Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Yarbrough, from Louisville, Miss., attempts to block a...... read more read more
DOHA, Qatar — A U.S. armed forces basketball team ended participation in the annual Qatar military sports competitions after an intense battle on the court at Al Gharafa stadium, Qatar, May 21. While stationed in Qatar, experienced players from Camp As Sayliyah and Al Udeid Air Base attempted to qualify for their host nation's armed forces basketball tournament finals by facing four games out over the last two weeks.
The U.S. military basketball team trailed far behind in the first three games of the tournament, defeated by the Qatar navy 57-44, army 74-27, and general headquarters logistics 94-49. At their final opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals, the U.S. military team appeared set up for victory after outscoring the Qatar air force early in the game. However, in the final half, Qatar players earned enough points to sufficiently widen the gap, winning the game 86-76.
Since the initial invitation in July 2004, U.S. service members have embraced opportunities to join Qatar's premier military sports competitions, as the only non-Qatar military participants. Each athletic event presents a venue for sociable interaction between the two nations' forces. Since the 2004-2005 sports season, U.S. involvement in the annual competitions has included: marksmanship, military and cross-country runs, soccer, table tennis and basketball.
"This was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tommy Nixon, from Philadelphia, Pa. "I have played a lot of basketball in my life, but these were the most talented teams I have ever played against. Their superior size, speed and cohesion were big factors in beating us. Our team had only been together for a week before the tournament but I think we played really well, regardless. We just weren't nearly as organized."
"We definitely should have won the last game," said Jamelle Moye, from Fayetteville, N.C. "We just didn't apply enough defensive pressure and often displayed poor judgment."
"We just needed more confidence on the court," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Otis Walker, from Miami, Fla. Walker has been involved in basketball throughout his life — from grade school athletics to military installation tournaments. During the Qatar competition, he stayed along the side lines to instruct and motivate the newly formed U.S. team.
"Our guys are used to playing on the smaller courts found on camp," said Walker. "Also, some of the rules are different — the three-point area is wider, the down-low area is more spread out and everyone gets to take three full steps with the ball, instead of two." The referees called plays based on International Basketball Federation rules, which differ from NBA or NCAA sanctioned games in the United States.
"The hardest part was not understanding each player's strengths and weaknesses well enough to play as a truly competitive team," said Walker. "But in the end, it's safe to say everyone enjoyed the experience and played with a lot of heart."
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2009 10:19 |
| Story ID: | 33960 |
| Location: | DOHA, QA |
| Web Views: | 709 |
| Downloads: | 439 |
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