Qatar will face tournament favorite Lebanon on Tuesday at 6pm. Lebanon finished 2nd in their pool with the top two teams in each pool advancing. Qatar remained undefeated after a win over Kazakhstan on Monday in a hard fought battle 76-69. Both teams shot 42% from the field. In the Quarter Final Groupings, Qatar will face Lebanon, Iran, and Taipei. Once again, the top two teams in each group will advance into the semi finals.
Group I
Iran
Lebanon
Qatar
Taipei
Group II
Jordan
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Monday, July 30, 2007
FIBA Championship Basketball
The website to keep track of coach Eddie Andrist's Qatar team at the 24th FIBA Asia Championships, go to:
FIBA Asia Championships
FIBA Asia Championships
Qatar To Move Into Field of Eight
With Sunday's victory over Indonesia 86-45, Qatar is guaranteed to enter the field of (8) on Tuesday, irregardlous of their outcome with Kazakhstan on Monday. Once again, Qatar started fast, holding Indonesia without a point for the first (4) minutes of the game. Qatar finished the game, shooting 52% from the field while holding Indonesia to 33%. Qatar will play Kasakhstan at 1:30pm Monday afternoon (11:30pm Sunday evening Wisconsin time). The game will be televised.
Some interesting sidenotes on this tournament. The languages flying around as you might imagine are quite interesting. Yesterday at my press conference following the game, my interview was easy, with my game statements in English being translated into Japanese. The Indonesia coach does not speak English so needed to have his own interpreter. When he made his game statements, his interpreter had to translate into English and then it had to be translated again into Japanese for the reporters. Another interesting note is that the vehicles in Japan, like Britian have the steering wheels on the opposite side, thus they drive down the opposite side of the street.
Some interesting sidenotes on this tournament. The languages flying around as you might imagine are quite interesting. Yesterday at my press conference following the game, my interview was easy, with my game statements in English being translated into Japanese. The Indonesia coach does not speak English so needed to have his own interpreter. When he made his game statements, his interpreter had to translate into English and then it had to be translated again into Japanese for the reporters. Another interesting note is that the vehicles in Japan, like Britian have the steering wheels on the opposite side, thus they drive down the opposite side of the street.
Qatar Passes 1st Test
It may not have been quite an exam, more like a quiz, but no matter which way you call it, the Qatar Men's National Basketball team took care of business, disposing of India in a 9am contest 106-49. All (12) players scored and played double minutes as Qatar got some much needed rest in this 24th FIBA Asia Championships held in Tokushima, Japan. Qatar shot 62% from the field while holding India to 35%. Qatar will play Indonesia in an (11:15am) tip on Sunday. The tournament is divided into (4) pools with each team playing all teams in their pool. The top two teams in these (4) pool advance to the 2nd round. The top two teams in the next (2) pools advance to the semi finals. The (4) pools are listed below.
Pool A
China
Iran
Jordan
Phillipines
Pool B
Japan
Kuwait
Lebanon
UA Emirates
Pool C
India
Indonesia
Kasakhstan
Qatar
Pool D
Taipei
Hong Kong
Korea
Syria
Pool A
China
Iran
Jordan
Phillipines
Pool B
Japan
Kuwait
Lebanon
UA Emirates
Pool C
India
Indonesia
Kasakhstan
Qatar
Pool D
Taipei
Hong Kong
Korea
Syria
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Let the Games Begin.....
The Qatar Men's National Basketball Team will fly to Tokushima, Japan today to begin the final leg of their summer long journey, to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Qatar will arrive in Tokushima at 7pm. Qatar is coming fresh off a stunning upset of the China National Team (79-62) which was played in Shanghai, China last Monday evening. Qatar plays India in a 9am game Saturday morning. The tournament is (8) games in (9) days. The Champion will automatically qualify for the Olympics.
