State Department spokeswoman Darlene Kirk, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, said this exchange program began in 2006 when President Bush asked her office to "expand our people-to-people contacts with Iranian people." More than 160 Iran citizens from various professions — doctors, lawyers, judges, artists and other national sports teams — have visited the U.S. so far.

A group of elite American wrestlers returned the favor by traveling to Iran in 2007.

"This is one of the ongoing commitments to build a bridge with the Iranian people through citizen exchanges," Kirk said.

The NBA, always looking for ways to expand its global presence, was happy to assist the Iranian team in finding a place to play in the U.S..

"In an increasingly turbulent world, it is rewarding to bring people together to celebrate teamwork, discipline and respectful competition on the court," said NBA commissioner David Stern in a statement released by the league regarding the Iranians' Utah visit.

"In this spirit," Stern continued, "the NBA embraces the opportunity to welcome the Basketball Federation of Iran and the Iranian Olympic team in a demonstration of how something as simple as a game of basketball can promote understanding."

Iran will play twice in the Rocky Mountain Revue — against the Jazz on Monday and the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday — and another pair of free-to-the-public games against NBA Development League players today (5 p.m.) and Sunday at The Factory in Lehi.

The Iranians will help put on a free youth hoops clinic this morning with D-League standouts at 11 at the Utah Flash's training facility. They'll also watch NBA teams practice for the upcoming Revue at the Salt Lake Community College. If time permits, they'll try to visit tourist attractions.

Zandi, who says he's followed the Utah Jazz since the days of Karl Malone, is feeling like he is in hoops heaven.

"I always watch NBA, and I'm very interested in NBA players. I'm very proud to be here, to learn more from these guys and see them from here," he said. "Basketball in the United States is top in the world, so we want to learn from them. Our basketball players will learn something new every day from your guys."

The Iranian hoopster added that he'd love to host American players in his homeland. Kobe Bryant, his favorite NBA superstar, would be especially welcome.

After the Revue, Iran's team will head home for a five-day break before traveling to China for a pre-Olympics tournament. Raza said his country is ecstatic about making the Summer Games, something it hadn't done in 60 years.

"It's a very (big) honor for us to go to the Olympics," he said.

However, the Iranians will have to play without their best player, Aidin Bahrami, who was killed in a car accident in December after leading the nation to its first-ever Asian championship.

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com