TEHRAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is just around the corner. In the lead-up to the biggest international basketball event, we take an individual look at all 24 teams.

Country: Iran
FIBA bwin Ranking Men: No. 20
Last participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup: 2010 (1 wins, 4 defeats; 19th place)
Best result in the history of the FIBA Basketball World Cup: 19th Place (2010)
Result in qualifying tournament for 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup: 1st place at 2013 FIBA Asia Championship (9 wins, 0 defeats)

Were it not for a blip at the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship when Jordan edged them, 88-84, in the Quarter-Finals, Iran would be riding a four-game winning streak in the competition and close to equalling the record number of consecutive titles captured.

China have claimed five straight Asian crowns twice, from 1975 to 1983 and again from 1987 to 1995.

As it is, Iran have won three of four.

One positive from the setback to Jordan three years ago is that Iran discovered that it has to be ready to play every second of every game.

The loss was a wake-up call.

Iran looked wide awake last year because they responded with nine victories in as many games at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila to storm into the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

When they were drawn earlier this year in Group A to face France, Serbia, Brazil, Egypt and hosts Spain, a healthy respect for the Iranians was voiced by all of their soon-to-be opponents in Granada.

Iran have experience, strength at all positions and continuity.

Hamed Hadadi, the team's 2.18m center, is the most dominant player in the region. Last year, he averaged 18.8 points, 10 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in Manila.

The team also has Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, a 1.98m small forward who is comfortable putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket, and launching shots from the arc.

He buried 47.6 percent (10 of 21) of his attempts from three-point range last summer and averaged 12.8 points.

Hadadi is 29 years of age, Samad, 31.

Both have a lot more to give Iran, as does the 24-year-old Arsalen Kazemi.

After playing for Iran at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and 2011 FIBA Asia Championship, Kazemi missed 2013 as he wasn't able to commit to all of the preparations for Manila.

New coach Memi Becirovic has brought him back and his presence will strengthen the team.

Known for his rebounding prowess, the 2.01m Kazemi didn't look out of place against the United States, Brazil, Slovenia (coached by Becirovic), Croatia and Tunisia in Istanbul four years ago while still a player in American college basketball.

Kazemi had 10 boards to go with his 14 points in the Final of this year’s FIBA Asia Cup, a win over Chinese Taipei.

He was also a vital player for Mahram in Iran's top flight this season and helped the club win the title.

Iran do possess a lot of strengths.

If the Asian champions play with confidence, they have a very good chance of winning games in Spain and progressing from the Group Phase.

FIBA