Courtside Global

 Lebanon basketball has always moved in cycles. Generations pass, leaders rise, and new talents slowly take shape. The country has never lacked skill. What it has often lacked is continuity, long-term planning, and a clear identity. When looking five years ahead, I truly believe Lebanon can build a national team that is competitive in Asia and dangerous internationally if the right pieces are  developed and placed in the right roles. Below is my personal vision of a 12–13 man roster that could represent Lebanon in the coming years. Point Guards • Wael Arakji – 195 cm Asia MVP 2022 with the national team. Asia MVP at club level. One of the most gifted offensive players Lebanon has ever produced. A true clutch performer. His legendary shots in the 2022 Asian Cup semifinals and finals and his heroic performance against France at the World Cup will always be remembered. He remains the face of Lebanese basketball and the primary ball handler. Image : FIBA • Ali Mansour Currentl...

Image: FIBA Karim Rtail’s journey in basketball is one of steady growth, international exposure, and long-term promise. Still very young, he has already experienced multiple basketball cultures across Europe, the Middle East, and international competitions with Lebanon — and now, he is taking his first steps in NCAA Division I basketball, focused on learning, adapting, and building his game. Born in Beirut in 2004, standing around 6’8–6’9 (203 cm), Rtail fits the modern forward profile with size, mobility, and upside. He is currently in his first year at NCAA Division I level , where the priority is clear: gaining experience, adjusting to pace and physicality, and preparing for a bigger role in the coming seasons. From a young age, Rtail has been part of Lebanon’s national team structure, which speaks to how highly he has been regarded by coaches and scouts. • Represented Lebanon in the 2022 FIBA U18 Asia Championship , helping the team reach the semifinals • Played at the 2023 FIBA U1...

Lebanon may soon have another exciting name to add to its growing list of international basketball prospects. Mohammad Habhab, a 6’9” forward/center currently playing his freshman season with the Eastern Michigan Eagles, is steadily building a profile that suggests a very bright future — both with the Lebanese National Team and potentially at the professional level. Standing at 6’9” (206 cm) and weighing 205 lbs, Habhab possesses the kind of modern forward frame coaches love. Long, strong, mobile, and versatile, he already looks physically ready for the demands of NCAA Division I basketball. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, he is experiencing his first real test at the highest level of college basketball, and so far, he is passing it with confidence. In his first NCAA Division I season (2025–26) with Eastern Michigan, Habhab is already producing impressive numbers: 14.3 points per game 8.1 rebounds per game 3.0 assists per game 39.6% field goal percentage 35.7 minutes per g...

Image : scoutbasketball Continuity matters. And for the Lebanese National Team, keeping Dedric Lawson in the mix might be one of the most important decisions heading into the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The Lebanese federation has confirmed that Dedric Lawson will continue as Lebanon’s naturalized player for the upcoming games against India and Saudi Arabia (KSA) — a vote of confidence in a player who has quietly become one of the most reliable pieces in the national team setup. Lawson’s numbers with Lebanon speak for themselves: FIBA Asia Cup 2025: 14.0 points per game 8.2 rebounds per game Efficiency rating around 18 World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers (so far): 13.0 points per game 11.5 rebounds per game Efficiency near 18.5 Those are not flashy, headline-grabbing stats. They are better than that — they are winning-player stats. At 206 cm (6’9”), Lawson gives Lebanon something it has often lacked in recent years: a mobile big who can score ...

Some games are decided early. Others stay close. And then there are games like this one — the kind that keeps everyone on edge until the very last possession. In a dramatic clash at the Dubai Basketball Championship 2026, UAE National Team edged Al Ittihad Libya 97–96 in a game that had everything: big shots, momentum swings, star performances, and a heartbreaking finish for the Libyan side. Image : FIBA From the opening tip, both teams made it clear this would be a battle. Al Ittihad started strong, taking the first quarter 24–21 behind aggressive drives and solid interior finishing. UAE answered in the second quarter, tightening their defense and moving the ball well to narrow the gap, but Al Ittihad still entered halftime with a slim 53–47 lead. The third quarter turned into a trading-buckets affair. Every UAE run was matched by an Al Ittihad response, as neither team managed to create real separation. Heading into the final quarter, the scoreboard reflected how evenly matched these...

