With the team leaning on fresh legs and new faces, Kazemi is both the bridge and the guide, and he’s thriving in the role.
In Iran's 77-52 win over Guam, the veteran forward put up a vintage stat line: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Of course, his value has always gone beyond the numbers, and this new generation of Team Melli players have certainly noticed.
"Arsalan is an amazing captain," said Matin Aghajanpour. "He’s the best rebounder and someone we all look up to."
That reverence is well-earned. More than a decade ago, Kazemi was among the youngest on a powerhouse roster featuring Iranian greats like Hamed Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah Bahrami. Now he’s the one guiding a new era.
"It’s a full circle," he reflected. "One of the younger guys on the team is 19 years old—that was me back then. So I know what it’s like."
Kazemi relishes the underdog role. With many doubting Iran’s chances due to their youth, he sees opportunity rather than pressure.
"I really like it when we are the underdogs," he said. "Other teams might not know our players, but I think we can surprise them."