FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers:
Amini back in time for Iran’s crunch doubleheader
Mohammad Amini is all set for a comeback on the international stage after the young star rejoined Iran just days before Window 4 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers.
Iran will resume its World Cup qualifying campaign against New Zealand in the second-round Group E opener in Pasay, Philippines, on Friday before taking on the Philippines two days later.
The 21-year-old is expected to suit up for the continental powerhouse for the first time since the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Iran gave the country its first medal in the event in eight years by claiming bronze.
He was unable to play in Iran’s 79-73 victory over New Zealand in the third-place game due to a knee injury sustained in the semifinal against Australia, but there was no denying the impact he had throughout the tournament.
Amini averaged 14.6 points and 5.8 rebounds, with his best showing coming in the quarterfinals, when he posted a double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds to lead his side to a 78-75 win over Chinese Taipei in a remarkable comeback.
He was expected to carry over his fine form into Window 1 of the World Cup qualifiers last November but did not play due to personal reasons. The former youth standout is now back in the fold.
This time, he is bringing even more experience with him. A member of French club SLUC Nancy Basket for four years, Amini played for the Boston Celtics in the 2026 NBA Summer League last July.
His return will make Team Iran even stronger despite the absence of Sina Vahedi, who continues his road to recovery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the club scene last March.
Amini is set to provide another mismatch in the backcourt given his 2.01-meter (6-foot-7) frame, adding more dynamism to a rotation that already features Sarem Jafari, Mobin Shekhi and Piter Girgoorian, among others.
Iran is hoping to sustain its fine form after topping Group D with a 5-1 record in the first round.