Ahmed Aziz is a a former professional player that is currently coaching the Bahrain U-18 team that is competing at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany. He was a professional player in Bahrain from 2007-2023 and since 2023 has been a U-17 and U-19 coach in Bahrain. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against Germany at the Albert Schweitzer tournament.

Thanks Ahmed for talking to eurobasket.com. Your head coach of the U-18 of Bahrain at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany. Is this your first time in Germany?

This is my second time in Germany. My first time was in 2013 when I came here for therapy. I was still a pro player.

The team had problems getting to Germany and were stranded in the Middle East. How taxing has the war in Iran been for daily life?

The war had nothing to do with why we were late to Germany. Our airport is still closed. We took a bus to Doha and then flew to Frankfurt. There were technical delays.

Bahrain is in Asia and not known for it’s basketball. They have a league where ex NBA players play and where there is money. Is it true that basketball is the #1 sport there?

I believe that basketball is the #1 sport in Bahrain with football in second place. Our basketball arena’s are always full.

How is the state of youth basketball there? This is Bahrain’s first time playing at AST. Is it a sport that is growing?

Basketball is growing with the youth in Bahrain. The Royal family of Bahrain is very involved in supporting the sport. They have made numerous connections and helped us be able to play in great tournaments like Albert Schweitzer.

Please talk about some of the talented players. What players can we look for during the AST?

We have many talented players at the moment. Our two biggest talents are Muytaba Rayan and Somto Patrick. We think that Rayan has a very bright future while Patrick is in high school at the moment in USA. We are trying to develop him as best as possible so he can reach the highest stage. He will attend college after high school.

Talk about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you?

Our players are short and we can’t compete with bigs. We like to run, shoot and press full court. We want to speed up the game.

Would you call the style 40 minutes of hell?

Yes that is accurate.

What gives you the biggest joy with coaching young men?

Just seeing the boys develop step by step. It makes me happy and proud when I see a young player achieve something big. It isn’t only about how a player develops on the court, but we also stress shaping them into good men.

Germany has had massive success in men’s basketball the last years winning the World Cup and Euro. They also have had great results at the youth sector. How have you followed the development of the basketball there?

I follow Germany but also many other countries in Europe. Germany is one of the best nations for basketball in the world. We look up to them.

What do you believe is the secret to Germany’s success in the last years? Is it more than just discipline?

Their approach to the game is key.

How tough a game can you await? Is Bahrain the massive underdog or just underdog against Germany?

It will be a very tough game for us. We know that they have a lot of size and are physical. We are here for the first time. For us important is developing our guys further and them gaining new experience on a big stage.

Germany has very talented big men and Bahrain is a little undersized. Could the paint area decide the game?

Yes I think so. We can’t give 100% but 200% against Germany. We will have to be very good at boxing out. We will try our best.

Is there a German player that you feel could be the big attraction at AST?

There isn’t just 1 player but many that we will have to be aware of.

Who is your coaching GOAT?

Sasa Obradovic He is the God of basketball. I have followed his career. I just love everything about him.

Thanks Ahmet for the chat.