Qatars final (12) Man Roster -
Qatars final (12) Man Roster -
- Hashim Zaidan - 6'11
- Omer Abdgader - 6'10
- Erfan Ali Saeed - 6'9
- Yaseen Ismail - 6'8
- Mohammed Saleem - 6'7
- Ali Turki - 6'7
- Baker Ahmad - 6'6
- Khalid Suliman - 6'5
- Saad Abdulrahman - 6'4
- Daoud Mousa - 6'4
- Malek Salem - 6'4
- Khalid Masoud - 5'9
Monday, July 23, 2007
Qatar Crunches China
In the final tuneup of the summer for the Qatar National Men's Basketball Team, they definitely saved their best basketball for the right time as they beat the China National Team in Zhang-Jia-Gang, China 79-62 on Monday night. In front of 3000 screaming Chinese fans, Qatar trailed 38-36 at halftime but snatched the lead 58-53 heading into the 4th Quarter. Playing outstanding defense, Qatar outscored China 21-9 sealing the victory. Qatar shot 55% from the field while holding China to 34% shooting.
Qatar will travel back to Shanghai on Tuesday where they will begin final preparations for the Asian Tournament in Japan. Qatar flies on Thursday and opens in Japan Saturday morning at 9am against India.
Qatar will travel back to Shanghai on Tuesday where they will begin final preparations for the Asian Tournament in Japan. Qatar flies on Thursday and opens in Japan Saturday morning at 9am against India.
Greetings from Zji China
We have traveled from Shanghai for a two game stand in the city of Zji. Last night we played the Jordan National Team in front of 3000 Chinese fans. It was a beautiful arena with huge jumbotrons at each end of the court. It turned out to be a great defensive game that ended in a 59-59 tie. Jordan did not want to play overtime because they will face China tonight (Sunday) whereas we have a day of rest before we face China on Monday.
On Thursday, Qatar faced the Shanghai Sharks and won 91-74. Qatar shot 48% from the field while holding the Sharks to 37%. There were a couple of hundred Yao Ming Basketball Campers in attendance with photo opportunities and autograph signing lasting (40) minutes after the game. We will travel back to Shanghai on Tuesday, finish training and fly to Japan on Thursday. Our opening game will be on Saturday, July 28th.
On Thursday, Qatar faced the Shanghai Sharks and won 91-74. Qatar shot 48% from the field while holding the Sharks to 37%. There were a couple of hundred Yao Ming Basketball Campers in attendance with photo opportunities and autograph signing lasting (40) minutes after the game. We will travel back to Shanghai on Tuesday, finish training and fly to Japan on Thursday. Our opening game will be on Saturday, July 28th.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Welcome to Shanghai, China
Shanghai is the most populous city in China. They have almost 19 million people. It is a huge city. After a (9) hour direct flight from Doha, we arrived on Sunday afternoon. We are once again, (13) hours ahead of Central Standard Time in the USA. This time around however, it appears that our staff and team have adjusted quickly to the time change. We are staying at the Sports Hotel in Shanghai. They have their own basketball court so we are practicing right here at the hotel. The training table food is outstanding however, most of their staff do not speak English at all or very well so communication is a problem.
We have three games here starting with the Shanghai Sharks on Thursday. There are (16) Division I Club Teams in China and the Sharks are one of them. Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets played for the Shangai Sharks. On Saturday, we bus to the city of Zji where we will play the Jordan National Team. Then on Monday we will play the China National Team to complete a (21) game schedule in (37) days. So far we have completed (48) days of travel, games, and training. It sounds like alot but I feel we could use another (48) days before we enter Japan. We will leave for Japan on July 26th.
I just read on Asia Basketball News that Japan naturalized American JR Henderson that played for UCLA back in the middle 90's. JR has been playing in the Japan Club System for the past (6) years. Japan has now instantly become a contender for an Olympic berth.
http://www.asia-basket.com/qat/qat.asp
We have three games here starting with the Shanghai Sharks on Thursday. There are (16) Division I Club Teams in China and the Sharks are one of them. Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets played for the Shangai Sharks. On Saturday, we bus to the city of Zji where we will play the Jordan National Team. Then on Monday we will play the China National Team to complete a (21) game schedule in (37) days. So far we have completed (48) days of travel, games, and training. It sounds like alot but I feel we could use another (48) days before we enter Japan. We will leave for Japan on July 26th.
I just read on Asia Basketball News that Japan naturalized American JR Henderson that played for UCLA back in the middle 90's. JR has been playing in the Japan Club System for the past (6) years. Japan has now instantly become a contender for an Olympic berth.
http://www.asia-basket.com/qat/qat.asp
Friday, July 13, 2007
Final Two Legs of Journey to Begin...
