Iranians will be ready for Turin OQT

TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - There is an attitude Iran's veteran players share that allowed them to reach the top in Asia and compete at Olympics and FIBA Basketball World Cups.

Coach Dirk Bauermann recognized it immediately after taking the helm last year, the qualities that made the difference for Iran in winning three of four FIBA Asia Championships from 2007 through 2013. He shared his thoughts with FIBA.

Well first of all, they all have the heart of a lion - each and every one of them. They all play to win and they’re willing to rip their hearts off their chest, throw it on the floor and compete for their country, and I think that’s a real important foundation and basis for what we do. And then secondly, all of them have a very high basketball IQ, good work ethic, and they’re very coachable. - Bauermann

Such qualities are what every coach wants to see in his players. They were evident in 2015 as Iran claimed a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Italy.

Bauermann's squad sealed an OQT place when they made it to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Asia Championship in China. They signed off from the tournament with a victory over Japan in the battle for third place.

It's those very characteristics that Bauermann spoke of that will make Iran a dangerous team to face in Turin, with the OQT being staged 4-9 July. They will go up against Greece, who are No. 10 in the FIBA World Ranking, and Mexico, who are No. 19. Iran are No. 17.

A top-two finish would put Iran into a Semi-Final against Italy, Croatia or Tunisia at the OQT. The winners of the Semi-Finals will square off with a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games at stake.

Iran know at least a couple of their warm-up games will be good tune-ups for Turin as they will be facing teams that are playing in other OQTs. They will take on New Zealand, who are in the Manila OQT, and Latvia, who are playing in the Belgrade OQT, in late June.

In remarks carried by the Tasmin News Agency this week, Bauermann shared his thoughts on how players and teams best give themselves a chance to be winners.

"There is no secret to success," he said. "You have to work harder than others. You have to do your best."

FIBA