Kazemi Helps Iran to FIBA Victory

With a 14-point, 7-rebound effort, Rice sophomore Arsalan Kazemi helped Iran to its first victory – a 71-58 win over Tunisia – at the FIBA World Championship being played in Turkey. Kazemi was 4-for-7 from the field and four of Iran’s eight steals in the game.

Iran returns to action Wednesday when it takes on Team USA and closes out play in Group B on Thursday against Slovenia.

Kazemi Scores 12 Points vs. Croatia

Arsalan Kazemi scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds for Iran in a 75-54 loss to Croatia on the second day of the FIBA World Championship being played in Turkey.

Kazemi was 5-for-10 from the field in 30 minutes of play. He scored 10 points during a third-quarter in which Iran managed to cut Croatia's lead to 53-40 to start the final quarter.

Iran takes on Tunisia Monday as Group B play continues.

Link to video of Sunday's highlights including a pair of Kazemi dunks.

Kazemi Scores Nine Points in World Championship Debut

In his FIBA World Championship debut, Rice University sophomore Arsalan Kazemi scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds Saturday as Iran began the tournament with an 81-65 loss to Brazil. Kazemi was 4-for-11 from the field.

Iran continues play in Group B on Sunday against Croatia. Iran’s pool also includes Slovenia, Tunisia and the United States. Kazemi’s team, which includes Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, will play Team USA on Wednesday.

Williams Bound for Hungary

Lorenzo Williams, who concluded his Rice playing career in 2007, has signed to play this coming season for the defending Hungarian champion, Zalakeramia ZTE KK.

Williams played the past season in the German Bundesliga for the Giessen 46ers where he averaged 11.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Prior to playing for the Giessen 46ers, Williams honed his skills playing the European style of basketball in the Slovak lead. He averaged 20.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for Pezinok during the 2008-09 season.