13 hours ago
Abdullah Yassin wins top place at Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp
Tribune News Network
Doha
Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa, a prominent Qatar national team player and of Al Rayyan Basketball Club, etched his name in the golden pages of Asian and Arab basketball history by securing first place at the Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp, held in Singapore from June 19 to 22.
The camp was organized by FIBA and the NBA, with oversight from players and coaches affiliated with both organizations.
This event, recognized as the leading platform for identifying emerging talent in Asia and Oceania, drew 60 male and female athletes under the age of 17 from 17 different countries, showcasing the finest young talents who were meticulously selected through ongoing evaluation throughout the year.
Abdullah Yassin distinguished himself not only as Qatar's representative but also as the sole Arab participant in this edition. He embraced the responsibility of representing Arab basketball and emerged victorious, achieving a huge milestone.
From the outset of the camp, Abdullah captured attention with his exceptional skills, natural ability to read the game, and tenacity, which were evident during both training sessions and practice matches.
The Qatari star demonstrated his capabilities when he took part in the three-point shooting competition, a key highlight of the camp.
Praise from NBA stars
The presence of NBA stars and their participation in supervising the players added dimensions of competition and excellence to the camp. Abdullah caught the attention of these stars and was widely praised by prominent figures.
Tyrese Maxey, star of the Philadelphia 76ers, said, 'Abdullah Musa possesses rare confidence, and his movements reflect a high level of tactical awareness. I believe he can play at a higher level if he continues with this level of commitment and development.'
As Derrick White, star of the Boston Celtics, added, 'It was no surprise that Abdullah Al-Arabi was the only player here. He is the type of player who is not easily forgotten. His professional path is open if he continues to work with this spirit.'
Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said, 'What Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa has achieved is an unprecedented accomplishment for Qatari and Arab basketball, and it is living proof that the talent development project we began years ago is beginning to bear fruit. His participation in the 'Basketball Without Borders Asia' camp in Singapore, followed by his first-place finish, was not a coincidence, but rather the natural result of meticulous planning and a collective effort involving the association, clubs, coaches, the player's family, and everyone who supported this rising talent.'
Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the Qatari 3x3 Basketball Teams, praised this achievement, saying, 'Abdullah is not an ordinary talent; he is a potential professional player by all standards. I have followed him closely since he was in the early youth stages at Al Rayyan Club, and we have witnessed his discipline, constant desire to learn, and high fighting spirit. These are the qualities that distinguish a player of the future.'
Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa said, 'I can't describe how I feel. To be the only Arab and then emerge a champion is a great honor and a huge responsibility. My thanks to everyone who supported me, from the Qatar Football Association, my family, and my coaches in the Qatari national team and Al Rayyan Club. This experience has taught me a lot. Now I return to Doha more determined and more eager to reach further than I ever dreamed.'
He added, 'It was an unforgettable experience. The training was intense, and the competition was fierce, but I believed in myself and in representing my country and the entire Arab world.' He explained: 'I am very happy to have won first place in the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp, and also to have won first place in the three-point shooting competition, especially in the presence of coaches and players from the NBA. The competition was not easy, but focus and self-confidence were my weapons.
'I thank the Qatar Basketball Federation, Al Rayyan Club, and everyone who supported me, especially my family and coaches, for their continuous support. I also thank my teammates on the national team, who share this with me.'
