Courtside Global

Three-point shooting is no longer a luxury in modern basketball. It is not a bonus. It is not a “nice addition.” It is a fundamental pillar of the game. And what we witnessed in the Sagesse vs Astana game is a painful reminder of how far Lebanese basketball still is from embracing this reality. Let’s start with the raw numbers. Sagesse finished the game with 6 three-pointers made out of 22 attempts. That is 18 points from beyond the arc out of a total of 102. Astana, on the other hand, knocked down 19 three-pointers out of 45 attempts. That is 57 points from three out of their 104 total. Read that again. Astana scored 39 more points from three-point range than Sagesse. You don’t need advanced analytics to understand the story of the game. The difference is right there. Basketball at the highest level today is a spacing game. Teams stretch the floor, punish help defense, and create driving lanes by forcing opponents to respect shooters. When you cannot shoot, everything becomes harder. ...

Champville Maristes is not just another basketball club. This is a championship-winning organization, a team that lifted the Lebanese title in 2012 and was once synonymous with pride, identity, and competitiveness. Today, that same club is standing on the edge of relegation to Division 2. Let that sink in. What we are witnessing is not bad luck. It is not coincidence. It is not “just a tough season.” It is the direct result of years of disastrous administrative decisions, stubbornness, and complete detachment from reality. The roster that remains today is clearly not good enough. Everyone can see it. And yet, the administration — led by Ibrahim Mnassa — continues to insist on refusing the return of Lebanese players who left because of decisions HE personally took. You cannot push players away, burn bridges, then act surprised when the squad collapses. Let’s be very honest: If you do not have the budget to build a competitive Division 1 team, there is no shame in playing Division 2. Non...

With only a few games left in the FIBA WASL West Asia regular phase, the picture is becoming clearer, and everything points toward two heavyweight semi-final matchups that could define the tournament. At this stage, there is a very strong chance that the West Asia Semi-Finals will shape up as: Astana vs Sagesse Riyadi vs Gorgan Image : WASL Image : WASL The current standings explain why this scenario is taking form: 1. Astana (5–1) 2. Riyadi (4–2) 3. Gorgan (3–2) 4. Sagesse (2–4) 5. Al Wahda (0–5) Astana currently sit at the top with a 5–1 record and still have two games remaining in Lebanon, against Riyadi and Al Wahda. On paper, Astana should handle Al Wahda, which would push their record to 6–1 and further solidify their position as table leaders. That leaves Riyadi with one clear mission: beat Astana next week — and not just win, but win by at least 14 points. Astana won the first leg (“aller”) by 13 points, meaning Riyadi need a +14 victory to swing the head-to-head tiebreaker and...

Sagesse’s painful overtime loss against Astana (104–102) in the FIBA WASL – West Asia League was not just another defeat. It felt like a boiling point for a fanbase that is slowly losing patience, and social media after the game reflected exactly that: anger, frustration, and serious questions about the team’s direction. From a pure numbers perspective, the game had positive individual performances. Walter Hodge delivered 31 points, while Astana’s E.J. Day exploded for 38. Paris Bass added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Kevin Murphy chipped in 20. On paper, Sagesse stayed competitive until the final seconds. But basketball is not only about box scores. It is about identity, rotation management, and trust within the roster — and that is where the cracks are becoming impossible to ignore. One of the biggest talking points is the almost complete absence of the Lebanese bench. Jad Khalil and Ali Haidar did not see the floor. Against Tadamon Hrajel earlier, the bench was also barely used. F...

The national teams of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan will participate in an international tournament taking place from February 20 to February 24 in the UAE, as part of their preparation for the upcoming FIBA international window and World Cup qualifiers. The UAE, coming off an impressive showing in the Dubai Tournament, will host the event, continuing their momentum and testing their squad against two strong regional opponents. The tournament will offer valuable minutes, lineup experimentation, and competitive rhythm for all three teams ahead of important continental commitments. With experienced cores, naturalized talent, and emerging local players, the three rosters reflect a growing level of competitiveness in  Below are the announced rosters for each national team: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates – Roster # Player Name Position Height (cm) Birth Year Club 2 Ahmed Albreiki PG 175 1994 Shabab Al Ahli 3 Hamid Albreiki F 190 2000 Shabab Al Ahli 4 Mohamed Alhashmi G 1...

In one of the most surprising moves of the season, the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, according to reports from Shams Charania. This blockbuster deal immediately reshapes the landscape in both conferences. For Cleveland, acquiring Harden represents a clear “win-now” move. The Cavaliers add one of the league’s most accomplished offensive engines — a former MVP, elite playmaker, and proven playoff performer. Harden’s ability to control tempo, create shots for teammates, and shoulder late-game scoring responsibilities could push Cleveland into serious Eastern Conference contention. Pairing Harden with Cleveland’s core gives the Cavs a different offensive dimension they have lacked in recent seasons: a true ball-dominant creator who can bend defenses and generate high-quality looks on every possession. His experience and basketball IQ may also prove invaluable in high-pressure p...

