Confidence level is high for Abdel Gabar heading into first window games vs Syria, Qatar

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - After their performance in 2018 of running through the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers, Saudi Arabia made a statement that they were ready to rise once again. In the process, Saudi Arabia also gave Asia their first look at their rising star guard Khalid Abdel Gabar.

"It was a great opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia, and I'm proud of what we achieved last year," said Abdel Gabar, who averaged 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists pre-game at the Pre-Qualifiers.

Saudi Arabia made it through to the Qualifiers; a couple steps away from returning to the Asia Cup stage. They'll be going up against some other highly rated nations in Iran, Qatar, and Syria, competing to advance in a strong Group E. Abdel Gabar knows that there will be plenty of eyes watching closely.

"The Asia Cup qualifiers will be a great chance to show a better image of our game in front of the whole continent," he said. All of the three opposing nations have a strong following, and the stage will be set for Saudi Arabia to show those fans what they have.

"We have good talents over here, and we will surprise many people," claimed Abdel Gabar. Despite putting up big numbers, it was a superb team effort for Saudi Arabia at the Pre-Qualifiers. Marzouq Almuwallad led the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game. Mohammad Alsuwailem was second in the team in rebounding with 7.0 boards per game.

All but only two players scored over 7.0 points per game in the undefeated run, where they averaged 23.8 assists per game.

It's more than enough to give Abdel Gabar a high level of confidence heading into the first window of the Qualifiers, where they will be playing Qatar on 20 February and Syria on 23 February. Both games will take place in Jeddah at King Abdullah Sports City.

"Our group is tough, but I have a strong feeling that we will do a great job," he said.

 Saudi Arabia's heydays are behind them right now, after going to the Asia Cup Semi-finals two consecutive times in the late 1990s. Since then, they have gone back to the Asia Cup only twice, with the last time being in 2013. At least 6 of the players from the Asia Cup 2013 squad are expected to return for the first window of the Qualifiers, but that still leaves some room for newer players with less experience in the setting.

"We don't have much experience to play at this level," Abdel Gabar admits. "But I'm sure we will get used to it as long as we play competitively."

The Qualifiers will be a golden opportunity for the 29-year-old guard to continue honing his craft by going up against a higher level of opponents. Fans know what he is capable of after dropping a triple-double in 27 minutes against Bahrain and 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists on Palestine.

Now with a chance to potentially go up against players like Qatar's Abdul Rahman Saad and Iran's Behnam Yakhchali, Abdel Gabar could take it up to another level.

 "I'm looking forward to improving my game and help my teammates to achieve our goal," said the well-rounded guard.

Their goal - at least for these next three windows of play - is to qualify for the Asia Cup and make their back to the top of Asian basketball. With players like Khalid Abdel Gabar in the mix for Saudi Arabia, it's going to be tough to count them out.

FIBA