Hamed Haddadi Calls Time on National Team Career
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iconic Iranian basketball player Hamed Haddadi announced his retirement from the national team following his last game at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Haddadi - who is regarded as the greatest Iranian basketball player of all time - has featured in every one of Iran's World Cup campaigns as well two Olympic Games. The veteran center posted 14 points and 8 rebounds in his final appearance as Iran was beaten by Lebanon in the Classification Round 17-32.
“I have had a long career with the national team since the 2000s,” Haddadi said after his last game. “I try to play when I can even if I'm out of shape. I feel good, but I feel upset too because I leave my team.
“It is time for the young generation. They need to get more time and more experience with more game-time,” he added.
