Mahdi Kamrani. FIBA Asia FILE PHOTO
TAIPEI – After playing so hard to help Iran scuttle Gilas Pilipinas in the Jones Cup on Thursday afternoon, Mahdi Kamrani —still with his game face on—begged to be excused from the air-conditioned press room so that he could clean himself up.
Chased by the Inquirer just after stepping out, Kamrani lost his “Tiger look” when the PBA was mentioned.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas falls to Iran in Jones Cup 2015
“Oh, I love the Philippines, I love your PBA, it’s very professional,” Kamrani, now trying to be escorted away by an Iranian team personnel, said, his face completely lighting up.
“I would love to go there and play and meet the Filipino people,” he went on without prodding. “I love your league, it’s very tough and very exciting.”
Kamrani was supposed to be one of the Asian imports in the last Governors’ Cup, but the delicate pregnancy of his wife prevented him from coming to the country to play for the Meralco Bolts under Norman Black.
“My wife is fine now,” the 5-foot-10 guard, who scored seven points, had four assists and a steal in a 74-65 win, said. “She will give birth in about six months. I’m ready.”
The PBA has again approved the use of Asian imports under 6-foot-3 for the coming season’s Governors’ Cup, and until that time, Kamrani will continue to be one of those guys from Iran Filipinos will not show love to.