On Saturday evening (Doha Time) we will begin the last two legs of an incredible journey and march toward a possible 2008 Olympic berth. We fly to Shanghai, China to train, putting the final pieces together with a Qatar National team that has the potential to get this thing done. While spending (11) days in Shanghai, we will compete in three more friendly games in final preparations. We fly to Japan on the 26th of July with our first game on the 28th. We will play (6) games in (6) days and the goal is to make it into the Final 4. Getting a feel for this team has been quite difficult, but I do believe after watching them and a (100) hours of film, I know that path we must take to win the Asian Championship and march onto Beijing.
The international game is in many ways, quite different than USA basketball. It is much for loose, where the officials try very hard not to disrupt the flow of the game. For instance, as freethrows are being shot, players are walking in and out of the freethrow spaces and it is never called. If a player fouls out and you huddle your team for substitution, they actually shoot one of the freethrows while you are still in your huddle. There are (10) minute quarters, (24) second shot clock, and on the 5th foul of each quarter you shoot two freethrows each time. There are no 1 and 1 bonus freethrows ever shot. You get (1) time out each quarter and (2) in the 4th quarter. You can NEVER call timeout when the ball is in play so that is quite difficult to get used to.
The international game is in many ways, quite different than USA basketball. It is much for loose, where the officials try very hard not to disrupt the flow of the game. For instance, as freethrows are being shot, players are walking in and out of the freethrow spaces and it is never called. If a player fouls out and you huddle your team for substitution, they actually shoot one of the freethrows while you are still in your huddle. There are (10) minute quarters, (24) second shot clock, and on the 5th foul of each quarter you shoot two freethrows each time. There are no 1 and 1 bonus freethrows ever shot. You get (1) time out each quarter and (2) in the 4th quarter. You can NEVER call timeout when the ball is in play so that is quite difficult to get used to.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Qatar Leaves Scooterville....
The population of Taipei is (6) million. The number of scooters running around the streets has to be (5) million. It is an unbelievable sight. What is more unbelievable is who is driving them. From grandmas to grandpas to women in nice dresses to a family of (3) all on the same scooter, it is amazing how they zip in and out of traffic and no one ever seems to get hit. They are like swarms on the streets and it is very interesting.
For Coach Andrist and new staff, it was a great experience with the National team, playing (9) games in (9) days. It was a coming out party for several players that under normal circumstance, would not of had a chance to show what they can do. As a whole for the returning members of the National Team, it was not as beneficial because they had been here (4) straight years. Our motivation was certainly not as high as it needed to be. It was a detailed learning experience for our staff of preparation, and at times, we were not very well prepared. That won't fly in Japan.
A quick wrap of the tournament has Qatar finishing (3-6). Qatar lost five games by (8) points or less. Qatar led the tournament in freethrows attempted. Unfortunately, had the team made half of what they missed, Qatar would have finished (8-1) and won the Jones Cup title.
Qatar played in the premier game of the tournament on Saturday night, facing the home team China Taipei. It was (9,000) standing room only crazy Taipei fans and the roar as you came out of the tunnel was deafening. It was way too much fun. When the game concluded in a 75-70 Taipei victory (500) paper frisbee fans came spining onto the floor and it was quite the sight. It was the largest crowd of the tourney.
Taipei would be a wonderful city to visit for anyone. It is very clean and there are many things to do. Last night, Chris Westlake and I went to Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world. It has an observatory on the top and the making the building and the stabilizers for typhoons was very interesting. It also officially has the fastest elevator in the world as your ears are popping in both directions. We fly to Doha today so (11) hours back in the plane. OH JOY!!
For Coach Andrist and new staff, it was a great experience with the National team, playing (9) games in (9) days. It was a coming out party for several players that under normal circumstance, would not of had a chance to show what they can do. As a whole for the returning members of the National Team, it was not as beneficial because they had been here (4) straight years. Our motivation was certainly not as high as it needed to be. It was a detailed learning experience for our staff of preparation, and at times, we were not very well prepared. That won't fly in Japan.
A quick wrap of the tournament has Qatar finishing (3-6). Qatar lost five games by (8) points or less. Qatar led the tournament in freethrows attempted. Unfortunately, had the team made half of what they missed, Qatar would have finished (8-1) and won the Jones Cup title.
