Latest news with #GeorgiosVovoras
Daily Tribune
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Relentless Bahrain Put Australia to the Sword
TDT | Manama Vovoras' men post tournament-best 106 points to stay perfect in William Jones Cup Bahrain's scorching form at the 44th William Jones Cup continued on Tuesday morning with a 106-91 win over Australia United, their fourth consecutive win in the tournament. Led by head coach Georgios Vovoras, the Kingdom's national team posted their highest scoring total so far, and absorbed the highest total any opponent has put up past them. This was both teams' toughest defensive test yet. The victory followed earlier wins against Japan U25 (85-69), Chinese Taipei White (71-63), and Malaysia (81-69). Now 4-0, Bahrain move into tomorrow's match against the UAE brimming with confidence. Fast Start Bahrain wasted no time asserting themselves, exploding for 32 first-quarter points while holding Australia to just 17. The opening frame reflected Bahrain's interior dominance and ball movement — a theme that would run all night. Despite a 25-24 second quarter in Australia's favor, Bahrain maintained control to take a 56-42 halftime lead. The third quarter was equally impressive, with Bahrain outscoring Australia 27-21 thanks to smart cuts, second-chance points, and unselfish play. Though Australia fought back in the fourth, Bahrain stayed in control to close out a 15-point win. Balanced Scoring JaKarr Sampson led all scorers with 21 points on 56.3% shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes. He was one of five Bahrain players in double figures. Mohamed Hamoda was electric off the bench, scoring 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Mustafa Rashed controlled the tempo with 16 points and a game-high 10 assists. Devon Chism had a near double-double with 11 points and 10 boards in just under 19 minutes. Ali Alhaddad also impressed, scoring 11 points and hitting two key threes. In total, 10 different players scored for Bahrain. Chemistry on Display Bahrain shot 53% from the field, dished out 33 assists, and dominated the paint, scoring 44 two-point field goals — including 33-of-49 inside the arc (67.3%). Their ability to move the ball and exploit mismatches kept Australia scrambling defensively. Defensively, Bahrain forced 11 turnovers and converted 13 offensive rebounds into second-chance points. They also edged the rebounding battle, 43-40. What's Next? Bahrain face the UAE tomorrow at 8AM (Bahrain time), continuing their grueling eight-game run in Taipei. Later this week, they'll take on Qatar B, Chinese Taipei's senior squad, and defending champions Strong Group Athletics. With four wins in four games and their offense peaking, Bahrain's campaign is building serious momentum.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Steps In, Arab Championship Stays On
TDT | Manama Bahrain has officially been awarded hosting rights for the 26th edition of the Arab Men's National Basketball Championship, following Tunisia's withdrawal from organizing duties. The tournament will run from July 25 to August 2. The Bahrain Basketball Association submitted an urgent request to host the event, which was swiftly approved by the Arab Basketball Federation. The move reflects Bahrain's readiness to take on major sporting events and step up when called upon, even at short notice. That initiative supports the broader vision of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who continues to lead efforts in positioning Bahrain as a trusted destination for regional competitions. Backed by world-class facilities and a growing résumé in sports event management, the Kingdom has steadily reinforced its standing across the Gulf and Arab world. Riding Momentum from Taiwan The announcement comes while Bahrain's national team is currently competing in the William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei. The squad opened the tournament with three straight wins, showing promising early form under head coach Georgios Vovoras. That tournament wraps up on July 20, just six days before the Arab Championship tips off, leaving little room for recovery. But it also highlights Bahrain's deepening involvement in the regional basketball scene and its willingness to embrace tough schedules as both host and contender.
Daily Tribune
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Back in the Game
TDT | Manama Bahrain's 47-year wait ends as William Jones Cup kicks off today The 44th William Jones Cup begins today in Chinese Taipei, running through July 20. Bahrain's senior men's basketball team returns to the Asian tournament for only the second time since 1978, ending a 47-year absence. The William Jones Cup serves as preparation ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah. Match Schedule Bahrain will play eight games in nine days UAE Friendlies Ahead of the tournament, Bahrain wrapped up a training camp with the UAE, winning two friendlies decisively — 101–71 and 94–76 — both at Khalifa Sports Hall. These matches helped Coach Georgios Vovoras test lineups and build team chemistry. Final Squad Wayne Chism Jakarr Sampson Mustafa Hussain Mohamed Buallay Ahmed Salman Muzamil Ameer Mohamed Alameer Ali Jassim Mohamed Yousef Ahmed bin Jinnah Abdulaziz Abdulla
Daily Tribune
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain names final 12 for William Jones Cup
The Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed the national team squad for the 44th William Jones Cup, set to take place from July 12 to 20 in Taiwan. The tournament marks Bahrain's return to the competition after a 47-year absence. Greek head coach Georgios Vovoras leads the team into its first appearance at the event since 1978. Legacy of the Cup Organised by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, the William Jones Cup is one of the longest-running international basketball tournaments outside FIBA sanction. Launched in 1977 and named after FIBA founding member Renato William Jones, the event features national teams, university squads, and professional clubs from across the world. UAE Friendlies End in Style Bahrain concluded a joint training camp with the UAE with two strong wins — a 101–71 result in the first game and 94–76 in the second — both held at Khalifa Sports Hall. All players saw court time across both games, giving Vovoras a final chance to assess combinations and build team rhythm before flying out to Taiwan. Bahrain is set to face eight opponents in nine days during the tournament.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Beat UAE
Bahrain's senior men's basketball team capped their joint training camp with the UAE on a high note, notching two strong wins in friendly matches held at Khalifa Sports Hall in Isa Town. The team opened the series with a ruthless 101-71 win on Monday and maintained their momentum with a 94-76 result in the second game last night. Both matches served as tune-ups for the 44th William Jones Cup, set to take place from July 12 to 20 in Chinese Taipei. Led by newly appointed Greek head coach Georgios Vovoras, the team has shown encouraging signs as they gear up for their return to the international stage. This will be Bahrain's first appearance at the tournament since 1978. The 2025 squad includes seasoned names, including Mustafa Hussain, Muzamil Ameer, Ahmed Salman, Subah Hussain, Wayne Chism, Elijah Thomas, and Jakarr Sampson. Bahrain Basketball Association president Alaa Mudara praised the camp's success, describing it as an important step in both technical preparation and Gulf cooperation. He also reiterated the BBA's commitment to supporting the team and its new coaching staff in the coming competitive phase. The team is scheduled to fly out to Taiwan tonight, where they will take on eight opponents in just nine days.
