For the first time, he and his Qatar team-mates have competed at a FIBA World Championship and as bad luck would have it, they have played in Group C.

Greece, Lithuania, Australia, Brazil and Turkey are also in the pool, making it the toughest of four groups in the tournament.

More times than not, Qatar have been on the wrong end of a big scoreline.

Instead of hanging their heads, however, Qatar fought and came very close to pulling level against Turkey in the final minute before losing 76-69.

Erfan, who is 1.98m in height, is versatile and can play at either forward position.

In the game against Turkey, he won a lot of admirers with 20 points on eight of 14 shooting while also pulling down seven rebounds, coming up with two steals and blocking two shots.

Erfan's first national team appearance was in 2005 at the FIBA Asia Championship and he held his country finish third to qualify for Japan.

He spoke to PA Sport's Jeff Taylor on behalf of FIBA after the narrow defeat to Turkey.

FIBA: Qatar have not won any games at the FIBA World Championship. Is it a total loss or is there something to be gained?

Erfan Ali Saaed: "We're learning a lot. This is the first time we have qualified for a World Championship. These teams have been together for a long time, so every game is tough for us. They come after us, so we can't get into our offense. We're just learning, and I hope in the future, we're going to have a good team."

FIBA: Do you feel any better after a game like against Turkey when at least you did not get blown out? You were way behind, but cut their lead to just five points before losing 76-69.

Erfan Ali Saaed: "Every game I play, I learn something from it. Even when you have play time away from the team, you are learning."

FIBA: Qatar coach Joey Stiebing likes to work you guys hard in practice. Do you enjoy the practices?

Erfan Ali Saaed: "We enjoy the practices, yes."

FIBA: Australia is the late game for you in this tournament since the defeat to Turkey eliminated you from contention for the last 16. What are your thoughts going into that contest?

Erfan Ali Saaed: "In our zone, we're never going to play a team like this so we are going to use it as a learning experience."

FIBA: What has been the happiest part of your World Championship so far?

Erfan Ali Saaed: (Laughing) There haven't been any happy moments. Winning is what you come for at the World Championship. Losing is hard."

FIBA: The experience you gain from this tournament is going to make you stronger for the FIBA Asian Championship.

Erfan Ali Saaed: "Yes, I think so. We have to build on this. Here, we have played one good half and one bad half in each game, so we are going to remember just the good games and carry that to Asia."

FIBA: Who is the best player you have faced in the FIBA World Championship?

Erfan Ali Saaed: "All of them. Every game I play in, I go up against players and they're tough. All of the guys I have to face, they're all bigger than me. Every day is tough for me."

FIBA: Who is the player you looked up to the most when you were growing up?

Erfan Ali Saaed: "(Smiling) All I can say is Michael Jordan. He was my favourite player. I love him. I watch all his games. I can look at old games of his and still learn. I think all players can learn something from him."