PRETORIA (South Africa) – It seems like ages ago that Assem Marei made his AfroBasket debut in 2011 when he was 19, but his passion for the tournament remains undiminished.
That historic moment occurred just two months after his breakthrough at the 2011 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia, where he was the third-leading scorer.
In the following years, Marei became a vital player for Egypt, and, with another AfroBasket tournament just around the corner, Marei must make a tough decision.
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“We can do something special. We just have to take it one game at a time. – Assem Marei
Despite his wife’s expected due date around the time the tournament begins in August, the 33-year-old is hesitant to don Egypt’s uniform in Angola.
Egypt last claimed an AfroBasket podium finish in 2013 thanks to his heroic performance in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Against all odds, the Pharaohs upset the heavily favored Senegal in the semifinals before losing to Angola in the championship game.
During that run, Marei averaged 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, including a standout 22-point, 17-rebound performance in the semifinal win over Senegal.
Marei was eventually named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.
Assem Marei played a pivotal role in Egypt’s second-place finish at the 2013 AfroBasket tournament.
This year’s AfroBasket returns to Angola from August 12 to 24, with Egypt in Group D alongside Mali, Senegal, and Uganda.
After three consecutive appearances at the AfroBasket tournament in 2011, 2013, and 2015, will Marei make a fourth appearance?
“My wife is pregnant and the timing might be off, so we’ll see,” he told FIBA.basketball minutes after helping Al Ahli Tripoli win the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title in Pretoria, South Africa in June.
Whether he suits up or not, Marei remains confident that Egypt can make a deep run in the tournament and possibly return to the podium for the first time in over a decade.
“We can do something special,” he said. “We just have to take it one game at a time.”
Regardless of his future with the Egyptian national team, he wasted no time sharing his thoughts on the tournament.
“In Africa, anything can happen,” he said. “You can come in with the most decorated players and still be caught off guard. That’s what we did to Tunisia in 2013 – they were the defending champions, and we knocked them out.” [Egypt beat Tunisia 77-67 in the quarterfinal classification round].
As Egypt prepares for another shot at continental glory in the upcoming AfroBasket tournament, Marei believes that his national team is entering a promising new phase powered by a blend of experience and youthful energy.
“We have an excellent group,” Marei insisted. “It’s a great generation with a mix of veterans, young players, and those in between. Players like Anas Mahmoud and Ehab Amin are stepping up, and I believe now is a good time to pass the torch.”
Assem Marei helped Egypt secure two victories at the 2023 World Cup, against Jordan and Mexico.
Marei remains optimistic about Egypt’s ability to compete against Group D opponents Mali and Senegal, two teams known for their athleticism and physicality.
“Senegal always has height and athleticism, but this Egyptian team also has size.
“More importantly, we have experience. Guys like Amr Gendy and me, as well as young talents like Patrick (Gardner), who had a great showing last time—he’s going to be an important piece for the next 10 years.”
There have also been changes on the sidelines for the Pharaohs. Former Egyptian international Mohamed Elkerdany was appointed coach, replacing German Henrik Rodl for the remaining three qualifier games.
Elkerdany played with some of the current players at the 2011 AfroBasket.
“He played with me and Amr Gendy back in 2011,” Marei recalled. “There’s a personal connection that improves communication. That could be a big advantage.”
Standing at 2.05 meters (6 feet 9 inches), Marei is known for his physicality in the paint, high basketball IQ, and leadership qualities. He has also enjoyed a strong professional career in Europe and Asia, playing in Germany, Turkey, and South Korea.
FIBA