- 12
- June
- 2025
Big winners over China’s Guangsha (102–66) in the 2025 BCL Asia quarter-finals, Riyadi advanced to the semi-finals… but at a big cost. Their star point guard and reigning MVP Wael Arakji exited the game with a shoulder injury. The upcoming rematch against Shabab Al Ahli promises to be explosive.
As soon as they stepped onto the C-C Arena court, the Yellow team made a statement — scoring baskets and asserting dominance. A 25–7 opening run set the tone for a commanding win. Against an overwhelmed Zhejiang side, Al Riyadi played their game with almost arrogant ease: high-pressure defense, lightning-quick transitions, long-range shooting, and fluid rotations — it was Riyadi in full steamroller mode.
Even without Amir Saoud, who remained in Lebanon to recover from a fractured rib, Ahmad Farran’s men executed their game plan to near perfection… almost.
The Blow: Arakji KO
Disaster struck at 8:36 of the second quarter. While attacking Xu Zhonghao in the paint, Wael Arakji collapsed, clutching his right shoulder in pain. He tried to tough it out and stay on the court but eventually had to sit down at 8:18 before halftime, under the concerned eyes of his teammates. Straight to the locker room — and then to the hospital. The result: a tournament-ending injury for the reigning MVP.
Averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds since the start of the tournament, Arakji wasn’t just a leader — he was the soul of Riyadi, its engine and metronome. His absence will be sorely felt, especially as Coach Farran confirmed in the press conference:
“If Wael can’t play, we’ll have a limited rotation. But I trust my players. They want to win. They want to reach the final.”
Bench Steps Up
But despite the major setback, the Yellow Castle never wavered. Quite the opposite. The bench came alive with hunger and precision. Every player scored during the game, and five finished with double digits.
Karim Zeinoun led the way with 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Thon Maker posted a solid double-double (17 points, 12 rebounds). Elmedin Kikanovic added 15 points, Marcus Georges-Hunt tallied 14 points and 7 assists, and Hayk Gyokchyan delivered his best game of the tournament: 14 points (including 4 three-pointers) and 11 rebounds. In total, Riyadi dished out 31 assists — a tournament record in this BCL Asia edition.
“I’m proud of every one of my teammates,” said Gyokchyan.
“Everyone brought positive energy. Our bench is a real asset.”
On the Chinese side, Xu Junwei scored 22 points, Barry Brown added 14, and James Nunnally finished with 13. But it wasn’t enough to prevent a third loss in three games for the winless and eliminated Lions.
Tense Rematch vs. Shabab Al Ahli Ahead
Next up is the semi-final this Thursday at 5 PM against Shabab Al Ahli, who beat Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (92–88). A matchup full of fire: Riyadi defeated the Emiratis last year in the BCL Asia final, and again in the 2025 FIBA WASL Final 8. Safe to say Dubai’s Reds are out for revenge.
Coach Farran knows what’s coming:
“We know each other well. They’ve changed two foreign players since WASL and they’re playing at home. They have nothing to lose. It’s 50–50.”
With only ten fit players, Riyadi heads into this showdown with caution… but without fear.
A Star Flickers
Yes, Arakji will be missed. Deeply. But Riyadi still has depth, character, and above all — a mission: to defend their Asian throne. The clash with Shabab Al Ahli will be the ultimate test. With or without their general, the Lebanese giant hasn’t said its last word.
Comments