Courtside Global

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...

 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 ...

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...

 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...

Lebanon will be represented on an international stage once again. Youssef Khayyat and Amir Saoud, two of the brightest stars in Lebanese basketball, are set to participate in the Basketball 3×3 All-Star Game, organized by Match for Hope in collaboration with the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qatar and the Qatar Basketball Federation. The event takes place Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Place Vendôme – Gate 1 Eiffel, 2nd Floor in Qatar. 🕔 17:30–18:30 Qatar Time 🕓 16:30–17:30 Beirut Time Two Leaders, Two Powerhouses Youssef Khayyat, currently starring with Sagesse, has been one of the most consistent performers in the league this season. Through 13 games, the versatile forward is averaging: 19.3 points 8.5 rebounds 4.1 assists 1 steal 1 block Playing nearly 34 minutes a night, Khayyat has established himself as a true two-way force and a cornerstone for the Greens. On the other side, Amir Saoud, the dynamic guard of Riyadi, continues to deliver efficient offense and elite playm...