I still remember the first time I watched the Lebanese national basketball team play internationally—it was during the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, and they narrowly lost to South Korea by just three points. That game showed me something special was brewing. Over the years, I’ve followed their journey closely, and what stands out isn’t just their raw talent but their evolving tactical identity. One quote from coach Jad El Hajj, which I often reflect on, captures this shift perfectly: “That’ll give us a lot more extra stability at the point guard slot and another option for me of how I want to change up our pace from being an execution team to being more of a pressing team.” This strategic pivot, in my view, has been the cornerstone of Lebanon’s recent successes on the global stage.

When you look at Lebanon’s roster, it’s impossible not to start with Wael Arakji. The guy’s a magician with the ball—smooth handles, incredible court vision, and a knack for hitting clutch shots. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him dismantle defenses single-handedly. In the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, he averaged around 18 points and 6 assists per game, numbers that don’t even fully capture his impact. But here’s the thing: as Coach El Hajj hinted, Lebanon’s growth isn’t just about individual brilliance. It’s about building depth, especially at point guard. Players like Amir Saoud and Sergio El Darwich have stepped up, giving the team that “extra stability” the coach talked about. I remember watching a qualifier against Jordan last year where Darwich’s defensive pressure completely changed the game’s tempo. That’s the kind of versatility that turns good teams into great ones.

Another key piece, in my opinion, is Ali Haidar. At 6’8”, he’s not the tallest big man out there, but his footwork and scoring ability in the post are something else. I’ve always been impressed by how he adapts to different styles—whether it’s facing physical European squads or quicker Asian teams. In the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, he put up roughly 14 points and 7 rebounds per contest, but stats alone don’t tell the whole story. His leadership on and off the court has been invaluable, especially during tight games. And let’s not forget the younger talents like Karim Zeinoun, who brings explosive athleticism to the wing. Watching him develop over the past couple of seasons, I can’t help but feel optimistic about Lebanon’s future.

The shift from an “execution team” to a “pressing team” hasn’t been seamless, though. I recall a tough loss against France in the 2023 World Cup where Lebanon’s half-court offense struggled against their disciplined defense. But what stood out to me was how they adjusted in the second half—applying full-court pressure, forcing turnovers, and nearly mounting a comeback. That game, despite the loss, showed the team’s resilience and tactical flexibility. It’s moments like these that make me believe Lebanon is on the cusp of something bigger. They’re not just participating in international tournaments anymore; they’re competing with confidence.

Off the court, the federation’s investment in youth development has been paying dividends. From what I’ve gathered, Lebanon now has over 120 registered youth clubs, a 25% increase from five years ago. That pipeline of talent is crucial for sustaining success. I’ve had the chance to speak with a few coaches in Beirut, and they all emphasize the same thing: building a system that balances structure with adaptability. It’s exactly what Coach El Hajj meant—having options to switch gears mid-game. Personally, I love watching teams that aren’t predictable, and Lebanon’s ability to toggle between controlled execution and high-pressure chaos makes them a nightmare to plan against.

Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited to see how far this team can go. With key players hitting their primes and a coaching staff that isn’t afraid to innovate, I wouldn’t be surprised if they break into the top 20 in FIBA rankings within the next two years. They’ve already climbed to 28th as of early 2024, up from 35th just a couple of years back. That progress isn’t accidental—it’s the result of smart planning and relentless effort. As a longtime fan, I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way, eager to witness more of those thrilling, pace-shifting performances that have become their trademark.