Assem Marei Optimistic About Egypt's Prospects at AfroBasket 2025

In a recent interview, Assem Marei, a prominent figure in Egyptian basketball, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming AfroBasket 2025 tournament, scheduled to take place in Angola from August 12 to 24. Marei, who first made waves in international basketball during the 2011 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he finished as the third leading scorer, has been a vital player for Egypt's national team over the years. His journey in the sport has been marked by significant achievements, including a second-place finish at the 2013 AfroBasket, where he delivered standout performances, notably averaging 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.

As the tournament approaches, Marei faces a personal dilemma; his wife is expected to give birth around the same time. Despite this, he remains hopeful about Egypt's potential for success, stating, "We can do something special. We just have to take it one game at a time." He recalls Egypt's previous achievements in the tournament, noting how the team upset defending champions Tunisia in 2013, an event that solidified his belief in the unpredictability of African basketball.

Egypt's return to the AfroBasket is significant as the team seeks to reclaim a podium finish for the first time since 2013. Marei emphasized the importance of the mix of experienced players like himself and emerging talents such as Anas Mahmoud and Ehab Amin. "We have an excellent group. It's a great generation with a mix of veterans, young players, and those in between. Players like Anas and Ehab are stepping up, and I believe now is a good time to pass the torch," he stated.

The team has also seen changes in coaching, with former Egyptian international Mohamed Elkerdany taking over from German coach Henrik Rodl. Marei believes that Elkerdany's familiarity with the players and their shared history could facilitate better communication and teamwork, enhancing Egypt's competitiveness in the tournament.

Standing at 2.05 meters (6 feet 9 inches), Marei is known for his physical presence on the court, high basketball IQ, and leadership qualities. His professional career has taken him across various leagues in Europe and Asia, including stints in Germany, Turkey, and South Korea.

As Egypt prepares to face formidable opponents in Group D, including Mali and Senegal, Marei's optimism remains steadfast. He acknowledges that while Senegal is known for its height and athleticism, Egypt possesses a blend of size and experience that can be advantageous in the tournament. "More importantly, we have experience. Guys like Amr Gendy and I, as well as young talents like Patrick Gardner, who had a great showing last time—he’s going to be an important piece for the next 10 years," Marei remarked.

The upcoming AfroBasket presents an opportunity for Egypt to not only showcase its talent but also to build a new legacy in African basketball. With Marei leading the charge, the team hopes to make a significant impact and possibly return to the top tier of African basketball once again.