Q&A with Men's Basketball Olympian Aaron Geramipoor '14
7/21/2021 12:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Olympics tip off later this week, and Iranian Olympian and Seton Hall alumnus Aaron Geramipoor '14 spoke to SHUPirates.com about the upcoming experience. He and his Iranian teammates will face Czech Republic and fellow Seton Hall alumnus and Olympian Patrik Auda '14 Friday night at 9 p.m., streaming on NBCOlympics.com.
SHUPirates.com: How did you get involved with the Iranian National Team?
Aaron Geramipoor:Â I joined the Iranian men's national team a few years ago and I made my debut one of the biggest stages there is: the 2019 FIBAÂ World Cup.
SH: Are you attending the opening ceremonies & have you thought about what that moment is going to feel like? Has it sunk in yet that you're representing Iran on the biggest international athletic stage?
AG: I hope to attend the opening ceremony, but unfortunately due to increasing concerns around COVID-19, this may not be possible. There are some restrictions in place at the moment...for example no spectators are allowed in the venues. Nobody really knows what will happen until we get the final set of instructions from the Olympics committee.
AG: It's truly an honor to represent Iran at the Olympics. It felt surreal when we qualified for the Olympics after our 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign and we were carefully planning our path to the Olympics before the pandemic struck and along with the rest of the world, we had to press pause on our hopes and dreams. Our Olympic camp started in May. The time has just flown by and now we're only two days away from the opening ceremony. It's such a huge accomplishment not only for myself, but also for my team and country.
SH:Â Your first game at the Olympics is going to be against the Czech Republic and on the other side is going to be your Pirates teammate Patrik Auda. Have you competed against Patrik anywhere since you two graduated? What's it going to be like playing in the Olympics against a former teammate?
AG: Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to play with or against Pat since our college days. Pat and I remain close friends and are in regular contact with each other. Pat arrives at the Olympic Village tomorrow and we have planned to reunite off the court first, and then a few days later we'll step on the floor as Olympians, and play head to head. Pat and I started our incredible journey as kids playing basketball in Europe and now, as men, we've made it to the biggest stage in the world of sport.
SH:Â Is there any advice or a skill that you learned in your time at Seton Hall that still helps you today?
AG: I joined Seton Hall at the age of 17. During my college career, I learned the importance of working hard, on and off the court. A strong work ethic is a major building block for any athlete and it set a solid foundation from which I could launch my professional career. To this day, I still have the same work ethic. Regardless of where I am in the world, whether it's season or offseason, I'm always investing time in training. That includes getting reps in and adding to my game on the court and getting stronger in the weight room off the court. Doubt is only removed by action.
SH:Â Can you give us a scouting report on Iran? What do you and your teammates need to do to be successful and move on to the knockout stage?
AG:Â We have a great group of guys, who have all come together these last few months and worked hard throughout camp. From the veterans, down to the new faces, we have all got a lot to offer the team and it's our goal that we all work together to do the absolute best we can, for ourselves, our country and our fans supporting us around the world. Win, lose or draw, as long as we fight for those 40 minutes, anything is possible at the Olympics.
SHUPirates.com: How did you get involved with the Iranian National Team?
Aaron Geramipoor:Â I joined the Iranian men's national team a few years ago and I made my debut one of the biggest stages there is: the 2019 FIBAÂ World Cup.
SH: Are you attending the opening ceremonies & have you thought about what that moment is going to feel like? Has it sunk in yet that you're representing Iran on the biggest international athletic stage?
AG: I hope to attend the opening ceremony, but unfortunately due to increasing concerns around COVID-19, this may not be possible. There are some restrictions in place at the moment...for example no spectators are allowed in the venues. Nobody really knows what will happen until we get the final set of instructions from the Olympics committee.
AG: It's truly an honor to represent Iran at the Olympics. It felt surreal when we qualified for the Olympics after our 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign and we were carefully planning our path to the Olympics before the pandemic struck and along with the rest of the world, we had to press pause on our hopes and dreams. Our Olympic camp started in May. The time has just flown by and now we're only two days away from the opening ceremony. It's such a huge accomplishment not only for myself, but also for my team and country.
SH:Â Your first game at the Olympics is going to be against the Czech Republic and on the other side is going to be your Pirates teammate Patrik Auda. Have you competed against Patrik anywhere since you two graduated? What's it going to be like playing in the Olympics against a former teammate?
AG: Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to play with or against Pat since our college days. Pat and I remain close friends and are in regular contact with each other. Pat arrives at the Olympic Village tomorrow and we have planned to reunite off the court first, and then a few days later we'll step on the floor as Olympians, and play head to head. Pat and I started our incredible journey as kids playing basketball in Europe and now, as men, we've made it to the biggest stage in the world of sport.
SH:Â Is there any advice or a skill that you learned in your time at Seton Hall that still helps you today?
AG: I joined Seton Hall at the age of 17. During my college career, I learned the importance of working hard, on and off the court. A strong work ethic is a major building block for any athlete and it set a solid foundation from which I could launch my professional career. To this day, I still have the same work ethic. Regardless of where I am in the world, whether it's season or offseason, I'm always investing time in training. That includes getting reps in and adding to my game on the court and getting stronger in the weight room off the court. Doubt is only removed by action.
SH:Â Can you give us a scouting report on Iran? What do you and your teammates need to do to be successful and move on to the knockout stage?
AG:Â We have a great group of guys, who have all come together these last few months and worked hard throughout camp. From the veterans, down to the new faces, we have all got a lot to offer the team and it's our goal that we all work together to do the absolute best we can, for ourselves, our country and our fans supporting us around the world. Win, lose or draw, as long as we fight for those 40 minutes, anything is possible at the Olympics.
Seton Hall Softball vs. Iona (Game 2)
Wednesday, April 29
Seton Hall Softball vs. Iona (Game 1)
Wednesday, April 29
Seton Hall Pirates Live Stream
Thursday, April 23
2026 Seton Hall Giving Day is Here!
Tuesday, April 21
