I love this story. Arsalan Kazemi flew from Iran to America at age 17. He was scared, alone, could barely speak English and was interrogated at customs for six hours where security asked him outright if he was terrorist.
Arsalan spent every day wanting to come home, but he persevered.
For many Americans, he was their first encounter with an Iranian. The teenager shouldered the responsibility of being a national exemplar and grew into a college star. Kazemi was the first of his nation to receive a US sponsorship, play NCAA basketball and become an NBA draftee.
Inspirational, and a cool dude too. Read the piece below.
“Arsalan Kazemi didn’t set out to be a diplomat – he just wanted to ball. Unfortunately, his heritage fixed the rules. Being an Iranian on the global stage ain’t easy. Arsalan’s career is a perpetual mosaic of triumph and resilience. Luckily, he’s forged for the challenge. Maybe that’s why his name means ‘lion.’
Kazemi’s homeland is a nation of diverse culture, rich art heritage and palatial architecture. Iran has luxuriant forests, sweeping mountains and a tradition of warm-hearted hospitality. Sadly, these qualities are veiled by conflict. Political upheaval and decades of intercontinental head-butting have been the country’s 50-year headline.
After an inspirational college run, Arsalan returned home from the States in 2015. He’s currently plotting his next venture as Iran is ravaged by Covid-19. The infections are endless, fatalities are soaring and the basketball season has been sidelined. U.S sanctions have also shackled the economy. Any opportunity to earn a livable player salary is on a cliff-edge. Times are truly uncertain.
As a kid, Arsalan had no clue about domestic affairs, but he did know basketball. Day and night, night and day, it didn’t matter – he would spend every second putting up shots.” Read more at Homecourt.