“American” basketball 1 star plays for an Iraqi squad Forces that assaulted US troops are among its owners.

American basketball star plays for an Iraqi squad. Forces that assaulted US troops are among its owners.

© Provided by The Associated Press

 

The ownership of an elite basketball team in Iraq by a paramilitary group has resulted in conflicting emotions due to recent attacks on US forces. Despite this hostility towards America, they are relying heavily on Uchenna Iroegbu, an accomplished 27-year-old basketball player from Sacramento, California, who joined their ranks last month as their key player to secure the championship title.

Iroegbu decided to forego competing for a spot in the NBA and instead showcased his talents playing for teams in Nigeria and Qatar. He was recently acquired by Hashed al-Shaabi (the Popular Mobilization Forces) just before the start of the Iraqi Basketball Super League playoffs. Currently residing in Baghdad, Iroegbu’s impressive scoring abilities will be crucial to his new team’s success.

© Provided by The Associated Press

 

In terms of basketball, it was obvious to sign Iroegbu since he averaged 27 points per game, which topped the Qatari league in scoring. It’s a bit more nuanced politically.

In terms of basketball, it was obvious to sign Iroegbu since he averaged 27 points per game, which topped the Qatari league in scoring. It’s a bit more nuanced politically.

© Provided by The Associated Press

 

Following the invasion and prolonged military presence in Iraq since 2003, tensions between the two nations remain high. Recently, there were reports of fighters supported by Iran within Hashed attacking US soldiers stationed nearby.

However, despite these political complexities, Uchenna Iroegbu, a skilled basketball player since childhood, remains focused solely on his sport and was unaware of Hashed until they approached him with an offer. Keeping out of politics, Iroegbu looks forward to contributing to the team’s performance.

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As one of Hashed’s three American players, Iroegbu approaches his involvement with the team matter-of-factly, undeterred by the specific security risks or regional instability affecting his homeland. Known among friends for being laidback, Iroegbu shared during a break in practice.

“It’s pretty much business as usual for me; I attend practice, then retreat to my room when I’m not playing. Off the court, I enjoy hanging out with my teammates, indulging in video games, reading – nothing too exciting!” Intriguingly, amidst the sparse crowd observing practice, a young vendor offered robust cups of traditional Arabic coffee to passersby.

© Provided by The Associated Press

 

To interact with their Iraqi counterparts, basic English serves as the primary means of communication for the American players on Hashed’s squad. However, nonverbal cues such as hand gestures and the universally understood language of basketball dominate their on-court interactions, shares Iroegbu, previously a student-athlete at Stony Brook University in New York.

Funding for sports teams in Iraq comes mainly from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, yet each team receives support from multiple government departments like the Interior and Oil Ministries. State-run television stations air matches, ensuring wide coverage for athletics enthusiasts across the country.

Formed primarily by a coalition of predominantly Shiite militias aligned with Iran, Hashed emerged onto the scene in response to the takeover of extensive territories in Iraq by the radical Sunni group known as ISIS (or Daesh) in 2014. Two years following their entry into the fray, the Iraqi administration officially acknowledged Hashed as an independent entity within the national armed forces.

FILE – Fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces attend the funeral of a commander from the Kataib Hezbollah paramilitary group killed in a U.S. airstrike, in Baghdad, Iraq on Feb. 8, 2024. The Popular Mobilization Forces are the owners of a basketball team in Iraq with Americans on the roster. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)
© Provided by The Associated Press

 

At present, Hashed militias maintain strategic partnerships with international forces led by the US in combating the Islamic State terrorist network. Nevertheless, relations with certain groups within Hashed have soured recently, particularly those responsible for conducting numerous retaliatory drone assaults on American facilities located in both Syria and Iraq. These operations serve as payback for Washington’s backing of Israel during the Gaza War.

Unexpectedly, the series of drone attacks targeting American assets in Syria and Iraq ceased in February subsequent to an incident involving a fatal drone strike near the Jordanian-Syrian boundary that claimed the lives of three US servicemembers. Consequently, the US executed reprisals in Iraq, resulting in casualties, including a prominent militia leader situated in central Baghdad.

