DOHA (Qatar) - Hakan Demir has coached across two continents and guided top-tier programs - but now, he’s fully locked in on one mission: helping Qatar basketball rise again.

The head coach of Qatar’s national team - appointed only last year - was present at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers Draw, where the hosts were placed in Group D alongside Lebanon, India, and Saudi Arabia in the Asian Qualifiers. It’s a group with no easy games - Lebanon has been a continental contender, Saudi Arabia a growing force, and India a team on the rise - but for Demir, this challenge is precisely what drew him in.

"I needed to regroup a little bit after coaching the Iran national team," Demir shared. "[Then I came to Qatar and] we made four wins in a row. With a 4-2 record, we qualified for the Asia Cup."

His start with Qatar has already been a turnaround story. The team began the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at 0-2. Under Demir, they went on a run the included a monumental win against his former team Iran, qualifying with momentum and belief.

"We are actually, we are in a tough group," said Demir of their competition in the region's flagship event this summer where they will face Australia, Lebanon, and Korea in the Group Phase. "But we are preparing our young team.

"Of course, in 2027 there is a World Cup here, so it's exciting. We are trying to prepare a strong team for 2027. Of course, we need to improve a lot, but my players and our experiences together, we will create a build up for good things in 2027."

"It's a very good beginning," said Demir of this summer's main event. "The result of Asia Cup is important for the players' confidence. Of course, we know we are in the top group, but I believe we can make it a surprise, and either way we will improve every year until 2027."

Demir brings with him an extensive resume: assistant coach at Anadolu Efes for six years, head coach at several European clubs, and more recently, head coach of Iran’s national team.

He believes the breadth of those experiences - across different styles, systems, and basketball cultures - uniquely qualifies him for this opportunity, and for success.

"I have been in the different several clubs and coming from the good organizations. This experience helps me, first of all, to build a good organization," he said.

"On this foundation, I am giving the players a lot of confidence because I know the levels, the different levels. I know which level can be enough before this competition for the players so I can push their limits.

"So, every aspect of this experience is using this, right now, for Qatar basketball because Qatar is ambitious about basketball. I am very excited to be here. I am ready for to use all of my experience here."

For the first time in his coaching career, Demir is dedicating himself entirely to a national team.

"Right now I'm just giving all my energy, 24 hours, to Qatar," he said. "I want to give all my energy to Qatar basketball."

Demir sees more than just a job. He sees the potential to create something lasting - something that cements Qatar as a basketball force in Asia.

"I believe that the DNA of Qatar basketball has something, you know? Important things because they won the FIBA 3x3 World Cup [in 2014].

"They had a spark in some years but not consistently. I believe it's time to make some consistent and strong Qatar basketball national team for the future. We want to be, for sure. My real goal is to be a top four team in Asia and to always to stay there, to keep Qatar there."

FIBA