Nox Magazine
26. January 2010 by admin.
Features
Sam the man
The Jordanian basketball player who once managed to beat the NBA’s Most Valuable Player leads Jordan’s national team to the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Issue: Jan, 2010
words: Mousa al-Shuqairiimages: Humzah Azouqa
One could point to the arrival of Sam Daghlas onto the Jordanian basketball scene as the defining moment of the new era in the country’s sport – when amateur athletics took a back seat to professionalism. The new glut of funding opened the door for the recruitment of Jordanian players who had been living and training abroad, and Sam was among the first to return “home”.
Sam left Amman as a 7-year old only to return in the early 2000s as a pro baller with NBA aspirations. Despite the ongoing debate about this money-pumped strategy – one that ended with the federation being dissolved by the Olympic committee – there is no doubt that Sam and his fellow players have managed to pile up a few achievements. The biggest of them all, of course, a spot at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey next summer.
NOX: First, congratulations. How do you guys feel about being in the World Championship?
Sam Daghlas: It’s a great honour. We are really proud to be part of what could be considered one of Jordan’s biggest athletic accomplishment ever. But unfortunately, with the dissolution of the federation and the current disarray the game is in, we were not really able to enjoy it. We have no idea what’s going to happen, but we need to start on a preparation programme as soon as possible. It’s been five months since we returned from China with the qualification spot, and we’ve lost a lot of valuable time. We’ve also missed out on great opportunities to promote the game locally, and we’ve lost many sponsors who where interested in sponsoring our national team. It is just a sad situation.
NOX: And who do you think is mainly responsible for the mess, the Olympic Committee who dissolved the federation or the federation itself for adopting a questionable policy?
SD: We’ve got a feeling that the Olympic Committee does not care much about the national team or basketball as a whole. Look, our qualification spot was in jeopardy as FIBA was considering revoking it, and the JOC did not move. So they removed the previous federation; it is their responsibility to come up with an alternative, and not just any alternative. They need to bring in a federation with better personnel than the last one (if they think there was something wrong with the last group), and not just a bunch of ex-players. Running a basketball federation has so many elements, from management to marketing and public relations.
NOX: So you agree with the previous federation’s approach, even when it meant ignoring the local leagues?
SD: I have great respect for Tariq Zu’ibi. The man was not afraid to take a risk and he invested in one goal – reaching the World Cup. And he achieved it. There were some things that could have been done differently and I’m still a strong proponent of a competitive league that builds the base of the game.
NOX: What about coach Palma? For that salary, he didn’t seem to have left a mark on many players…
Sam: He is an accomplished coach at international level, with significant achievements with every team he’s been involved with. I would say that the most important thing he brought to our team was discipline. The bottom line is he was brought in to take us to the world cup, and he did his job.
NOX: So if Ayman Deiss doesn’t make five straight three-pointers against Lebanon, Palma’s evaluation could be a whole lot different…?
SD: And if we don’t go 1 for 12 in the first half against Iran, we’ll probably end up finishing in first place. This is basketball and that’s why it is a great game; anything can happen on any given night. But what matters the most is that we have a very good team and everyone who watched those qualifiers could testify.
NOX: But don’t you think that our team relies too much on three-point shooting, a risky affair to say the least?
SD: You live by the shot and you die by the shot! But, when the players are practising shooting every day and they are making those shots, you would expect them to make the same shots in game situations. But for our team, we do not exactly have post-up players who can bang the ball inside. Our best post-up player was Zaid Abbass and he is undersized for the front court positions
NOX: Speaking of size and position, you are a little tall for a point guard; how did you end up being in the playmaker spot?
SD: My high-school coach in San Diego saw something in me and in the way I saw the court. I think I benefited from playing soccer when I was a little younger, too. But since I made the varsity team as a freshman in high school, this has been the position I played, and it has always been my only demand whenever I considered joining a team. Even when I was talking to NBA scouts.
