Day 1, Round 1 - Group A: Iran - Japan

[judasmartel]

Team Melli vs Nippon Hayabusa.

Young run-and-gun Japan takes on the experienced veterans of Iran.

Jamshidi was pretty much the only guy not present for Iran in FIBA Asia 2013 in Manila, and Bahrami is back on the team after recovering from his shoulder (?) injury. The Big 3 of Haddadi, Kamrani, and Bahrami will lead Team Melli to victory come game time.

Meanwhile, Japan fielded in a young team this year led by mobile bigman Joji Takeuchi, who filled in for his twin brother Kosuke, who had to sit out FIBA Asia this year due to injury. Their speed and outside shooting can pull off surprises against the veteran Iranian team, but that would not be enough to break through their famous impenetrable defense.

[JAMSKIE]

Without the other Takeuchi twin and w/o a naturalized player, Joji Takeuchi will have his hands full against Hamed Hadadi and the gang of towering & tough playing Iranian bigs. The other japanese bigs aren't that good in this level of competition. If Joji gets into foul trouble, then I expect its going to be a smooth-sailing for Iran.

My expectation? Iran winning by 18 to 25 pts.

[CKR13]

Japan will be playing with only 11 players in the tournament. Days away from the tournament, Kosuke Kanamaru backed out and Japan did not bother paying the fee to name a replacement player. Tanaka and Matsui will alternate at shooting guard.

[athangonzales]

Goodluck Japan.

[CKR13]

Iran looking good against Japan. Iran's offense is not forcing things, patient and yet converting. Beautiful execution. Bahrami and Haddadi are not even looking to score. Iran's defense? Even better, able to anticipate cross-floor passes and getting points from there.

[Kokey Fanatic]

japan needs to win to lessen our pain hehe

[judasmartel]

60-39 Iran with 8:50 remaining in the 4th. GG.

[weward]

Iran demolished Japan...like omg.

samad with +/- of 27 right after an injury....

[judasmartel]

OMG our Olympic dream is over!

[Khalid80]

Iran just too strong... They can rotate with their 12 players freely without affecting the overall level of the team... this is why they remain to be the team to beat in this championship

[behzadir]

OMG our Olympic dream is over!

Why??? Ur one of the favorites to win the gold here.

[judasmartel]

Why??? Ur one of the favorites to win the gold here.

Morale in PH is too low right now after that shock upset vs Palestine. After this, we don't know if we could even get past the first round.

[behzadir]

Oh come on, it's only one game and after all it was better to happen here than in the knockout round. I still see philipines as a semi finalist.

[Khalid80]

Oh come on, it's only one game and after all it was better to happen here than in the knockout round. I still see philipines as a semi finalist.

True... I'm sure Philippines will get better as the tournament progresses... only thing is that they will have a tougher path now to the semis since their quarterfinal opponent will be a bit tougher... Still a top 4 team in this tournament though

[ctongco]

Morale in PH is too low right now after that shock upset vs Palestine. After this, we don't know if we could even get past the first round.

Morale down? Let's be realistic, disappointed and frustrated would be understandable. It's one bad game for us, let Gilas pick up the pieces and improve from this.