Muin Bek Hafeez’s journey isn’t just about basketball, it's about beating the odds, breaking stereotypes, and turning dreams into reality. Born in the small town of Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu in 1996, Hafeez didn’t grow up in the limelight. Like most kids, he tried his hand at cricket, judo, and even throwball. But it was at the SAI Academy in Salem that basketball found him and he never looked back. Starting out as a center, Hafeez’s raw talent and hunger to improve pushed him to evolve into a versatile forward during his college days at Jeppiaar Institute of Technology. While pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, he was also quietly building one of the most impressive basketball resumes in the country.
Unlike many who come up through the national junior system, Hafeez took the unconventional route. Without any U16 or U18 India team experience, he burst into the senior national team in 2017 after making waves in college and state tournaments. That alone speaks volumes about his grit. But what really turned heads was when coach Veselin Matic made a bold move shifting him to the point guard position, a role usually reserved for quicker, smaller players. Hafeez didn’t just accept the challenge, he owned it. He showed poise, vision, and control, traits of a natural leader. His 24-point, 8-assist, 8-rebound game against Iraq in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers wasn’t just a highlight, it was a statement.
By the time the 2025 qualifiers rolled around, Hafeez wasn’t just a player he was the captain. Averaging 10 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, he led India from the front, including a clutch 17-point performance in a rematch against Iraq. And off the international court? He’s just as dominant, having led Indian Bank Chennai BC as their top scorer and playing a crucial role for Tamil Nadu in national championships.
What makes Muin Bek Hafeez such a compelling figure isn’t just his stats, it's his story. It’s the underdog narrative, the switch from rural courts to international arenas, and the quiet confidence with which he leads. In a country where cricket overshadows almost every other sport, Hafeez is proof that Indian basketball has heart, hustle, and heroes. And his journey? It’s only just getting started.
