HASSAD AMINI, AFGHAN AMERICAN DIVISION I BASKETBALL PLAYER AT UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

BY NBAA

NOVEMBER 1, 2007

Division I basketball is quite an honor to be a part of. It is a test of skill, will, determination and demeanor. The fact that Hassad Amini an Afghan American has made it to this level is quite an accomplishment to his behalf. Hassad Amini originally born in Kandahar, Afghanistan has beaten the odds and become one of the very few Division I Afghan American basketball players ever. He is in a class of about 3-5 Afghans who have ever reached such a prestigious level in basketball. The NBAA caught up with Hassad at the University of Rhode Island where he begins his Division I basketball career. The young sophomore had this to say to the community of Afghan Americans, and Afghans in Afghanistan.

NBAA: So Hassad how old are you? When did you come to the United States of America and where were you born?

Hassad Amini: I am currently 20 years old. I came to the United States when I was four years old, and I was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

NBAA: When did you start playing the sport of basketball?

Hassad Amini: I began playing basketball in the 3rd grade.

NBAA: Hassad can you give the run down on which teams you have played for throughout your youth career up to the time you have now become an official member of the University of Rhode Island basketball Men's division I team?

Hassad Amini: I played for Team Genesis(15 yrs old -18), NYC Panthers(11 yrs old -13), Wolf Pack(11-13), Scan(13-15), Real Scout(13-15), Long Island Trotters(11-13), Rhode Island Breakers(15 yrs old - 18 yrs old), Team Ayenda (18 yrs.old) of the Afghan Basketball teams. I also attended Providence College Camp where I won MVP of the entire camp. I have also participated in the Christ the King Camp where I won the All-star award and Defensive player award of the entire Camp as well. I have also participated in the Reebok ABCD Camp. I've also played in numerous basketball tournament around the U.S.A. to name a few: Rucker Park, UDC, Nike Swoosh, I.S 8, My teams have won first place in the Nationals, Marbury Classic ,Ron Artest Tournament...and many more other tournaments as well.

NBAA: Hassad name us a few of the awards you have won over your basketball career, you named a few but name some important ones?

Hassad Amini: I have won the MVP of providence college camp. I won the main All-star award of Christ The King Camp. I have made it to 1st team all division in Rhode Island. I was also named top Defensive player honors at Christ the king camp, I received 1st place gold medal from the Nationals, There's a lot, I have over 30 trophies at home.

NBAA: How did you hear about afghan basketball and the tournaments held across the country?

Hassad Amini: I heard about Afghan basketball from my good friend Naser Shahalemi.

NBAA: Explain your college career at community college Rhode island, how many years of eligibility you have and what does it mean to you as an afghan over coming odds ?

Hassad Amini: My career at Community College of Rhode Island was fun. I learned so much about the game and I got so much better playing with guys that were a lot better than I was. I currently have 3 years of eligibility left to play Division 1 basketball. It means a lot because I've also been told that I couldn't make the URI's basketball team because they were Division 1. My parents always bugged me to work at my dad's chicken store and make some money instead of going out and practicing at the gym. I've always been put down and told that I can't do this or I can't do that. But from practicing so hard over the summer, I wanted to prove everyone wrong that an Afghan Basketball player can do anything he puts his mind through. You just have to stay focused and be very positive about yourself and believe.

NBAA: Are you excited about playing in the Atlantic 10 against teams like Temple, UMass and others and also just being a division I basketball player?

Hassad Amini: haha yeah I am definitely excited about playing Division 1 basketball. Not to many players in the US get to play at this level. So I am very thankful of it. I am also looking forward to the competition in the Atlantic 10 division basketball.

NBAA: What are your thoughts about going pro?

Hassad Amini: It hasn't even hit me at all about going pro or not. I'm just so excited that im playing D1 ball and it motivates me so much more to get better at practice. But if I do get an offer to play pro in the NBA or overseas I will definitely do it.

NBAA: What are your thoughts about possibly trying out for the Afghan national team?

Hassad Amini:Excited because its going to be so much fun playing with guys that are your own nationality. Kinda nervous but I will give it my best and just have fun at the same time if I ever get the opportunity to play for my own country of Afghanistan.

NBAA: What are your thoughts about Rhode island and your current role and position coming off the bench?

Hassad Amini:Rhode Island this year is a really good team. I think we are going to do really well. The team chemistry is amazing and there so much fun to be around with. I play the point off the bench.

NBAA: What's the number you prefer to wear?

Hassad Amini: Doesn't matter just give me a jersey haha

NBAA: Are you interested in playing in anymore afghan basketball tournaments?

Hassad Amini: Yeah I definitely want to play in some afghan basketball tournaments. There so much fun and you can meet so many new people there to, its just a great place to network in your community.

NBAA: What is your message to the afghan youth in America, and in Afghanistan?

Hassad Amini: If you really love playing basketball or any other sport, keep playing it and have fun. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. Just fight through all the negative stuff and prove them wrong. "Practice makes Permanent" and always stay focused. My salams and warm wishes to the Afghan community and Afghans back home in Afghanistan.

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