NOX: You’ve attended summer camps with the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns; how did that go for you? Is it true that the NBA is more about connections than talent?
SD: There is definitely an element of that, but there are also timing and other circumstances. After the summer camp with the Kings in 2003 they were willing to sign me but they already had three point guards. So they suggested I play for their NBA development team in Idaho until they have a vacant roster spot. But I just couldn’t do the D-league. So I returned to Zain, but with a clause in my contract that would allow me to return to the NBA if the opportunity arises. At the Suns camp in 2004, I had the best basketball experience of my career, being around a great player like Steve Nash who was coming off an MVP season. I actually managed to get his team off the court when we were running 5-on-5 games in practice! That caught the attention of some scouts. Unfortunately I was only planning to stay three days in Phoenix and when I think about it now, I wish I stayed. But I never regret my decisions.
NOX: So are you happy now with the way your career has unfolded, and with your success?
SD: Absolutely. I can say that I have won every regional title on the club or the national level. I have had a chance to work hard and accomplish a lot. The only regional title missing is the Dubai tournament which hopefully we can win next month!
Special thanks to everyone at Athletes’ Performance.
15. November 2009 by admin.
I just finished a great 6 weeks of off season work out with Athletes Performance and once agin they didn’t disappoint me. They pushed me and helped me train smart. I feel great and ready for the up coming season. Special Thanks to everyone at Athletes Performance.Samd13
Daghlas speaks about the current situation of Jordanian Basketball - Oct 4, 2009 (by Mohammed Malas)
7. October 2009 by admin.
Daghlas speaks about the current situation of Jordanian Basketball - Oct 4, 2009 (by Mohammed Malas)Jordan number 1 point guard Osama Daghles (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) have opened his heart to the sports fans around the world earlier today to speak about the current situation of Jordanian Basketball cuasing some problems following the latest reaction which forced the elections from the 3rd of Ocober to a further notice!1- Whats your opinion about the current situation of the Jordanian Basketball after the qualification to the World Cup?First i want to say I’m very happy and proud of all the players, coaches and management for achieving our goal and qualifying for the World Cup.To be honest with you and answer your question i think a lot of people didn’t think we had a shot of qualifying and better yet didn’t want us to succeed in any way. Whats going on right now is a prime example to all the players because we are getting over shadowed by the situation. I’m not happy with whats going on because its leaving the players clueless and thats not a good thing. Its been like this since July! Enough is enough. In my opinion we need to bring back the old federation because whats going on now is hurting the sport. It’s october and we have no plans for the up coming season! How is that helping Jordan basketball, i don’t know.2- Do you think that its time for some personal arguments instead of thinking of the main goal which is the future of the new season?I think its highly important to think about the up coming season and not let personal agenda hurt the sport. Jordan basketball since 2003 been going up and becoming the number one sport in bringing championships to Jordan. Since Mr Tarek Zu’bi (The ex-federation president) took over and Zain joined the league Jordan basketball been very respected all over Asia and now the world. I believe if something is not broken you don’t fix it. Mr Zuabi and Zain have been the ones to reach out and bring Jordanian players back home to play for there country. We need professionalism in Jordan, thats the only route to go. We are all witness on how it change the game for the better.3- Are you with keeping Coach Mario Palma in both Zain and National Team in case the current problems are solved?Coach Palma is a great coach and i would love to have him back. but at the end of the day i know its business, Zain has the last word and i have respect that and be ready to play for which ever coach they decide to go with.4- Teams started preperations except Zain club, Do you know why?To be honest im not sure whats going on, and when we are going to start training camp. but i think its going to be some time in early November.5- What are your next plans with both Zain & National Team?My plane is to get ready for an exciting season. Im ready to start working hard and win as many titles as i can starting with Dubai Tournament and hopefully ending with winning Asia Championship.6- Finally, Any word for your fans?For people that didn’t know how are dream of qualifying started we have to thank Mr. Tarek Zu’bi he’s the one came to us with a Dream and all the players and the coaching staff believed and went out and achieved the biggest achievement in Jordan history. I believe what Mr Zu’bi and the Federation have done since 2003 specks for it self. They helped Jordan basketball grow.Keep the faith and thank you for all your support. Hope we hear some good news soon about the up coming season. Go Jordan Basketball
