Puerto Rico Fans Go Wild for Bahrain’s Ali Hasan in Olympic Qualifying Game

Puerto Rico fans celebrated Bahrain’s Ali Hasan’s basket more than their own team’s 96 points during the Puerto Rico-Bahrain game at the José Miguel Agrelot Puerto Rico Coliseum.

Bahrain’s burly #34 immediately became a fan favorite. Fans chanted “MVP, MVP!” every time he touched the ball or stepped onto the court.

Asked after the match, Hasan thanked the Island.

“Thank you Puerto Rico. I love you too,” he said in the mixed zone after the Puerto Rico-Bahrain match.

This island is over the top. The favorite of the Repechage, Ali Hasan. They shout “MVP” at him #FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/nyfBxComaa

— Jorge Figueroa Loza (@jorgefloza) July 4, 2024

Hasan came off the bench for the match and was immediately greeted with support from the crowd. The same was true, albeit in smaller numbers, on Tuesday when Hasan and Bahrain faced Italy in front of a smaller crowd at the Colosseum.

He scored two points in 14 minutes of play and three attempts at the basket against Puerto Rico. He defended the big men and made screens for his point guards.

Asked to explain the support he received from Puerto Rico, Hasan said: “Maybe they like my style of play.” He added that only on one other occasion, that one in Italy, did he receive support like that from Puerto Rico.

Hasan said he is a professional player in Bahrain, as are 10 other players on his national team.

14 PhotosThe National Team debuted in the Olympic Basketball Qualifying Tournament by beating Bahrain 99-56.
2024-07-04 00:00:00
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