Qatar played in the premier game of the tournament on Saturday night, facing the home team China Taipei. It was (9,000) standing room only crazy Taipei fans and the roar as you came out of the tunnel was deafening. It was way too much fun. When the game concluded in a 75-70 Taipei victory (500) paper frisbee fans came spining onto the floor and it was quite the sight. It was the largest crowd of the tourney.
Taipei would be a wonderful city to visit for anyone. It is very clean and there are many things to do. Last night, Chris Westlake and I went to Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world. It has an observatory on the top and the making the building and the stabilizers for typhoons was very interesting. It also officially has the fastest elevator in the world as your ears are popping in both directions. We fly to Doha today so (11) hours back in the plane. OH JOY!!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Qatar Wins Thriller Over Iran
From Taipei China, HAPPY 4th of July USA!! Rather strange to be over here and have the 4th of July mean nothing to most everyone here.
It has been a tournament of thrillers at the 29th William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament. Qatar has been no stranger to nail biting finishes. In their 3rd game in (3) days, Qatar came from behind in the final minute, hitting a three pointer with (18) seconds to take a 71-69 lead. Qatar then had to survive a half court shot that banked in and out to take the 74-72 victory over Iran. On Monday in Qatar's opener, Qatar led Korea for the entire game until Korea banked in a three pointer to win 70-69. The game was televised live on ESPN Asia. In other action, Qatar held a 19 point lead on Kazakhstan in the 4th Quarter, going onto win 80-70. Qatar is currently 5th out of (10) teams after four days.
It has been such an experience for me with the pace of these games and how you have to coach on the fly. Every game, I feel stronger in the decisions we make and what we are trying to accomplish. Your timeouts are like a NASCAR pitstop. Make quick adjustments, trying to find something that will win the game without confusing your players. Immediately after the Iran victory, we went to the practice gym and prepared for Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan game was a tough (20) hour turnaround as we played them 11am Thursday (10pm Wisc Time). I am amazed how quickly these teams can score a million different ways and how a ten point lead means absolutely nothing. The drive and kick in basketball had to be invented in Asia. It is a clinic everyday by all of these teams.
Next up for Qatar is the Japan National Team.
It has been a tournament of thrillers at the 29th William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament. Qatar has been no stranger to nail biting finishes. In their 3rd game in (3) days, Qatar came from behind in the final minute, hitting a three pointer with (18) seconds to take a 71-69 lead. Qatar then had to survive a half court shot that banked in and out to take the 74-72 victory over Iran. On Monday in Qatar's opener, Qatar led Korea for the entire game until Korea banked in a three pointer to win 70-69. The game was televised live on ESPN Asia. In other action, Qatar held a 19 point lead on Kazakhstan in the 4th Quarter, going onto win 80-70. Qatar is currently 5th out of (10) teams after four days.
It has been such an experience for me with the pace of these games and how you have to coach on the fly. Every game, I feel stronger in the decisions we make and what we are trying to accomplish. Your timeouts are like a NASCAR pitstop. Make quick adjustments, trying to find something that will win the game without confusing your players. Immediately after the Iran victory, we went to the practice gym and prepared for Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan game was a tough (20) hour turnaround as we played them 11am Thursday (10pm Wisc Time). I am amazed how quickly these teams can score a million different ways and how a ten point lead means absolutely nothing. The drive and kick in basketball had to be invented in Asia. It is a clinic everyday by all of these teams.
Next up for Qatar is the Japan National Team.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Greetings from Taipai
It is 2:35am on Monday in Taipei and I am wide awake so I why not give an update. It is 9:35pm Sunday in Doha and 1:35pm Sunday in Wisconsin so my body does not know quite what to think. On Thursday evening, Doha time, we lost in the championship to Khazakhstan 88-79. Khazakhstan hit (13) three pointers by (7) different players. We flew on Friday evening and arrived in Taipei after an (8) hour flight into Hong Kong and (2) hours into Taipei. Everything went smooth, and here we are at the Sunworld Dynasty Hotel. (10) teams have arrived for the William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament. They are Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lebanon, Phillipines, Qatar, USA, and Republic of China. All teams with the exception of the USA are preparing for the Olympic Qualifier in Japan. NBA and major USA college players will be competing so the teams are stacked. Mike Jarvis, former coach of NCAA I St Johns is coaching the USA team. We will play (9) games in (9) days and take on Korea today at 3pm. Korea's 7'4 center formerly played for the Portland Trailblazers.
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