JORDAN STEPS UP WEST ASIAN PREPARATIONS

 A big week of basketball is approaching with Jordan hosting the West Asian Basketball Championships from January 29-February 3, and the home nation is confident of being the team to beat.

Coach Sam Daghlas has been stepping up training this week, focusing on fitness and building the harmony within the team with the late arrivals of overseas based players Sami Ibzeigh and Ameen Abu Hawas. Mohammad Shaher is expected to arrive Monday from Morocco.

He is also confident that Argentina-based Dar Tucker will be allowed time off from club commitments to join the team.

The coach has also called on the Jordanian fans to make a difference by turning out in numbers to back the team. “Fans play a significant role in encourage the players so we need to hear them cheering for us in our games,” he said.

Jordan will be joined by Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Iran in the league-style tournament where the top four will qualify to the Asian Cup in Lebanon from August 17-27.