Iran Looks To Beat Smart Gilas in Jones Cup 2011 As Their 7-2 Hamed Haddadi Said He'll Play For Iran

Hamed Haddadi can no longer be contained by the NBA because of the Lockout. Thus, he's free to play for Iran in the 2011 William Jones Cup. The 7-2 NBA veteran who has been playing for the Memphis Grizzlies expressed his willingness to play for his national team in the Jones Cup which will start on August 6 to 14 in Chinese Taipei. The said tournament will serve as a preview of the 26th FIBA Asia Championship on Sept. 15 to 25.

Due to the addition of Haddadi, coach Rajko Toroman of Smart Gilas is expecting a tougher Iranian Team. He personally confirmed that they will face the 7-2 Iranian in the Jones Cup. He said that:

“Yes he is playing in the Jones Cup, we’ll have a chance to play against him.”

Smart Gilas Pilipinas will definitely have their hands full against Iran especially with Haddadi around. Also, their PBA reinforcements, specifically Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams won't be playing for them in the Jones Cup because of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals. But there's a good news for Gilas. Fadi El Khatib, the other infamous individual player from Lebanon has already retired from basketball. He will no longer be playing for his national team in the Jones Cup.

And to those who have not yet seen Haddadi play, here's a video from YouTube.



And take a look at this video. For sure you'll be surprised.