards on a tight leash.
“It has worked out well so far. The coach has a lot of faith in me. And I am grateful for that. He allows me to play my style, which is somehow helping the team. I am glad for that,” Davoudi said.
“I have no regrets. I have got the opportunity now and I want to prove I can be useful to the National Team. That is my ultimate target instead of bothering too much about things which are not in my control,” said Davoudi refusing to get into any conversation about whether he has been neglected so far.
“There is a time when every player gets his break. It is not important when he gets his break. It is more important if he can utilize the break and work in sync with the team’s goals. Like I said, I am happy my coach trusts me and I am happy I am able to contribute to the team. That’s all what matters to me now. Nothing else,” he signed off.
S Mageshwaran / FIBA Asia
Photo: Milad Payami / FIBA Asia