Jihad El Khatib: Sometimes a Step Back Is Actually a Step Forward

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

• 31.7 minutes per game

• Efficiency rating: 13.7

Those numbers tell a simple story: trust.

Game after game, Jihad is playing real minutes, taking real responsibility, and impacting games on both ends of the floor. He has recorded strong performances against multiple teams in the league, including double-digit scoring nights, solid rebounding, and playmaking.

Image : MTV

Most importantly, he is playing basketball. Not sitting. Not waiting. Not hoping.

Imagine the alternative.

Imagine Jihad still at Sagesse, playing 5 or 6 minutes in games against teams like Tadamon Hrajel or Batroun. No rhythm. No confidence. No continuity. That’s how careers stall.

Instead, he chose development over comfort.

He chose growth over status.

He chose himself.

This is what smart career management looks like for young Lebanese players. You don’t need to be on the biggest team. You need to be on the right team. A team that believes in you. A team that gives you minutes. A team that allows mistakes, learning, and responsibility.

Central has given Jihad that platform.

And Jihad is rewarding that trust.

His story should be a reminder across Lebanese basketball:

• Minutes matter

• Roles matter

• Development matters

Not every player’s path is supposed to go through the same doors.

Sometimes leaving is not failure.

Sometimes leaving is the beginning.

Jihad El Khatib didn’t run away from competition.

He ran toward opportunity.

And right now, it looks like one of the best decisions of his young career.