Ahmed Al Mutawa: 'I play to win, there's no other way' - Sep 3, 2011
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Last year around this time, Ahmed Al Mutawa was preparing to move his family from Kuwait to Bahrain, a place all so familiar to Mutawa. This is where he first started playing basketball. Mutawa was recruited by Al Kuwait Club in 2008. There he played a big role in helping Kuwait club secure a regular season Championship and he helped push his team to the Arab Cup Championships Semi finals. Last summer, Mutawa and his agent (LSM) were presented with an offer for Ahmed to return to Bahrain to play for Manama Club. The deal would end with Manama club buying out the remainder of Ahmeds contract with Kuwait Club, leaving room for Ahmed to sign a 3 year deal in his home country. This was a great day for Bahrain basketball, and we expect to see many more of Bahrains talented players signing to neighboring country rosters.
Eurobasket had the pleasure of speaking with Ahmed Al Mutawa (Interview conducted by Corey A. Washington, CEO/President LSM Sports www.lowcountrysports.net ):
Eurobasket: How does it feel to be back playing in Bahrain This is where you began your career, so it must feel great!
Al Mutawa:Yes, Bahrain has always been my favorite place to play, because of the fans that fill up the gym almost every game.
Eurobasket: What were your expectations for this season when Manama expressed their interest in bringing you back to Bahrain? Now that the season is over, was the outcome what you were expecting?
Al Mutawa: Well my expectations is the same for every team I join, I always want to win all the championships, but our outcome was good because we won the Cup and almost made it to the league Championship finals. For a young team I think its a great result and that sets a great boost for us to win it all this season.
Eurobasket: Tell me about your team this year How does Manama differ from other clubs in BahrainDoes the players accept their roles?
Al Mutawa: Thats the beauty of Manama Club All the players know the club's successful history; therefore every player accepts their roles and try to continue their winning ways by playing hard and together as a team. If not, they would not be in our team.
Eurobasket: I know while you were in Kuwait, you played a total different role than what you are playing in Bahrain... Can you tell me how they differ, and how your experience in Kuwait prepared you for this season?
Al Mutawa:I believe my role will always vary from season to season depending on how strong the team is, therefore I always give my best no matter which team Im playing for. Kuwait was a great experience for me, and I got to play with great teammates and awesome imports players like Ira Clark and Andre Pits. Having a great staff and dedicated teammates pushed me to get better every day. I will always remember Kuwait Club.
Eurobasket: Ahmed, throughout your career, you have played in many countries, and against some of the best players that basketball has to offer. You actually played college ball in the USA How was that?
Al Mutawa: Playing in the USA is every international Player's dream, and my experience in College was what really developed my game. The level of talent and love for the sport that I witnessed and experienced in USA is what really convinced me to choose basketball as a career path.
Eurobasket: While in College, all players have someone who they say really influenced their game Who would that be for you? Is there a player or players that you played with or against, that you would love to meet on the floor again today & why?
Al Mutawa: I try to learn from everybody on every team I have played for, But I would love to play with/or against my old college teammates. One of them would be Dwayne Okantey who was one of the guys that always pushed me to stay after practice and take some extra shots. He always pushed me to improve my game. I think that he would dominate if he came and played in the Middle East.
Eurobasket: What does the future hold for Ahmed with Manama?
Al Mutawa: I Hope many more Championships! Ill play for Manama Club for as long as they want me to. Im comfortable here This is home.
Eurobasket: Having played throughout the GCC, you are well familiar with the level of play, and living conditions in these locations What would you say to players interested in playing in the Middle East?
Al Mutawa: I think any player that works hard, and of course that has some sort of talent in the gamecan find the right team for him in this region. My only advice would be to read about the country and culture you are going to play for, like this you can understand more of the culture.
Eurobasket: What do you think about having a GCC draft, for each location? This would obviously include a small camp prior to the draft, giving clubs and coaches a chance to see potential imports in person, and players a chance to see the region and learn a little about the culture before signing. Do you think something like this could bring exposure to GCC basketball?
Al Mutawa: That would be great for this region and I think any idea to improve the Game level in the Middle East is a great Idea.
Eurobasket: Can we get a prediction for this coming season? Will Manama go all the way? Al Mutawa: Yes we will go all the way because I practice and play this game to win, there is no other way I can do it.
