Arsalan Kazemi was born on April 22, 1990 in Isfahan, Iran. Growing up, he showed a natural talent for basketball and his family supported his passion for the sport. He quickly rose through the ranks in his home country, eventually becoming captain of the Iranian under-18 team.
Kazemi's skills on the court caught the attention of college recruiters in the United States. He accepted a scholarship to Rice University, where he continued to excel as a power forward. However, his time at Rice was marred by allegations of a hostile and discriminatory environment. In an unprecedented move, Kazemi was granted an NCAA hardship waiver to transfer to the University of Oregon without having to wait out the typical on-court waiting period.
After a successful college career at Oregon, Kazemi declared for the NBA draft. In 2013, he was selected by the Washington Wizards and later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He and Hamed Haddadi became the first two Iranian basketball players to make it to the NBA, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
During his time in the NBA, Kazemi faced the challenges of being a foreign player in a competitive league. Despite limited playing time, he continued to work hard and showcase his skills on the court. His perseverance and determination earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.
Off the court, Kazemi remains connected to his roots in Iran. He is proud of his heritage and often speaks out about issues facing his home country. He is a role model for young Iranian athletes, showing them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Arsalan Kazemi's journey from Isfahan to the NBA is a testament to his strength and resilience. He overcame obstacles and adversity to achieve his dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level. His story serves as inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world, proving that with passion and determination, anything is within reach.