Turkey Here we Come World Cup 2010
23. August 2009 by admin.
What a great feeling to qualify to the World Cup. Its been hard tough 3 years of work and traveling to be here now its an amazing feeling. Its worth all the sacrifice we made to achieve our goal of going to the World Cup. I can’t wait to compete at the biggest stage of basketball( World Cup 2010 in Turkey). Its going to be a blast..
Jordan beats Lebanon for Bronze in China and 2010 FIBA World Championship ticket - Aug 16, 2009 (by Eurobasket News)
23. August 2009 by admin.
Jordan beats Lebanon for Bronze in China and 2010 FIBA World Championship ticket - Aug 16, 2009 (by Eurobasket News)
Jordan - Lebanon 80-66Jordan was too strong for Lebanon in the battle for Bronze on AsiaBasket 2009 in China. This victory was very important for Jordan, who except of winning the bronze medal also booked a spot for 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. Lebanon stays with the medal and also failed to qualify forTurkey. Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) shined for the winners collecting 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Ayman Idais (208-C-78, agency: Court Side) also demonstrated nice performance - 20 points (6 triples), while Osama Daghles (199-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) added 11 points and 5 boards. In Team Lebanon, Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) had 18 points and 8 boards. Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) and Rony Fahed(182-G-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) netted 13 pts each.It was unbelievable beginning of this game. Jordan shined in the first few minutes grabbing quick 10-0 lead, but after that they somehow stopped. Jackson Vroman and his teammates woke up and for the rest of the way in the first quarter created fantastic 0-19 run. Lebanon kept plus 8 in the next few minutes, but then Jordan made a turn 28-27, after triple by Ayman Idais. In following three minutes in the first half Lebanon jumped to 36-28. During the entire third period Jordan had 8-12 points lead and almost the same picture on the court was seen at the beginning of the last quarter. With five minutes remaining Jordan had plus 15 and the game was over for Lebanon.
Jordan: Rasheim Wright 28+5 boards+5 as, Ayman Idais 20, Osama Daghles 11+5 boards
William Jones Cup 2009
25. July 2009 by admin.
Jordan 93-58 JapanThree Japanese players were reported having food poisoning and two were injured, leaving Japan with only seven players suiting up for the game.Worse yet, it lost Ryota Sakurai to waist injury before halftime. Japan had to finish the game with six players. Yusuke Okada led Japan with 24 points, making 8 of 13 from three.Jordan won the game easily, leading by as many as 40 points in the third quarter. Rasheim Wright had 22 points in 20 minutes.
William Jones Cup 2009
23. July 2009 by admin.
Jordan hands first loss to Korea, stays undefeated at the WJC- Jul 23, 2009 (by Eurobasket News)Jordan - Korea 83-67It was a derby game of Day 5 at the Willaim Jones Cup 2009. Both squads entered to it undefeated with 3-0 record. Jordan was the one who demonstrated much better performance, deserving the fourth consecutive victory. It means that Jordan is currently at the top of the standings alone as there are no more undefeated teams. Korea joined Taiwan and Iran with 3-1 record. Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) top-scored in Jordan with 21 points. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) also had important role registering double-double, 15 points and 10 boards. Osama Daghles finished the game with 6 assists and 3 steals. Third quarter of the game was the crucial yesterday. The teams were almost leveled before that, but then Rasheim Wright and his teammates exploded. They stopped Korea on just 8 points for the quarter, on the other side scoring 21. Later, they had no troubles to keep the lead. 