FILE – Iraqis attend the funeral of Popular Mobilization Forces fighters killed in the U.S. airstrikes in Najaf, Iraq on Feb. 4, 2024. The Popular Mobilization Forces are the owners of a pro basketball team in Iraq with Americans on the roster. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil, File) © Provided by The Associated Press

 

Insights from two anonymous Iraqi authorities familiarized with delicate matters revealed that General Esmail Ghaani, head of Iran’s revered Quds Force, embarked on a visit to Iraq with a significant objective: persuading local factions to halt any further hostile actions against US personnel positioned there.

Coach Akil Najem of Hashed emphasizes that neither the team nor its athletes are influenced by ongoing geopolitical issues. Addressing concerns, Najem clarified: “Our club operates independently without engaging in politics, focusing exclusively on fostering camaraderie amongst fellow civilians.”

(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) © Provided by The Associated Press

 

Spearheading Hashed is none other than an ex-player for the Iraqi national team, Jamal Fadel. With a hopeful tone, Fadel commented on his roster’s promising potential, having ended the regular season tied at 10-10. Anticipating progression locally and nationwide under the influence of American talent, he articulated:

“Each Iraqi sports outfit leans significantly on external contributors, whose input might constitute nearly three-fourths of total scores per match. Regardless if the athlete hails from the USA, Jordan, or Syria, our stance remains consistent – we welcome diverse origins wholeheartedly.”

Historically, global basketball franchises often draw upon American players, notably throughout the Middle Eastern region, similar to how football teams worldwide actively pursue Argentinean and Brazilian prospects. Tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th century, Professor Danyel Reiche from Georgetown University-Qatar explained that Christian missionaries introduced basketball to the region. Notably, Reiche focuses on exploring intricate dynamics binding politics and sports in the Middle East.

Expanding beyond the mere introduction of American pastimes, missionaries effectively popularized basketball in the region, occasionally eclipsing soccer’s appeal in select locations. Delving deeper, Reiche noted that contemporary American players posted in Iraq typically earn higher salaries compared to local peers, though still far removed from lavish NBA star living standards.

Drawing insights from Fadel, monthly earnings for American imports range between $5,000-$6,000, untaxed, complemented by gratuitous housing accommodations.

Swiftly after the final withdrawal of US troops in 2011, marking the conclusion of a protracted military intervention initiated in ’03 to dispose of dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraqi basketball clubs began pursuing American players. Ever since, additional American athletes have participated within Iraqi borders.

League rules stipulate the allowance of up to three non-national participants per team, restricting the coexistence of a maximum of two foreign players on the court simultaneously. Based on the latest data, approximately twenty American competitors can be found gracing courts across Iraq this season.

Paralleling Iroegbu, six-foot-seven-inch forward Isaac Banks from New Orleans represents another Yank bolstering Hashed’s lineup. Previously affiliated with different Iraqi collectives, post-graduation from East Tennessee State University, Banks plied his trade professionally in Syria, Georgia, England, Luxembourg, and Ukraine before returning to the Iraqi league.

Expounding on his experience thus far, Banks praised the hospitable demeanor exhibited by both Iraqi compatriots and fans alike, favoring amiable conversations devoid of politically charged topics or safety concerns.

(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) © Provided by The Associated Press

 

Affirmatively stating, “I entrust divine providence to manage it all,” Banks remained unfazed by existing challenges in America given the perpetual volatility experienced stateside. Adhering to protocol, Fadel confirmed diligent vigilance maintained by the organization safeguarding the welfare of their foreign contingents, prepared for eventualities.

Prior to a scheduled faceoff versus Iraq’s Oil Ministry-owned ensemble, notable absence prevailed amongst American attendees.

Their coach, smoking an electronic cigarette anxiously, said that they had all contracted food sickness after dining out.

He was right to be nervous. In his absence, the squad suffered a 102-94 loss.

 

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