Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa, a prominent player for the Qatari national team and Al Rayyan Basketball Club, has etched his name in the golden pages of Asian and Arab basketball history by securing first place at the Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp, which took place in Singapore from June 19 to 22, 2025. This camp was collaboratively organized by FIBA and the NBA, with oversight from players and coaches affiliated with both organizations.This event, recognized as the leading platform for identifying emerging talent in Asia and Oceania, drew 60 male and female athletes under the age of 17 from 17 different countries, showcasing the finest young talents who were meticulously selected through ongoing evaluation throughout the year.In this impressive gathering, Abdullah Yassin distinguished himself not only as Qatar's representative but also as the sole Arab participant in this edition. He embraced the responsibility of representing Arab basketball and emerged victorious, achieving an unprecedented milestone.From the outset of the camp, Abdullah captured attention with his exceptional skills, natural ability to read the game, and tenacity, which were evident during both training sessions and practice matches.The Qatari star demonstrated his capabilities when he took part in the three-point shooting competition, a key highlight of the camp. He surpassed 12 of the top competitors, successfully making 20 out of 25 shots in the final round, thereby earning a well-deserved first place. His excellence was not confined to shooting; it was also reflected in the outcomes of the rigorous physical assessments that the players underwent. The measurements indicated his ideal physical characteristics, with a height of 1.88 meters, an arm span nearing two meters, and a standing reach of 2.46 meters—figures that position him among the players who clearly exhibit physical superiority on the court.In the jumping tests, Abdullah recorded a vertical jump of 23 inches and a maximum vertical jump of 30 inches. In the lane agility test, he achieved a time of 11.54 seconds, while he completed the three-quarter-court sprint test in 3.38 seconds—results that are close to the averages of players from top American colleges.Praise from NBA StarsThe presence of NBA stars and their participation in supervising the players added dimensions of competition and excellence to the camp. Abdullah caught the attention of these stars and was widely praised by prominent figures.For his part, Tyrese Maxey, star of the Philadelphia 76ers, said, "Abdullah Musa possesses rare confidence, and his movements reflect a high level of tactical awareness. I believe he can play at a higher level if he continues with this level of commitment and development." As Derrick White, star of the Boston Celtics, added, "It was no surprise that Abdullah Al-Arabi was the only player here. He is the type of player who is not easily forgotten. His professional path is open if he continues to work with this spirit."On this occasion, Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughesib, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said, "What Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa has achieved is an unprecedented accomplishment for Qatari and Arab basketball, and it is living proof that the talent development project we began years ago is beginning to bear fruit. His participation in the "Basketball Without Borders Asia" camp in Singapore, followed by his first-place finish, was not a coincidence, but rather the natural result of meticulous planning and a collective effort involving the association, clubs, coaches, the player's family, and everyone who supported this rising talent."He added, "Abdullah Yassin is not only a champion in an Asian camp, but he is also an honorable ambassador for Qatari and Arab sports. To be crowned first place in an event featuring the strongest talents, and to be the only Arab, carries great significance. We at the Federation believe in the importance of supporting emerging players, and Abdullah is the ideal athlete who deserves every support."Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the Qatari 3x3 Basketball Teams, praised this achievement, saying, "Abdullah is not an ordinary talent; he is a potential professional player by all standards. I have followed him closely since he was in the early youth stages at Al Rayyan Club, and we have witnessed his discipline, constant desire to learn, and high fighting spirit. These are the qualities that distinguish a player of the future."He said, "What he did in Singapore wasn't just participating in an international event, but rather confirmation that an Arab player can excel and excel in global arenas when provided with the right environment and necessary technical support. Abdullah demonstrated a mature personality on the field, an advanced tactical understanding, and a quick adaptation to the American coaching school. These are positive indicators of his potential future professional career in colleges or major leagues."In his first comment after his coronation, Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa said, "I can't describe how I feel. To be the only Arab and then emerge a champion is a great honor and a huge responsibility. My thanks to everyone who supported me, from the Qatar Football Association, my family, and my coaches in the Qatari national team and Al Rayyan Club. This experience taught me a lot, especially from the players and coaches in the NBA. Now I return to Doha more determined and more eager to reach further than I ever dreamed."
He added, "It was an unforgettable experience. The training was intense, and the competition was fierce, but I believed in myself and in representing my country and the entire Arab world." He explained: "I am very happy to have won first place in the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp, and also to have won first place in the three-point shooting competition, especially in the presence of coaches and players from the NBA. The competition was not easy, but focus and self-confidence were my weapons." He continued: "I thank the Qatar Basketball Federation, Al Rayyan Club, and everyone who supported me, especially my family and coaches, for their continuous support. I also thank my teammates on the national team, who share this with me."