An unidentified Iraqi player cores the first points of the game. (Photo by Senior Airman Francisco Govea II, Fourth Combat Camera Squadron)
November 22, 2005
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DUKE, Iraq -- The battleground was set--the Americans and the Iraqis staring each other down, hoping the other would flinch. The adrenalin was pumping in anticipation of the epic skirmish to come. It was time; the warriors suited up and moved into position.
The battle for court dominance was set in motion as the Iraqis scored the first six unanswered points. The first ever basketball game between the Najaf Eagles and the Mississippi Rattlers had begun.
The Iraqi players, all belonging to the Najaf Sports Club, were invited to play the American soldiers as a show of sportsmanship and goodwill. The Iraqi athletes knew they had to bring more than just their best players; they had to bring their winning spirit. The Iraqis understood the game and dispelled any mistaken beliefs as to the validity of their competitive stature. Respect was quickly earned.
The Eagles scored on their first drive and set the tone for the rest of the game. The Najaf Eagles with their dominant offense kept pressure on the struggling defense of the Rattlers. The Eagles quickly earned a double digit lead by the middle of the first quarter, a lead they would maintain throughout the game.
The plan was to maintain a fast moving offense and move the ball as much as possible," said Ahmed Aboudi, the Eagle’s team captain.
"We are strong under the net, on the rebound," said Aboudi. "We knew we had to use that to our advantage if we were going to win."
The Najaf team could only bring five of its players, so the Americans lent the team two of its players to give the opposition a bench in order to rotate players--a controversial move and one some of the Rattler players would point out as a significant factor in the challenger’s victory.
"We gave them one of our best players," remarked Rattler team member Capt. Richard Comer. "Without Lieutenant Ratliff (playing for the Eagles) things would have been a lot different."
Second Lieutenant Andrew Ratliff conceded he did play hard but does not believe his presence was the deciding factor in the Eagles win.
"The Iraqis came here to win. They played as a team and out hustled the Americans; that is why they won. Even without me, they had the skills to equally compete."
The crowd was made up of all American forces, primarily from the 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard; but that did not stop them from rooting for the Najaf Eagles. The skill and ability of the Eagles to suppress the Rattlers quickly earned them a cheering section two to three times that of the home team.
The four, twelve-minute quarters concluded with a final score: Rattlers 45, Eagles 61.
After the game, the Iraqis were invited to stay for lunch, dining on American hamburgers, french fries and ice-cold sodas. The two teams sat together and relived the highlights of the game. A rematch is no doubt imminent.
While the historical significance of this single game may never be known, one thing can be said for certain. Today, in Najaf, Iraq, Americans and Iraqis found common ground--on the basketball court.
By Master Sgt. Keith Baxter - Photos by Senior Airman Francisco Govea II - Fourth Combat Camera Squadron
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
SSG William Richardson shoots as CPT Richard Comer clears the lane. (Photo by Senior Airman Francisco Govea II, Fourth Combat Camera Squadron)
Rattler Coach SSG Billy Ruff, gives pointers to his team during a time out. (Photo by Senior Airman Francisco Govea II, Fourth Combat Camera Squadron)
