"This is my first FIBA Asia Cup," Vahedi told fiba.basketball with a smile. "I’m so happy to be here."
It’s not just another stop for the 24-year-old guard. This time, he’s one of the leaders. A guiding presence for a new-look squad trying to write the next chapter in Iranian basketball.
Vahedi was calm and composed in his FIBA Asia Cup debut, notching 15 points, 2 assists and a three-pointer in their win over Guam on Day 2. His backcourt poise and pace stood out in a team still learning its rhythm.
"We have a young team," he said. "But everyone’s doing a good job. The chemistry is coming together. We just have to keep playing hard."
For a guard who’s been the understudy in past tournaments, the spotlight is now squarely on Vahedi. And with Team Melli's knockout rounds positioning hanging in the balance, he’s ready to seize the moment and make it count.