Reaching new heights: Qatar eyes up a shot at international basketball glory

Supporting and moulding young talent is one of the ways the Qatar Basketball Federation is hoping to shape future champions. And what better way to start 'em young than at an international competition? 

Mohamed Massamba Ndao is the captain of Qatar's Under-16 team. For most of his teammates, the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championships was their first time in a major competition. But for Mohamed, it was the second consecutive time. He knows the pressure, the intensity and what to expect.

That competitive edge is what coach Stavros Mykoniatis hopes to build in his young team.

"There's a programme that we run for the region in order to develop and for the next generation for the first team and also for the Under-18's," said Stavros Mykoniatis, the coach of Qatar's Under-16 Team. "So for us, it's a very good chance that the guys can take this experience for the future."

15-year-old point guard Abdulla Yasin Mousa is also featuring in the competition for the second time. The spotlight is on Abdulla and Mohamed - both of whom have been named Qatar’s next basketball superstars.

There’s no shortage of talent in the Qatari youth team. The players are 16 years old or younger, but many are already shooting hoops alongside the pros in the Qatar Basketball League. And beyond this campaign, many are looking to add a valuable international experience to their already decorated young careers.

Part of that experience is learning to swallow the bitter pill of losing. Playing against some of Asia’s best teams like Iran and Australia, there’s bound to be wins and losses, and coach Stavros and his team make sure the boys understand that it’s all part of the game.

"This is our job," he told Qatar 365. "We try to change the feeling because basketball and