Greek head coach Sotiris Manolopoulos has returned to Iran. He will lead the Iran basketball team during preparations for two major international tournaments. His arrival marks the start of an important training period before the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2026 Asian Games.
Manolopoulos arrived in Tehran on Sunday through Imam Khomeini International Airport. He then rejoined the national squad for its latest training camp organized by the Iranian Basketball Federation.
The upcoming camp will focus on improving team chemistry, fitness, and tactical preparation. Coaches also plan to evaluate player performances before the next stage of international competition begins.
Iran will compete in the fourth qualifying window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month. All Group E matches will take place in Manila, Philippines. The International Basketball Federation will use a centralized competition format.
Iran will face New Zealand on Aug. 28. The team will then meet the Philippines on Aug. 30. Both matches could play an important role in determining Iran’s position in the qualification standings.
The training camp will also prepare the squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Therefore, coaches want to build a balanced roster capable of competing in both major tournaments.
Manolopoulos brings extensive coaching experience from European basketball. Throughout his career, he has worked with professional clubs and national teams across several international competitions.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes disciplined defense, organized offensive systems, and continuous player development. Consequently, federation officials expect his experience to strengthen the team’s overall performance.
The Iran basketball team has remained one of Asia’s strongest basketball programs for many years. The national side has qualified for several FIBA World Cups and Olympic Games. It has also won multiple medals in continental championships.
Federation officials believe the current training camp is an important opportunity for player development. They aim to combine experienced veterans with promising young talent before the upcoming competitions.
Basketball analysts expect the qualifying games to provide an important measure of Iran’s progress. Strong performances against New Zealand and the Philippines would improve confidence before the Asian Games begin.
The coaching staff will continue refining tactics throughout the training camp. Coaches will also monitor player fitness and strengthen team chemistry before the qualification matches. Officials hope consistent preparation will help the Iran basketball team achieve positive results in both international tournaments.