The NBA's fan following is not limited to the USA only, it has reached Asian, African, European and even middle eastern countries. Players from around the globe also want to be part of such a talented league and have made great strides in pushing for their chances in the NBA. Jordan, a Middle Eastern nation known for its historical landmarks and rich culture, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about NBA talent. However, many Jordanian players have managed to break through the barriers and leave their mark on the world's premier basketball league.
It would be astonishing to find that the country has provided many talented athletes to the league, in the last 25 years. In this article, we will explore the journey and impact of Jordanian NBA players, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Remarkable Jordanian NBA Players
Sam Daghlas:
Paving the Way Sam Daghlas is regarded as the trailblazer for Jordanian basketball in the NBA. Although he did not have an extended NBA career, his signing with the Sacramento Kings in 1997 was a milestone moment. Standing at 7 feet tall, Daghlas was a center with a promising skill set, but he faced challenges adjusting to the level of competition in the NBA.
Zaid Abbas:
A Journeyman's Story Zaid Abbas, born in Amman, Jordan, had a remarkable journey to the NBA. He began his professional career in Jordan before playing in several other countries, including Saudi Arabia and China. Abbas earned an NBA contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, becoming the second Jordanian player to achieve this feat.
Although his time in the league was short, his story remains an inspiration to aspiring basketball players in Jordan.
Bashar "Zizo" Al-Momani:
Making Waves Bashar Al-Momani, commonly known as "Zizo," had a brief stint in the NBA, but his impact on Jordanian basketball was significant. After an impressive college career at Western Kentucky University, the skilled point guard signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 1996.
Although he did not get much playing time, his presence on an NBA roster motivated young Jordanian players to pursue their dreams.
It is amazing to see more and more players from different countries looking to take part in the world’s best basketball league. But players from the Middle East often face cultural, language, and basketball-style barriers, making it difficult to break into the highly competitive league.
Still with the modern era and growing Basketball Culture in Jordan, the transition has become nothing, helping young talent to test their skills at the NBA. The NBA has observed more than 100 Jordanian players looking for opportunities in the league, but sadly very few have managed to make the cut.
Despite the challenges, basketball's popularity has been steadily increasing in Jordan, with a rise in participation and grassroots development programs. The success stories of Jordanian players in the NBA have played a significant role in fueling this growth. The NBA also encouraged the player by setting up facilities along with the Academy in Jordan. In collaboration with the Jordanian Basketball Federation, the NBA established an academy in Amman, Jordan. The academy aims to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with world-class training and opportunities to compete internationally.
This could be a change in perception and massive growth in players’ abilities and make them ready for the bigger picture.
FAQs
A. Although some Jordanian players have signed contracts with NBA franchises, they have never played in the league.
A. Currently there are no Jordanian players active in the NBA.
A. The country Jordan is yet to win FIBA World Cup.
A. Currently the country Jordan qualifies through the FIBA Asia zone.
A. As of 2023, the country Jordan has won 5 FIBA trophies - all in Asia region.
