American professional Dishontri Washington of Al Ahli Club expressed his happiness at wearing the national team jersey, confirming that he did not hesitate to accept the invitation to join the "White" team. His ambition is to dedicate the UAE's basketball its first-ever title in the Dubai International Tournament, currently in its 35th edition at the Al Nasr Club hall in Dubai, running until February 1st. "I have big aspirations to contribute to the team's victory and for UAE basketball to win its first historic title in the Dubai International Tournament," he added. Washington explained that the UAE basketball team has not won the Dubai tournament since its inception in 1989, noting that his Al Ahli Club team was closest to achieving this feat in the 2012 edition, which served as an additional motivation for him to embark on this new experience with the national team, aiming to win the title. He also pointed out that his experience playing with foreign professionals helped him quickly adapt to the national team, and his professional experience in the UAE league since last season strengthened his friendships within the sports community and made him feel a constant welcome from everyone. "I love challenges and being at high levels, and the Dubai International Tournament brings together the best foreign professionals from Asian and African clubs," Washington concluded. Washington contributed significantly to the team's deserved victory over the Syrian team Homs Al Fada in the opening match of Group A, winning by 27 points with a score of 97-70, where he scored 19 points, had eight rebounds, and four assists. "I'm happy to wear the UAE jersey and be with the group of 'White' players who are usually my competitors in local tournaments," Washington told 'Emirates Today'.
