BASKETBALL STARS READY FOR SYRIA OPENER

 Jordan will launch their campaign at 2017 Asian Basketball Cup in Beirut against Syria on Wednesday at 9pm.

Coach Sam Daghlas knows nothing less than victory will be required if his team intends to win Group A to achieve automatic qualification to the knock-out stages.

They have met Syria twice before at the Asian Championships, with Syria winning in 2003 and Jordan coming out on top in 2013.

Jordan will start as favourites with a world ranking of 28th and fourth in Asia, while Syria rank 72nd in the world and 19th in Asia.

Jordan’s best showing in this event was back in 2011 when they lost a dramatic final to China by just one point.