William Jones Cup 2009
23. July 2009 by admin.
Jordan beats Lebanon, remains perfect on William Jones Cup -Jul 21, 2009 (by Eurobasket News)Jordan - Lebanon 73-63It was a game between two undefeated teams after 2 days at the William Jones Cup. Lebanon registered two wins until yesterday, against Taiwan B and Japan, while Jordan was better than Philippines.Everything started good for Lebanon. Their key player Fadi Khatib was in a game mood and together with Brian Feghali (204-F-77, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: LSU) led Lebanon to plus 4 after 20 minutes. These two players combined 22 points in the first half. However, totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Jordan took control on its opponent scoring 25 points in third period. Lebanon stopped on just 13 and the doors to victory were widely open to Jordan. Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) and his teammates did not have eny troubles to keep the lead and to celebrate comfortable win.Zaid Abbas top-scored in Jordan with 17 points. Sam Daghlas (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) followed him with 5 points less. Brian Feghali contributed with 19 points in loss.Today Jordan will meet also undefeated Taiwan. Lebanon will meet winless Kazakhstan.Jordan: Zaid Abbas 17, Sam Daghlas 12Lebanon: Brian Feghali 19
17. May 2009 by admin.
JAKARTA (FIBA Asia Champions Cup) - Sam Daghles is quite the unsung hero in Jordanian basketball.
Having
played his role to perfection in the first two games with 5 assists in
each game, the 29-year-old point guard was forced out of the third game
with an ankle injury when Zain played Satria Muda on Friday.
But
he put paid to any fears saying “Not to worry. I’ll be back soon” as he
spoke to S Mageshwaran of FIBA Asia on the sidelines of the 20th FIBA
Asia Champions Cup.
Excerpts
Three back-to-back wins in as many days is a good start…
Happy to start with such a record in a long championship. But I think the real test will come in the quarterfinals.
Our last game in the group (against Al Arabi) is a nice way for us to head into the play-offs.
Winning
the opening three games has given us a good feel conditions and boosted
our confidence. We have to consolidate on this from now.
But a lot of top players are getting injured during the tournament…
Did you notice one interesting point in that? It’s all happening to WABA teams.
I
think the injuries are a result of the long season behind us. We have
been playing continuously almost right from October. Our local league,
then the WABA qualifiers and then the Arabs…
And then we have the camps with the National Team.
This is the case with most of the top WABA teams, especially from Jordan and Lebanon.
But then these are the hazards of professional sport.
There
was a time when we wanted more and more games. Now, I think it’s the
other way around. And our local leagues are getting more and more
intense.
We definitely need an off-season. All the more so,
because all the players these days are very professional about
utilizing the off-season.
What do you think you need to do more to win the championship here?
I think we are doing OK as a team.
But
we are not able to put away our opponents. That’s very important if you
want to win the championship. Call it killer instinct or whatever, we
need to get that spring in our steps.
But like I said the real road to the title begins tomorrow.
I guess and I hope we’ll come along well together.
Isn’t Zain this time virtually the Jordanian National Team?
It’s
a deliberate move to prepare for the FIBA Asia Championship in China,
which will also be qualifiers for the 2010 FIBA World Championships.
We
(Zain) anyway were almost the Jordan National Team. Now with Zaid Abbas
from ASU) and Wesam Alsoos (of Al Riyadi Amman) on loan we completely
the National Team.
And our coach (Mario Palma) is also the NT coach.
We are working hard to book our ticket to Turkey.
Your thoughts on current Asian basketball.
I
think we have come miles from where we were some five years ago. But I
also think we have miles to go before reaching the European standards.
Many of our countries are having very strong and professional leagues now. But I still feel we should regional leagues.
I personally think a WABA league is overdue for the last five years or so.
Also I think we need to pick and choose our imports. No point in picking any foreigner just because he is a big name.
Teams
have to build their core on their local players and then choose the
foreigners to fit where they think they need that player.
To put
it in a nutshell, we need leagues across regions even if not entire
Asia. And we need to build the base of our basketball on our local
players.
