Olympic Glory......Not Really #3

We have now arrived to the number three spot on our countdown of the worst Olympians in history. So far we have featured two individuals, but I came across a team that just couldn't be denied recognition: the 1948 Iraq Men's Basketball Team. After taking 12 years off for World War II, the Summer Olympics were held in London. The world was ready to finally see the highest caliber athletes competing once again, while King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Mary all were in attendance in a grand opening ceremony. Shortly thereafter, Iraq began what could be classified as the worst basketball performance in history. I was a little too young to be there, but I'm pretty sure the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers would have looked like gods next to this team.

Iraq started off the '48 Summer Games with a promising 102-30 loss at the hands of the mighty Philippines squad. Sadly, a 72-point loss would be as close as Iraq would get to sniffing a victory in pool play. Iraq finished pool play being outscored by its opponents by more than an 86 point scoring margin. I wasn't even aware that teams in 1948 could score 86 points in basketball, let alone beat another team by that kind of margin. Despite their horrible performance in pool play, they were able to tally 5 points somehow in their bracket, advancing to the 2nd round. I'm still trying to figure out what kind of scoring system advances a team to the 2nd round with an 0-5 pool play record, an offense averaging 22 points per game, and a defense allowing 109 points per game. I guess there was a strong desire to see some teams battle it out for 23rd place.

Iraq was matched up with Italy in the next round and actually gave their country a little hope they may be able to compete in the next round of play. True heart showed when the Iraq team was able to stay with Italy and hang in there for a 49 point loss. Well, Iraq lost in the 2nd round, so their games are over, right? Wrong, they received a bye in the next round of course! 0-6 apparently earns you a bye into the next round in the '48 Games. It's now become obvious that the 12 year hiatus has taken its toll on the Olympic scheduling committee.

The bye gave Iraq a little time to rest up for their matchup with Switzerland in the next round. This is what dreams are made of, playing for 21st place at the Olympic Games. Unfortunately for Iraq, 21st place is one of those "must be present to win" scenarios, and they forfeited by not showing up for their game. I guess their coach forgot to put "attend Olympic basketball game with my team" into his daily planner. 22nd place would have to do for this year's Games. Sadly, Iraq would not attend Helsinki to defend their 22nd place championship. It's this kind of sad performance that has earned the 1948 Iraq Men's Basketball Team a spot on our list.