Karim Rtail: A Rising Lebanese Forward Building His Future in NCAA Division I

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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 U19 World Cup
• Averaged around 15+ points per game with Lebanon’s junior national teams
• At only 19 years old, earned an appearance with the Lebanese Senior National Team during the 2024 Asia Cup Qualifiers

Image : FIBA 


These experiences alone place him in a small group of Lebanese players who have already tasted high-level international basketball before turning 20.

At club level, Rtail has built a diverse résumé:

• Two seasons (2023–2025) with Neptūnas-Akvasevis in Lithuania, competing in the National Basketball League
• 2024–25 season: starter at power forward, playing 35 games
• Averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 17 minutes per game
• Shooting splits: 42.6% FG, 31.4% from three, 78.9% from the free-throw line
• Recorded multiple double-doubles in Lithuanian competition

Before Lithuania, he also played:

• In Montenegro (Prva B League)
• In Lebanon with Sagesse – Al Hekmeh Beirut
• In Italy with Banco di Sardegna Sassari U20

This type of early international movement has helped shape him into a more adaptable and mature player.

On the court, Rtail’s profile is clear.

Strengths
• Excellent height and length for a forward
• Good speed for his size
• Runs the floor well
• Comfortable scoring around the basket
• Capable of finishing through contact
• Shows natural scoring instincts

Areas to Improve
• Ball-handling and dribble creation
• Tightening his handle under pressure
• Creating his own shot off the bounce
• Consistency from three-point range

In simple terms, he is a raw scorer with strong physical tools, and that combination is extremely valuable at his age. With proper development, especially in ball-handling and perimeter skills, his ceiling can rise significantly.

The move to NCAA Division I is a big step. Playing time may fluctuate early, but this season is more about:

• Learning the speed of the college game
• Adjusting to physicality
• Understanding spacing and defensive schemes
• Building confidence

Image: arkansasrazorbacks


Many successful players take a year or two before fully breaking out at this level.

Looking ahead, Karim Rtail remains a legitimate prospect for the Lebanese National Team in future windows. His size, youth, and international background make him an ideal long-term piece at the forward position. If his development continues on the right path, he can grow into a rotation player — and potentially more.

As for bigger dreams, the door is not closed.

With continued progress, improved skill set, and strong college seasons, Rtail could put himself on the radar of professional leagues worldwide — and yes, even keep an outside shot at NBA Summer League or professional pathways.

For now, the mission is simple:
Develop. Learn. Build.

Karim Rtail is still at the beginning of his story — and Lebanese basketball should be paying close attention.










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