The FIBA Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17, 2025, has announced two prominent figures as ambassadors for the event: Jordanian basketball legend Sam Daghlas and Saudi Arabian ex-international star Ali Al Maghrabi.

Sam Daghlas: A FIBA Asia Cup Icon

Sam Daghlas, a Jordanian stalwart, expressed his honor at being named ambassador. "It’s an honour to be named ambassador for FIBA Asia Cup 2025," said Daghlas. "The FIBA Asia Cup has done wonders to my career. There are not enough words to describe how exalted I feel to be associated with such an elite competition," he said. Daghlas emphasized the profound impact the FIBA Asia Cup has had on his career and personal development. "Just being present in a competition like FIBA Asia Cup was enough to build strong character. My career in FIBA Asia Cup was not only about what I achieved as a player, but also how it shaped me to be a better human being," he added. He looks forward to engaging with participants and promoting FIBA's mission in Asia.

Daghlas's illustrious career includes leading Jordan to the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Asia Cup both as a player and a coach. His debut in the FIBA Asia Cup was in 2003 in Harbin, followed by another appearance in 2005 in Doha, where he led the team to the Quarter-Finals. However, his most significant contributions came in the subsequent three editions.

In 2007 in Tokushima, he averaged 9.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, guiding Jordan to their first-ever top-5 finish. Two years later in Tianjin, Daghlas spearheaded Jordan's campaign to their first-ever podium finish, securing a third-place victory against Lebanon. His most iconic moment occurred in 2011 at Wuhan during the Quarter-Final against Iran. His galvanizing halftime speech spurred Jordan to an 88-84 victory, followed by a 75-61 win against the Philippines in the Semi-Finals. Although Jordan narrowly lost to China in the final (69-70), Daghlas's leadership earned him a spot in the All-Star Five, averaging 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Daghlas also participated in the 2015 FIBA Asia Cup in Changsha and coached the team in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, leading them to the Quarter-Finals and successfully qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. He has also played professionally in China, Iran, and the Philippines, leading the Chinese CBA in assists for three consecutive years. Currently, Daghlas serves as an advisor to Jordanian club Amman United and runs the SD13 Sports Academy.

Ali Al Maghrabi: A Jeddah Native Returns

Ali Al Maghrabi, a former Saudi Arabian international player and a native of Jeddah, also expressed his excitement about the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 being held in his hometown. "It’s an exciting moment that Asia’s best basketball competition is coming to my hometown Jeddah,” Al Maghrabi said. “It is a great honour and a privilege for me to be associated with the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 as its ambassador,” he added. He emphasized the importance of the event for the city and its potential to inspire young basketball players. "Basketball has given me everything in my life. And the city of Jeddah has always supported my career. It is time for me to return in whatever way I can to the sport and city that has made me what I am today."

Al Maghrabi's international career began when Saudi Arabia hosted the FIBA Asia Cup in 1997, where the team reached the Semi-Finals and finished fourth. In the same year, he played a key role in Saudi Arabia's third-place finish at the FIBA Asia Under 21 Championship in Shanghai, earning a place in the Tournament’s All-Star Five. His career highlight came at the 1999 FIBA Asia Cup in Fukuoka, where he led Saudi Arabia to the Semi-Finals and a third-place finish, their highest ever in the competition, by defeating Chinese Taipei.

“The FIBA Asia Cup was the platform that launched my career and opened up a multitude of opportunities. Therefore, my memories of FIBA Asia Cup are fond and cherished. I do hope that FIBA Asia Cup 2025 will provide a launch pad for many more youngsters, who will shine bright in the future. I call upon all youngsters in whole Saudi Arabia, not only Jeddah, to get associated with the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in whatever way they can and support the sport of basketball. The least they can do is to come to the games in large numbers.”

Both Daghlas and Al Maghrabi are set to play pivotal roles in promoting the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, engaging with fans, and inspiring the next generation of basketball players in Asia.