A Vision for Lebanon Basketball: Building a Competitive National Team for the Next 5 Years

 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
Currently with Al Riyadi Beirut. A calm, pass-first point guard who controls tempo and makes teammates better. A true maestro who fits perfectly next to an aggressive scorer like Arakji.

Image: FIBA

• Ryan Hachem – 197 cm
Currently playing with Beirut Club under coach Jad El Hajj. A tall young point guard with scoring ability and good court vision. Sometimes forced to play out of position because of the three-foreigners rule, but naturally a lead guard. His size alone gives him a big advantage at the international level.

Image: Jordan Basketball Federation

Shooting Guards

• Sergio El Darwich – 195 cm
Currently playing in Japan. A very skilled slasher and excellent defender. Averages around two steals per game. Strong rebounder and shot blocker for a guard. Can guard multiple positions and also run offense. A true all-around two-way player.

Image: FIBA

• Karim Zeinoun
Currently with Al Riyadi Beirut. Reliable three-point shooter and tough defender. Often assigned to guard the opposing team’s main scorer. His defensive performance against Jordan Clarkson in Beirut showed his value at the international level.

Image: FIBA

• Johnny Sawma – 16 years old
Currently playing for Hoops. One of the best shooters among Lebanon’s young generation. Impressed with the U16 national team at the Asian Championship 2025 averaging 27.8 points per game and earned the tournament best scorer award. Already hit a game-winning buzzer beater this season against Central. A long-term sniper with huge upside.

Image : FIBA

Small Forwards

• Youssef Khayat – 203 cm
Currently with Sagesse in Lebanese league. Averaging around 19 points per game. Considered as golden boy for Lebanon national team. Good rebounder, reliable three-point shooter, and solid defender. Previously played NCAA Division I. A modern wing profile who can score at all three levels.

Image : FIBA

• Jihad El Khatib – 205 cm
Currently with Central, averaging around 13 points per game. A sharp shooter and skilled forward with a left-handed scoring touch. Son of Lebanese legend Fadi El Khatib. Experience in Turkey and Canada.

Image: FIBA

• Karim Rtail – 202 cm
Young forward currently playing NCAA Division I. Great size, speed, and raw scoring ability. Still developing his ball-handling and overall polish. A long-term national team prospect.

Image: FIBA

Power Forwards

• Karl Zamatta
Mobile forward with size who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. Fits the modern international game.

Image: FIBA

• Hady El Khatib – 202 cm (18 years old)
Currently with Champville. Brother of Jihad and son of Fadi El Khatib. Solid three-point shooter with good instincts. Represented Lebanon U18 at only 16. Also played in Canada and Turkey. Still gaining experience but has a high ceiling.

Image : FIBA

Centers

• Mohammad Habhab – 6’9 / 205 lbs
Currently an NCAA Division I freshman. Averaging around 14 points and 8 rebounds. Active rebounder, improving rim protector, and developing offensive game. Has all Lebanese papers. A strong candidate for Lebanon’s future at center.

• Naturalized Player (Ideal Profile)
Young seven-footer. Strong rim protector. Elite rebounder. Shot blocker. Inside scorer with touch. Bonus if he can stretch the floor. A profile similar to Lebanese legend Joseph Vogel.

Head Coach Options

• Ahmad Farran
Deep knowledge of Lebanese basketball and proven success at the local and regional level.

Image : FIBA

• Jad El Hajj
Led Lebanon to the 2022 Asian Cup final, beating China and Jordan, and losing to Australia by only two points. At the World Cup, Lebanon won two games (Ivory Coast and Iran) and pushed a stacked France team to the final minutes.

Image : FIBA

This core can work because it brings together strong guard leadership, multiple shot creators who can score in different ways, versatile wings who defend and stretch the floor, and a young pipeline of talent that ensures continuity for years to come. It also offers a healthy balance between offense and defense, while mixing experienced leaders with hungry young players who are still growing, creating a roster that can compete now and continue improving over time.

Lebanon does not need a rebuild. Lebanon needs patience, structure, and continuity. If managed properly, the next five years can produce one of the strongest Lebanese national teams ever. The talent is already here. The future is closer than many think.