''We want our fans to turn out for our games in China'' - Jordan's Mousa Alawadi

AMMAN (Jordan) - For veteran Mousa Alawadi, Jordan's return to the FIBA Basketball World Cup is vindication.

After the Falcons missed the bus to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, many thought that Jordanian basketball was headed for the doldrums, but their return to the quadrennial event is proof that they remain among the elite basketball countries in Asia.

 
"Jordanian basketball needed this qualification to take back its rightful place and to make the fans happy," said Alawadi.

Jordan will make just their second appearance at the World Cup after qualifying to the 2010 edition in Turkey, placing 23rd overall. This time around, Jordan are raising their expectations. They will go to China with their barrels loaded and ready to spring some surprises against their higher-ranked foes. 

"I hope the fans turn out for our games in China to support us just like they supported us during the Qualifier"- Mousa Alawadi

"We’re going to the World Cup to challenge and not just to participate, we need to produce good displays," explained the 33-year-old guard. "No team will be easy to beat, it’s a strong group but everything is possible at the World Cup."

Jordan have been drawn in Group G of the World Cup together with the Dominican Republic and European sides France and Germany.

 
For this staging of the World Cup, Jordan are aiming for no less than a spot in the second round and to formally qualify to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

"We want to make Jordan proud by advancing to the second round and qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games," Alawadi said.

To do this, Jordan will need all the support they can get, especially from their home fans, whom Alawadi hopes will trek to the city of Shenzhen for their Group G contests.

"I hope the fans turn out for our games in China to support us just like they supported us during the Qualifiers," Alawadi shared.

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On a personal level, Alawadi swells with pride as he is among the few holdovers who saw action in the 2010 World Cup and who will play in China this year. Of course, despite being in his mid-30s, Alawadi continues to hope he will still be active when Jordan will try to qualify to the next World Cup as well in 2023.

"I hope I can play the 2023 World Cup," he said. "Participating in the World Cup is the dream of every player, so imagine how big it will be for me if I participate for the 3rd time."

FIBA