Amid the enthusiastic cheers of passionate Lebanese basketball fans within Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, the Lebanon national basketball team emerged victorious against Egypt in a thrilling showdown last night. The final score was 70-64 in favour of Lebanon, marked the first victory of the International Basketball Week held in the UAE capital.
The International Basketball Week in Abu Dhabi consists of a series of friendly matches and serves as a crucial warm-up games for teams in preparation for the highly-anticipated FIBA World Cup, set to commence on August 25 in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.
Known as the “Cedars,” Lebanon’s basketball team displayed their resilience on the court. Despite grappling with past setbacks in friendly game losses – notably a recent 77-67 defeat against Ivory Coast – the Lebanese basketball team’s clash with regional rival Egypt highlighted its mettle and ability to compete on the global level.
Wael Arakji, a Lebanese basketball superstar, played a pivotal role in this resounding victory. His recognition as the MVP of the Asia Cup, along with the distinction of becoming the first Arab player in the tournament’s 63-year history to secure this title, underscores his remarkable significance. Overcoming a lingering calf injury that sidelined him for over a month, Arakji made a strong display on the court, delivering an outstanding performance by leading the scoring against Egypt with an impressive 18 points.
Reflecting on the victory, Arakji said, “The challenges we face in Lebanon serve as a source of motivation. Our unwavering commitment to inspire our nation and its people remains unshaken.”
With the FIBA World Cup looming on the horizon, Arakji acknowledged the demanding journey that lies ahead. “We are aware of the challenges that await us. Our encounters with formidable teams like France and Canada in our group hold immense significance, and we approach each game with determination. The game of basketball is a 5-on-5 contest where anything can happen. Our opponents in the World Cup can have a bad game, and we aim to capitalize on it and secure a win. We are motivated to play our best and elevate Lebanon’s name on international stages.”
“The challenges we face in Lebanon serve as a source of motivation. Our unwavering commitment to inspire our nation and its people remains unshaken.”
– Wael Arakji
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 offers a direct qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The top-performing Asian team in the World Cup secures a qualifying spot for the Paris Olympics. Lebanon’s chance to qualify for the Olympics hinges on their performance in Indonesia.
Speaking on the inspiration from the Olympics, Arakji said, “Our ultimate aspiration is to achieve qualification for the Olympic stage, a historic feat yet to be realized.”
Omari Spellman, a former player of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors who recently joined the Lebanese basketball team, showed notable progress against Egypt, in stark contrast to his modest showing against Ivory Coast in the previous game. He contributed 17 crucial points against Egypt, resonating with the team’s collective spirit. Spellman expressed, “We stand united, fueling each other’s pursuit of victory and constant improvement.”
Lebanese national team head Coach Jad Al-Hajj witnessed improvement in Lebanon’s team from previous games during the Egypt match. He said, “We observe daily progresses in the team’s performance, a testament to our unwavering dedication. The resounding victory against Egypt rejuvenates our spirits after a series of previous losses in friendly games.”
Commenting on Omari’s role within the team, Coach Al-Hajj noted, “We are pleased to witness Omari’s growing synergy with the team. With each game, his contributions are gaining increasing significance.”
Amid the team’s dynamics, Lebanese basketball superstar Amir Saoud showcases his determination to participate in the FIBA World Cup, despite his ongoing injury. “My recovery is progressing well, positioning me for peak form, which I hope to achieve in the final games of the group stages,” Saoud confirmed.
Lebanon will face Mexico on August 19 at the Etihad Arena in their second and final game of the International Basketball Week.
As the countdown to the FIBA World Cup continues, the Cedars stand poised to make history in the tournament, offering them the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics for the very first time.
Mohammad Akkawi is a sports analyst and founder of Sport Scoop