In basketball, not every good decision looks good at first. Sometimes the smartest move is the one that feels risky, uncomfortable, or even misunderstood in the moment. Jihad El Khatib’s decision to leave Sagesse and join Central is starting to look exactly like that kind of move. When Jihad made the switch, many wondered why a young Lebanese wing would leave a historic powerhouse like Sagesse. Big name. Big expectations. Big stage. But behind the scenes, reality can be very different from reputation. Image : MTV At Sagesse, opportunities were limited. Rotations were tight. Minutes were inconsistent. Development was hard to come by. In recent games, we’ve seen situations where young Lebanese players barely touched the floor, even against teams at the bottom of the standings. It’s hard to grow when you’re watching more than you’re playing. Now look at Jihad with Central. Through 14 games, Jihad El Khatib is averaging: • 13.0 points per game • 5.6 rebounds per game • 2.5 assists per game...

 There are moments in a season that force uncomfortable questions. Sagesse’s rotation against Tadamon Hrajel in the first three quarters is one of those moments. Jad Khalil: 6 minutes Ali Haidar: 12 minutes Elie Ghaleb: 4 minutes Sikwik: 11 minutes This is against a Tadamon Hrajel side playing with only one foreign player and relying heavily on young local talent. A team that sits at the bottom of the standings. And yet, Sagesse approached the game with something close to full power. It is difficult to understand. These four names are not fringe players. They are Lebanese internationals, veterans, and proven contributors. Players who have carried big games, big moments, and big responsibilities for years. If this is not a game to give them extended minutes, then which game is? This is not about disrespecting Tadamon Hrajel. Every opponent deserves to be taken seriously. But there is a difference between respecting an opponent and missing an opportunity to manage your roster intelli...

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, Central Club delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising past NSA with a dominant 109–79 victory in the Lebanese Basketball League. The tone was set early. Central came out aggressive on both ends, moving the ball well, pushing the pace, and punishing every defensive mistake. A 33–15 first quarter immediately put NSA on the back foot, and although NSA tried to respond in the second quarter, Central never lost control of the game. At the heart of the performance was Anyeuri Castillo, who was simply outstanding. He finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in just 30 minutes, flirting with a triple-double while posting an impressive 40 efficiency rating. Castillo dictated the rhythm, scored at all three levels, and consistently created open looks for his teammates. image of Anyeuri Castillo: proballers He had plenty of support. Lucas Saleh delivered a strong double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, prov...

After an exciting group stage filled with close games, big performances, and a few surprises, the tournament now moves into its most important phase: the knockout rounds. Eight teams remain, and every game from here on is win-or-go-home. Group A was dominated by the UAE National Team, who finished a perfect 4–0. They looked organized, deep, and confident from the opening day, sending a clear message that they are serious contenders for the title. Behind them, Al-Wahda and Al-Ittihad both closed the group with 2–2 records, showing solid consistency, while Al-Nasr and Homs Al-Fidaa ended their campaigns at 1–3 and will not advance. Group B was much tighter. Club Africain and Al-Ahli Tripoli both finished at 3–1, separating themselves at the top with strong, disciplined performances. Beirut First Club ended the group in third place at 2–2, earning a well-deserved spot in the quarter-finals, while Al-Karameh and Zamboanga Valientes finished at 1–3. Now, attention turns to the quarter-final...

On Wednesday afternoon, Hoops delivered an impressive road performance, defeating Antranik 97–82 in Round 16 of the Lebanese Basketball League. The final score might suggest a comfortable win, but the game had its swings before Hoops took full control. The first quarter was balanced, with Antranik edging it 24–21. Both teams traded baskets and played at a good pace. In the second quarter, however, Hoops raised their level. They exploded for 33 points, moving the ball, pushing in transition, and punishing defensive mistakes. That run gave Hoops a halftime advantage and shifted the momentum. Antranik tried to respond after the break, but Hoops never allowed the game to slow down. They stayed aggressive, kept attacking, and maintained their lead through the third and fourth quarters to seal an important road victory. The star of the night was Trazarien White. White put on a scoring clinic, finishing with: • 36 points • 8 rebounds • 37 efficiency rating He scored in every possible ...

