KUWAIT: Kuwaiti rising star Hashem Asad has committed to Georgetown University where he will suit up for the prestigious college's basketball team this fall. By joining the Hoyas, Asad will become the first Kuwaiti player to compete in the NCAA Division I, which gives players a great chance to join the NBA in the future. The 18-year-old most recently competed for Kuwait Club's U-19 basketball team. College basketball offers the highest level of competition for the sport in the United States behind the NBA only, and is considered the second best in terms of competition, followship and exposure.
Players competing in Division 1, the highest ranking in NCAA tournaments, can declare for the NBA Draft after finishing their freshman year competing for their respective college’s teams. The annual draft allows NBA teams to selected top prospects from American universities or standout young players from around the world. Victor Wembanyama of France, considered one of the top prospects since LeBron James in 2003, was selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft that took place this past Thursday.
Georgetown University’s basketball program is considered one of the most prestigious in collegiate sports in the United States. Some of the best Georgetown alumni who played in the NBA include Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo. Asad hopes that playing for the Georgetown Hoyas would help him achieve his dream of becoming the first Kuwaiti to play in the NBA.- Agencies