MAR - AfroBasket chance for Abdelali Lahraichi to progress

ABIDJAN (AfroBasket/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Morocco's Abdelali Lahraichi has not had much playing time in the Preliminary Round of AfroBasket 2013, but when head coach Hassan Hachad called him, he made it clear his future with the national team is bright.

The 1.90m guard was scoreless against Tunisia and Rwanda, but had seven points against Burkina Faso.

Only Oussama Hjira had less playing time than him in the team's first three games.

Although Lahraichi is not surprised with his back-up guard status in the team, he says he just wants to see Morocco improve in African rankings.

In the past decade, Morocco's best result was a sixth-place finish at AfroBasket 2005 held in neighbouring Algeria.

"I just want to keep playing and being able to help my country," he told FIBA.com.

Just like his teammate Ali Reda Harris, Lahraichi is one of the youngest players on Morocco's men team.

He is ranked as one of the promising stars in Morocco's basketball programmes where he plays for national champions Wydad Casablanca.

"This is my first time at the AfroBasket, and I am trying to make the most of it," he said.

"Our first game (a defeat against Tunisia) was difficult to swallow, but we are progressing, and we did everything we could to finish second of group."

Morocco have never played in a FIBA World Championship but, sooner or later, Lahraichi says, they will do.

This year's AfroBasket is a qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

Only the teams that finish in the top three of the African championship will get to play on the world stage next year.

"Obviously, if one day we qualify for the world cup, it is up to the head coach to select whoever he thinks is best for the team.

"As I said, I'll keep on working to deserve a chance to play for Morocco.

"I want to make the most of this AfroBasket build my career from there.

"I am young, and I have plenty of time to learn and improve," he explained.

FIBA