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Premier League Round 21: Muharraq defeats leader Al Manama - May 16, 2013
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Al Ittihad - Issa Town 56-65 Bahrain Club - Nuwaidrat 58-66 Al Hala - Al Manama 62-80 Al Najma - Hidd 69-79 Al Ahli - Sitra 73-87 Muharraq - Samaheej 114-59 Al Manama - Muharraq 71-78 [read more]
There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in Premier League.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Al Manama (18-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked Muharraq (17-3) 78-71. It ended at the same time the 16-game winning streak of Al Manama. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Muharraq have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain second place with 17-3 record behind leader Al Manama. Al Manama at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Muharraq are looking forward to face Al Najma (#10) in Manama in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Al Manama will play on the road against Al Ahli (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Very important is a home loss of second ranked Al Ahli (16-5) against fifth ranked Sitra (14-7) on Sunday night. Host Al Ahli was defeated by Sitra in Manama 87-73. Sitra maintains fifth place with 14-7 record. Al Ahli at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Sitra will play against Al Ittihad (#11) in Manama in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Al Ahli will play at home against the league's leader Al Manama (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. An interesting game for Al Manama (18-3) which played road game in Muharraq against 4th placed Al Hala (14-6). First ranked Al Manama had an easy win 80-62. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Al Hala. The victory was the sixteenth consecutive win for Al Manama. They maintain first place with 18-3 record. Defending champion Al Hala keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Al Manama will meet Al Ahli (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Al Hala will play against Nuwaidrat and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Bottom-ranked Samaheej is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their 21th consecutive match to second ranked Muharraq (17-3) 114-59. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for Muharraq. They maintain second place with 17-3 record behind leader Al Manama. Samaheej lost their twentieth first game in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings. Muharraq's next round opponent will be Al Najma (#10) in Manama and are hoping to win another game.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 21: Issa Town beat Al Ittihad on the road 65-56. Bahrain Club lost to Nuwaidrat on its own court 58-66. Hidd managed to outperform Al Najma in a road game 79-69.
No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Issa Town (11-10) beat 10th ranked Al Ittihad (4-17) in Manama 65-56. Issa Town maintains seventh place with 11-10 record. Al Ittihad at the other side keeps the tenth position with 17 games lost. Issa Town's next round opponent will be Bahrain Club (#9) in Manama. Al Ittihad will play on the road against Sitra.
Rather expected game when 9th ranked Bahrain Club (7-14) lost to sixth ranked Nuwaidrat (12-9) in Manama 58-66. Nuwaidrat maintains sixth place with 12-9 record. Bahrain Club at the other side keeps the ninth position with 14 games lost. Nuwaidrat's next round opponent will be higher ranked Al Hala (#4) in Muharraq and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bahrain Club will play at home against Issa Town (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Al Manama (18-3) which played road game in Muharraq against 4th placed Al Hala (14-6). First ranked Al Manama had an easy win 80-62. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Al Hala. The victory was the sixteenth consecutive win for Al Manama. They maintain first place with 18-3 record. Defending champion Al Hala keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Al Manama will meet Al Ahli (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Al Hala will play against Nuwaidrat and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Rather predictable result when eighth ranked Hidd (8-13) won against 10th ranked Al Najma (4-17) in Manama 79-69. Newly promoted Hidd maintains eighth place with 8-13 record. Al Najma at the other side keeps the tenth position with 17 games lost. Hidd's next round opponent will be higher ranked Nuwaidrat (#6) on the road and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Al Najma will play against the league's second-placed Muharraq (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Al Ahli (16-5) against fifth ranked Sitra (14-7) on Sunday night. Host Al Ahli was defeated by Sitra in Manama 87-73. Sitra maintains fifth place with 14-7 record. Al Ahli at the other side dropped to the third position with five games lost. Sitra will play against Al Ittihad (#11) in Manama in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Al Ahli will play at home against the league's leader Al Manama (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Samaheej is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their 21th consecutive match to second ranked Muharraq (17-3) 114-59. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for Muharraq. They maintain second place with 17-3 record behind leader Al Manama. Samaheej lost their twentieth first game in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings. Muharraq's next round opponent will be Al Najma (#10) in Manama and are hoping to win another game.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Al Manama (18-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked Muharraq (17-3) 78-71. It ended at the same time the 16-game winning streak of Al Manama. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Muharraq have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain second place with 17-3 record behind leader Al Manama. Al Manama at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Muharraq are looking forward to face Al Najma (#10) in Manama in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Al Manama will play on the road against Al Ahli (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Premier League Round 20: Issa Town defeats Al Ahli in the closest game of the week - May 7, 2013
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Hidd - Samaheej 91-64 Nuwaidrat - Al Ittihad 70-63 Issa Town - Al Ahli 94-91 Al Najma - Bahrain Club 64-71 Sitra - Al Manama 56-74 [read more]
There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in Premier League.