Playing at home, the Armenian club delivered a strong all-around performance to defeat Tadamon_Hrajel 96–82 in a game that was decided by execution, depth, and timely runs. From the opening tip, Homenetmen looked comfortable offensively, scoring 29 points in the first quarter to take early control. Tadamon_Hrajel responded in the second period with a strong push of their own, winning the quarter 25–11 and cutting the gap, but that momentum did not last long. The turning point came after halftime. Homenetmen exploded for 32 points in the third quarter, moving the ball well, attacking the paint, and stretching the defense. That surge created the separation they needed, and they never looked back, closing the game with a solid fourth quarter to secure the 14-point victory. Tarik Tyler Bey led the way for Homenetmen with a dominant performance: • 28 points • 13 rebounds • 32 efficiency rating He controlled the paint, finished through contact, and punished mismatches all night. He received ...

There are moments in sports that leave you unsure how to feel. Proud. Impressed. Concerned. Maybe all at once. Elie Chamoun’s return to Lebanese basketball feels exactly like that. After being away from the local scene for nearly three years, Chamoun came back and didn’t need much time to remind everyone who he is. In fact, he didn’t just remind people — he immediately separated himself. Today, he is statistically one of the most efficient shooters in the league, and arguably the best three-point shooter in Lebanon right now. That alone is impressive. But it also raises uncomfortable questions. Chamoun is averaging 13.7 points per game in around 24 minutes, shooting 53% on two-pointers and an outstanding 47% from beyond the arc. Those numbers are elite by any standard. Game after game, he shows confidence, balance, and a quick release that very few local players possess. Look at his recent performances: • 17 points and 8 assists vs Batroun • 15 points vs Sagesse • 25 points vs Maristes...

Karl Zamatta: A Lebanese Prospect Quietly Making Big Strides in France Some talents grow loudly. Others grow steadily, away from the spotlight, building their game piece by piece. Karl Zamatta belongs to the second category. At just 20 years old, the Lebanese center is currently playing with Dijon U21 in France’s Espoirs ELITE league, and his development over the past seasons shows a player who is moving in the right direction. Image: proballers Karl has already worn the Lebanese jersey at multiple youth levels and has been part of: • FIBA U16 Asian Championship • FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup • FIBA U18 Asian Championship • FIBA U18 Asia Cup • FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup For a young player, this kind of international exposure is invaluable. It speaks to both his talent and the trust coaches have placed in him over the years. Image : proballers A Promising Center with Modern Tools Standing at 202 cm (6’7”), Karl plays the center position, but his game is far from limited to the paint...

Including the Armenian Derby: Homenetmen vs Antranik Another exciting day in the Lebanese Women’s Basketball League featured two games, highlighted by the highly anticipated Armenian Derby between Homenetmen and Antranik, along with a solid road win by Azour over Inmaa Damour. 🔥 Homenetmen 92 – 56 Antranik Armenian Derby Ends in a One-Sided Win The Armenian Derby is always intense, but this time Homenetmen controlled the game from start to finish. They imposed their pace early, moved the ball well, and built a comfortable lead that kept growing throughout the four quarters. Top Leaders (as shown): M. Torossian — 21 PTS A. Mansour — 31 EFF J. Hollingshead — 21 PTS Homenetmen Key Performers M. Torossian: 21 PTS P. Bou Nasr: 16 PTS A. Baker: 14 PTS A. Mansour: 10 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST G. Saad: 8 PTS L. Williams: 8 PTS R. El Ghali: 7 PTS Image : FIBA Homenetmen’s balanced scoring and strong team defense were the main reasons behind this dominant victory. For Antranik, J. Hollingshead led th...

 The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 continues, and the Lebanese National Team is set to take another important step when they host India at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouq Mikael as part of Window 2 of the Asian Qualifiers. After a mixed start in Window 1 against Qatar — one win and one loss — Lebanon now turns its focus toward maintaining momentum and protecting home court, something the Cedars have historically done very well. This upcoming game against India represents more than just another fixture. It is an opportunity to assert identity, correct mistakes from the previous window, and strengthen Lebanon’s position in Group D. Source: FIBA A Familiar Matchup with Positive History Recent history strongly favors Lebanon in this matchup. Lebanon has won all recent official encounters against India, including: • 103–74 win in the 2023 Asian Qualifiers • 95–63 win in India in 2022 These results underline a clear trend: when Lebanon plays with discipline and intensit...