Azour Sporting Club delivered a dominant performance in Round 6 of the Lebanese Women’s Basketball League, cruising to a convincing 74–41 victory over NSA in the third game of the round. From the opening tip, Azour Sporting Club set the tone with strong defensive pressure and efficient execution on both ends of the floor. After taking a 15–9 lead in the first quarter, Azour gradually increased the gap in the second period (21–18), before completely taking control in the third quarter with a decisive 28–9 run that essentially put the game out of reach. The final quarter (10–5) sealed a comfortable and well-managed win. Azour’s offensive balance and defensive intensity were on full display, led by an outstanding all-around performance from Elisa Grissett, who finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. She was a constant presence in the paint and in transition, setting the rhythm for her team. Sabrina Haines also made a major impact, recording 12 points, 5 re...

Image : FIBA As discussions grow about Lebanon potentially adding a new high-caliber naturalized player for the national team, it is important to take a moment to look back at the benchmark that was set years ago. Before the new era begins, one name must be remembered and appreciated — Joseph Vogel, the man who defined what an elite naturalized center should look like for Lebanon. Joseph Vogel remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of Lebanese basketball. A dominant center, a leader on and off the court, and a symbol of Lebanon’s rise on the Asian basketball scene, Vogel’s impact goes far beyond statistics. Image : FIBA Standing at 212 cm (6’11”), Vogel brought size, toughness, and intelligence to the paint at a time when Lebanon was establishing itself as a serious continental force. As a naturalized Lebanese-American player, he embraced the national team jersey with pride and became a cornerstone of Lebanon’s success during the early 2000s. Vogel represented Lebanon in...

Image FIBA Rumors are circulating about a huge naturalized foreign player potentially joining the Lebanese National Team, and as always, excitement is mixed with caution. On paper, it sounds amazing. A high-profile name. A potential game-changer. A new weapon that could elevate Lebanon to another level. But Lebanese fans have been here before. We love using the phrase “if it works.” If the paperwork goes through. If the player commits. If nothing strange happens behind the scenes. If the chemistry clicks. And every single time, those two words quietly lower expectations without anyone officially admitting it. What makes this cycle exhausting is not failure itself. Failure is part of sports. What hurts is the pattern. Big promises are whispered. Big expectations are allowed to grow. Hope spreads. Then, when things collapse, the same people who sold the dream suddenly act surprised that fans are angry. But why wouldn’t fans be angry? You cannot constantly tease ambition, talk about mass...

Image : FIBA Al Ula Club is preparing for a major milestone in its continental journey, as the Saudi club is set to host the BCL Asia (Basketball Champions League Asia) , a significant step that highlights the club’s growing ambition and rising status on the Asian basketball scene. Hosting the tournament gives Al Ula a major advantage, both in terms of home-court presence and continental exposure. It also means that even if Al Ula do not reach the final, the club will still be heavily involved in the BCL Asia atmosphere, further strengthening its international profile and experience at the highest club level in Asia. On the roster front, Al Ula are also working on securing continuity around their most important piece. The club is preparing to renew the contract of Lebanese star Wael Arakji , who is currently playing with Al Ula, despite the player receiving several big offers in recent weeks — most notably from teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Arakji has been a corner...

The Lebanese Basketball Federation has officially confirmed the structure and participating teams for the Lebanese Men’s Basketball League 2025–2026 Division 2 , setting the stage for a highly competitive season that could reshape the future of several historic and ambitious clubs. This year’s Division 2 will feature 16 teams , representing different regions, schools of basketball, and development philosophies across Lebanon. The diversity of clubs promises a long, intense regular season where consistency, depth, and smart roster construction will be decisive. The participating teams are: Mayrouba Club Atlas Club Mouttahed Club Andalos Club Mtayleb Club Arz Tannourine Champs Club Juristes Tadamon Zouk Chabeb Zahle Antranik Sin El-Fil Lebanese Army Chabibeh Zgharta Animation Sportive Hoops Metn Barrage (Anibal or Inmaa Damour or Byblos) One of the most important elements of this season’s format is the foreigner regulation . During the...

Homenetmen’s loss against NSA once again triggered frustration among fans, and as usual, the easiest target becomes the head coach. But if we truly care about the future of the club, we need to pause, reflect, and look deeper than the bench. Blaming Coach Joe for where the team stands today is simply unfair. Coaching is not done in a vacuum. A coach works with the tools he is given, and in Homenetmen’s case, those tools were limited long before the first ball of the season was even tipped. The uncomfortable truth is that the roots of today’s struggles go back to the summer. The club’s budget was reportedly approved only one week before the start of the league. At that point, the market was practically empty. Quality local players were already signed elsewhere, imports had committed to other teams, and negotiations became a matter of survival rather than strategy. When you enter the market that late, you are forced into two bad choices: either overpay for remaining options or settle for...

