Syria National Basketball Team
The Syria national basketball team, known by the nickname Nosour Qasioun (Arabic: نسور قاسيون, meaning "Qasioun Eagles"), represents Syria in international basketball competitions. Governed by the Syrian Basketball Federation (SBF) and competing within the FIBA Asia zone, the team has established itself as a significant force within the West Asian Basketball Association (WABA) and the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC).
While the team is still pursuing its first qualification for the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup, it has a rich history of regional success, including multiple medals at the WABA and Arab Basketball Championships.
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Key Facts
- FIBA Ranking: 74 (as of 13 July 2026)
- FIBA Membership: Joined in 1948
- Nickname: Nosour Qasioun (Qasioun Eagles)
- Current Head Coach: Joseph Stiebing
- Best Asia Cup Result: 4th place (2001)
- Regional Success: 8 WABA Championship medals and 5 Arab Basketball Championship medals
Historical Journey
Founded in 1948, Syria is one of the oldest basketball programs in Asia. In its early years, the team primarily competed in the Pan Arab Games. A unique chapter in their history occurred in 1949 when Syria participated in EuroBasket (the European basketball championship) held in Cairo, Egypt. Due to travel difficulties and political tensions, several European teams declined to attend, leading FIBA Europe to invite Asian nations like Syria and Lebanon to fill the slots. Syria finished sixth in that tournament with a 1–5 record.
The team's modern era of competitiveness began in the late 1990s. Their first appearance at the FIBA Asia Championship took place in 1999 in Fukuoka, Japan, where they finished eighth. This paved the way for their most successful campaign in 2001, where they reached the Final Four of the Asian Basketball Championship in Shanghai, China, securing a fourth-place finish.
Recent years have seen the team overcome significant domestic challenges. In November 2021, FIBA lifted a long-standing ban on Syrian stadiums caused by the national conflict. This allowed the team to host an international match for the first time in a decade, playing a 2023 FIBA World Cup qualification game against Kazakhstan at the Al-Fayhaa Sports Arena in Damascus.
Competition Record and Achievements
Syria has been a consistent competitor in regional tournaments, particularly within West Asia and the Arab world. They have qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup seven times and have seen significant success in the WABA Championship, including titles in 1999 and 2001.
| Competition | Best Result | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA Asia Cup | 4th Place | Reached Final Four in 2001 |
| WABA Championship | Champions | Winners in 1999 and 2001; 8 total medals |
| Arab Championship | Champions | Winners in 1992; 5 total medals |
| Pan Arab Games | Champions | Winners in 1992 |
| West Asian Games | 3rd Place | Bronze medals in 2002 and 2005 |
Current Team Roster (2025 FIBA Asia Cup)
Under the leadership of head coach Joseph Stiebing, the current squad blends experienced veterans with emerging talent. The team continues to utilize naturalized players to bolster their interior presence and scoring.
- Guards: Mohammad Albalbisi, George Nounou, Anthouny Bakar, George Dolmaye, Keron DeShields (NP), Majd Arbasha
- Forwards: Omar Idelbi, Kamel Abdulla, Mohamad Bilal Atli, Omar Cheikh Ali, Hani Adribi (C), Christian James Maran
The team is supported by assistant coaches Oday Al-Khabbaz, Ali Marhoon, and Fawaz Mreish, and they are currently outfitted by Adidas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nickname of the Syrian national basketball team?
The team is nicknamed the Nosour Qasioun, which translates from Arabic to the "Qasioun Eagles."
Has Syria ever played in a European championship?
Yes, Syria participated in EuroBasket 1949 in Cairo, Egypt, finishing in sixth place. They were invited as an Asian team due to the lack of available European participants at the time.
What is Syria's best performance in the FIBA Asia Cup?
Their best result was a 4th place finish during the 2001 FIBA Asia Cup held in Shanghai, China.
Who is the current head coach of the team?
The current head coach of the Syrian national basketball team is Joseph Stiebing.
Has Syria ever qualified for the Olympics or the FIBA World Cup?
No, Syria is still seeking its first qualification for both the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup.