Asian Games 2010 -Kuwait capsule

Kuwait

Last major tournament:  11^th out of 16 at FIBA Asia 2009 (2-6)

Key Players: SF/PF Mohammad Ashkanani (6’4, 185), F Rashed Al Rabah (6’2 ½, 191), G Shayee Saeed (5’11, 189)  

Head Coach: Zoran Kreokovic

Review: Kuwait was 2-6 at FIBA Asia ‘09, right about where they belong…beat an average Uzbekistan 69-64 and sub-par UAE 65-61...tallest player was 6'7 ½, 176 PF/C Mohammad Al Mutairi and he wasn't a starter (granted not all heights were found)...their biggest players only weighed in at 194… They kept offense on the perimeter…Kuwait didn’t shoot a high percentage (39.2% in FIBA Asia ’09 ranked 13^th out of 16)...and their 3pt shooting ranked 14^th…assist-turnover ratio was a pitiful 0.54:1 which T11th…T13th in assists per game…rebounding ranked 14^th…blocked shots 13th

Outlook: Kuwait might give the Philippines a challenge for a half but this is not a very talented team. They are short in height and lacking in weight. Also they are young as the core is between the ages of 23-21. They want to keep the offense on the perimeter but they are not sharpshooters and ballhandling is suspect so it will be difficult for them to score consistently. Kuwait will be out on the break when they can where their lack of size and poor shooting won’t affect them. In the half court, Kuwait seems disciplined, make decent cuts and will run the shot clock down looking for a good midrage-perimeter shot. There is no defense in the post, people will get open due to lapses and lack of communication leaving good shooters open. Kuwait is agressive with screen and rolls so spacing and good shooting is key. Mohammad Ashkanani was their leading scorer at just under 15 points a game and leading rebounder at 7 rebounds per game. Also had most free throws made and attempted, fouls, and turnovers. He is the number one threat on offense. He won't shoot threes but he's got a midrange game and is he closest you'll get at a post player. Rashed Al Rabah is their best guard. He isn't a good outside shooter (2/16 3pt) but overall is a 42% clip, most of it on layups and drives. Guard Shayee Saeed is the team's designated three point shooter but at 12/51 (23.5%), he won't present much of a threat if you get a hand on him. 

Prediction: L to Philippines by 19