Homenetmen Fall to NSA as Absence of Ahmad Ibrahim Continues to Weigh Heavy Homenetmen suffered a 104–94 defeat against NSA in Monday’s Lebanese Basketball League action, in a game where defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly. Despite a big performance from J. Stevens, who exploded for 39 points, Homenetmen struggled to contain NSA’s balanced attack. Richard Mayke led the way for NSA with 29 points, while Stefan Jankovic delivered an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and a game-high efficiency of 39. The home side controlled the boards (54–31) and shot more efficiently from the field, gradually building separation across four quarters. One of the key storylines for Homenetmen remains the absence of Ahmad Ibrahim, who is sidelined with injury. His leadership, shooting, and experience are clearly missed, especially in crucial moments where the team has lacked stability and shot creation. Homenetmen showed flashes, particularly in ...

This season in the Lebanese Basketball League, the conversation isn’t only about star imports and big budgets—it’s also about coaching. With teams navigating the 3-import rule, injuries, financial pressure, and wildly different rosters, coaches have been the real difference-makers. So who deserves the “Best Coach” crown so far? Image : FIBA  Ahmad Farran has been the headline name. Riyadi are currently 17–0, and when a team keeps winning week after week, that consistency isn’t luck—it’s structure, discipline, and game management. The way Riyadi controls tempo and executes in key moments is exactly what top coaching looks like. Joe Ghattas has kept Sagesse right near the top, sitting 2nd in the league, and his resume this season includes finishing 2nd in the last Arab Club Championship—a major achievement that shows his team can compete beyond the local stage. George Geagea has turned Central into the league’s black horse. Central don’t just “compete”—they look like a real threa...

Image : FIBA  Central Club has officially completed the signing of British center Kavell Bigby-Williams as the replacement for Kenny Wooten, marking an important roster move as the team looks to stay competitive in the upcoming phase of the season. Bigby-Williams, a 211 cm (6’11”) big man, is expected to arrive tomorrow after concluding his stint with the London Lions. He brings size, toughness, and valuable international experience, both at club and national team levels, adding immediate depth and presence to Central’s frontcourt. From a performance standpoint, Bigby-Williams arrives in strong form. In the 2026 FIBA WASL – Gulf League with Sharjah SC, he averaged 13.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, posting an impressive efficiency rating of 20.2. These numbers highlight his ability to control the glass, finish around the rim, and consistently impact games inside. Image : FIBA At national team level with Great Britain, Bigby-Williams has featured in major compe...

Image : UAE Basketball Association  The curtain has officially closed on the 35th Dubai Basketball Championship 2026, and once again the tournament delivered a week full of intensity, surprises, and high-level international competition. From the group stage all the way to the final day, Dubai reaffirmed its place as one of the region’s most important basketball showcases. The last day featured two key matchups that drew plenty of attention: the third-place game between Beirut First Club and Al-Ittihad, and the championship final between the UAE National Team and Club Africain. Both games carried pressure, storylines, and something to prove. Club Africain of Tunisia completed an impressive tournament by defeating the UAE National Team 93–77 in the final. The game was largely decided early, as Club Africain came out aggressive and poured in 37 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Their physical play, ball movement, and shot-making were consistent f...

This was not just another loss. This was a warning sign for Lebanese basketball. In Antranik’s heavy defeat against Riyadi, the most alarming statistic had nothing to do with the final score. It was the production, or rather the absence of production, from Antranik’s Lebanese players. Across 40 total minutes , Lebanese players combined for only 7 points . Antonio Habib finished with 5 points . Majd Nassar added 2 points . All seven points came in the fourth quarter , when Riyadi had already eased off defensively. Let that sink in. In a professional Lebanese league game, local players were virtually non-existent offensively for three full quarters. This is not an individual failure. This is a system failure . The current 3-imports-per-team rule is suffocating Lebanese talent. When three foreigners dominate usage, minutes, and ball-handling, local players are pushed into the corners, reduced to spectators, and stripped of any rhythm or confidence. They are asked to defend, rebound, an...

Image : FIBA Riyadi once again showed why they are yhe most feared teams in the Lebanese league, cruising past Antranik with a convincing 107–86 victory in Round 17 of the championship. Riyadi won their 17 straight game this season with 0 losses. From the opening tip, Riyadi imposed their tempo. The ball movement was crisp, the defensive intensity was high, and the offensive execution left Antranik constantly chasing. By halftime, the gap was already clear, and the second half only confirmed Riyadi’s control of the game. The story of the night, however, belonged to Chris Brown. Brown delivered a sensational performance, pouring in 41 points in what stands as the best scoring game of his professional career so far. He attacked from everywhere on the floor, finishing strong at the rim, knocking down jumpers, and punishing mismatches. Even in a losing effort, his display was one of the brightest individual performances of the season. Despite this explosion, Brown fell just short of maki...