The most exciting game of round 20 in the Premier League took place in Issa Town. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Al Ahli (16-4) to seventh ranked Issa Town (10-10) 94-91 on Saturday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Al Ahli. Issa Town maintains seventh position with 10-10 record. Al Ahli at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Issa Town are looking forward to face Al Ittihad (#11) in Manama in the next round. Al Ahli will play at home against Sitra (#5) and is hoping to win this game. Premier League top team - Al Manama (17-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat fifth ranked Sitra (13-7) 74-56. Al Manama have an impressive 15-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-2 record. Sitra at the other side keeps the fifth place with seven games lost. Al Manama will play against Al Hala (#4) in Muharraq in the next round. Sitra will play on the road against the league's second-placed Al Ahli in Manama and hopes to get back on the winning track. Bottom-ranked Samaheej (0-20) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 20th consecutive match to ninth ranked Hidd (7-13) 91-64 on Monday evening. Hidd moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Bahrain Club. Samaheej at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings. Hidd will meet Al Najma (#10) in the next round. Samaheej will play against Muharraq in Al Muharraq and hopes to get finally their first victory.
In the last two games of round 20 Al Ittihad lost to Nuwaidrat on the opponent's court 63-70. Al Najma unfortunately lost to Bahrain Club in a home game 64-71.
Bottom-ranked Samaheej (0-20) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their 20th consecutive match to ninth ranked Hidd (7-13) 91-64 on Monday evening. Hidd moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Bahrain Club. Samaheej at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings. Hidd will meet Al Najma (#10) in the next round. Samaheej will play against Muharraq in Al Muharraq and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Very expected game when 10th ranked Al Ittihad (4-16) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Nuwaidrat (11-9) 70-63 on Monday. Nuwaidrat maintains sixth position with 11-9 record. Loser Al Ittihad keeps the tenth place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Al Najma. Nuwaidrat will meet Bahrain Club (#9) in the next round. Al Ittihad will play against Issa Town and hope to secure a win.
The most exciting game of round 20 in the Premier League took place in Issa Town. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Al Ahli (16-4) to seventh ranked Issa Town (10-10) 94-91 on Saturday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Al Ahli. Issa Town maintains seventh position with 10-10 record. Al Ahli at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. Issa Town are looking forward to face Al Ittihad (#11) in Manama in the next round. Al Ahli will play at home against Sitra (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked Bahrain Club's (7-13) road victory over 10th ranked Al Najma (4-16) 71-64 on Saturday. Bahrain Club moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Hidd. Loser Al Najma keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Al Ittihad. Bahrain Club will meet at home higher ranked Nuwaidrat (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Al Najma will play against Hidd (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Premier League top team - Al Manama (17-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they beat fifth ranked Sitra (13-7) 74-56. Al Manama have an impressive 15-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-2 record. Sitra at the other side keeps the fifth place with seven games lost. Al Manama will play against Al Hala (#4) in Muharraq in the next round. Sitra will play on the road against the league's second-placed Al Ahli in Manama and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Al Ahli club the club which currently in 2nd position of the league decided to release Aaron Pettway (211-C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma St.) and signed with the Ivory cost National team player Lamizana Mamadou (207-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) .. Aaron was one of the best foreign players in the league this season .. and this decision surprised a couple of Bahrainian Basketball followers ..at other hand Sitra club signed with its 5th foreign player this season [read more]
Al Ahli club the club which currently in 2nd position of the league decided to release Aaron Pettway (211-C-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma St.) and signed with the Ivory cost National team player Lamizana Mamadou (207-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) .. Aaron was one of the best foreign players in the league this season .. and this decision surprised a couple of Bahrainian Basketball followers ..
at other hand Sitra club signed with its 5th foreign player this season .. he is former player of the club and Morroco National team player Younes Idrissi (204-C/F-84, college: Iona), Youness will replace Jamal Holden ..
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