Dubai: UAE basketball coach Zoran Zubcevic is supporting Khalifa Salem’s quest to play in the PBA [Philippines Basketball Association] despite the fact it could deprive him of the player’s services for two years.
Al Ahli point-guard Salem, 21, of Filipino-Emirati parentage, has been accepted to study at either Ateneo or National University in Manila. The move could earn him a PBA draft via collegiate success with either the Blue Eagles or NU Bulldogs, and make him the first Emirati to break the division, but this dream would be at the expense of his club and country.
Regardless, Zubcevic has encouraged Khalifa’s scholarship. He said: “I believe his first priority should be to do well in school and finish university in order to make a better future for himself.
“Basketball is priority number two. We’d keep an eye on his improvement as a player, in order to invite him back into the UAE squad in the future. That’s if he’s invited back.
“It will be beneficial for Khalifa so long as priority one, doing well in school, and finishing university, is achieved.”
Zubcevic, who is currently with the UAE squad in Germany on a training camp in preparation for the Gulf Cup in Bahrain from September 30 to October 6, added: “Khalifa is a talented player. But my most important players are those who are currently in the national team and at the moment he’s not on that list.”
Al Ahli team manager Mongi Cheour said: “Until now there is nothing official. The player has yet to approach us with a request to leave. He remains under contract and no other team has officially requested his services.”
