A pro basketball team in Iraq, owned by a paramilitary group, has made headlines for signing American players to boost their chances in the Iraqi Basketball Super League playoffs. Uchenna Iroegbu, a talented 6-foot point guard from Sacramento, recently joined Hashed al-Shaabi, despite the political complexities surrounding the team's ownership.
Iroegbu, a former standout in Qatar's league, leads the team in scoring and maintains a focus on basketball, steering clear of political discussions. The team, like others in Iraq, is state-owned and sponsored by various government entities, with games broadcast on a state-run sports channel.
Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed forces, has had a tumultuous relationship with the U.S., marked by attacks on American troops. However, the team's coach emphasizes that the players are not involved in political matters, focusing solely on basketball.
American players in Iraq's basketball league earn competitive salaries, tax-free, and receive free housing. The recruitment of international players, particularly Americans, has been a common practice in Middle Eastern basketball, tracing back to the sport's introduction by American missionaries in the late 19th century.
Despite security risks and occasional setbacks, such as a recent food poisoning incident that sidelined the American players, the team remains optimistic about its prospects in the league. With a mix of local and international talent, Iraqi basketball continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of sports and diplomacy on the court.
