IRI - Kardoust gets his chance with Iran

BEIRUT (FIBA World Championship) - Iran sent a reserve squad to the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup as the seniors prepare elsewhere for the FIBA World Championship.

But one man in Beirut this week is Turkey-bound, and he has a critical role once he gets there.

Asghar Kardoust has been tabbed by coach Veselin Matic to backup NBA star Hamed Haddadi in the FIBA World Championship.

"It’s a tremendous responsibility," the 24-year-old said.

"On the one hand it is definitely a great honour to be called as the backup for a player like Hamed. But on the other hand, I am aware of the task I have on hand.

"Hamed’s name in Iranian society, not only basketball, is huge. Therefore whenever people look at me, I can feel the special attention they give to whatever I do.

"It’s a very unique feeling – excitement (for being in the team) and anxiety (on being able to deliver) at the same time."

Kardoust faces a difficult task in Turkey, as he is likely to be on the bench for long stretches, but when he is called on, he will have huge shoes to fill.

"I know I am only the back up and I might be played only for a few minutes," he said.

"I am training myself and readying myself mentally to play one big minute in each game, when I can create that crucial space for Hamed to do what he is expected to do.

"The coach wants 12 soldiers to be in the National team. And I’m happy to be one of them."

He may not be playing a starring role, but Kardoust is just happy to have his chance.

"It doesn’t matter if I am a starter or not. I came very close to making the national team but missed the bus on quite a few occasions for various reasons. Even then I didn’t get too disappointed, because the team did very well, extremely well.

"For me the more important thing is to play for the national team, not how long I play."

FIBA

http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/10/fwcm/player/p/eid/4728/pid/43920/rid//sid/4728/tid/2605/profile.html