- 09:40
Reigning runner-up, Lebanon dreams of a first continental title. But in the formidable Group A, with injuries, egos and public pressure in the mix, the road to glory begins in turmoil.
From August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, the Lebanese national team will try to move past recent tensions and misfortunes. Arakji is back, but might miss the first two games. Can El Darwich lead the team? And what is a promise worth if it’s forced, Jamaleddine?
A Ruthless Format
The stage is set. Sixteen nations, four groups, one coveted trophy: the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is taking place in Saudi Arabia, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Lebanon, runner-up in 2022, is still chasing its first continental title. But to get there, it must survive a particularly tough Group A.
In this group, Lebanon will face Australia, two-time defending champions and the dominant force in Asian basketball since 2017, South Korea, an unpredictable but seasoned team, and Qatar, host of the upcoming World Cup. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the quarterfinals. The second- and third-place teams will have to go through a high-stakes playoff round.
Lebanon’s schedule: Wednesday, August 6 vs. Qatar (9 PM), Friday, August 8 vs. Australia (6 PM) and Sunday, August 10 vs. South Korea (6 PM), all in Beirut time.
A Flawless Qualifying Campaign
Lebanon isn’t heading to Jeddah empty-handed. Buoyed by a perfect qualifying run, six wins in six games, the Cedars have forged a team identity based on defense, transition speed and long-range accuracy. A momentum further boosted by a recent win in the Beirut International Cup, a friendly tournament that nonetheless revealed the squad’s potential.
Arakji: Recovered but Managed with Care
Wael Arakji continues to draw attention. MVP of the last edition, hero of Jakarta, the left-handed point guard is back in training after a shoulder injury suffered during the Asian Final 8 with Al Riyadi. Though officially recovered, he was rested at the end of the team’s preparation and may not feature in the first two games in Jeddah, as a precaution.
The coaching staff remains cautious, mentioning “a gradual return to full strength.” If his absence is confirmed early on, the team’s balance will need to be reshaped, a risky challenge that could affect the tournament opener.
El Darwich, the New Team Leader
No matter, Sergio El Darwich is ready. The 28-year-old shooting guard represents the new face of Lebanese basketball: hard-working, combative, explosive. Top scorer for Lebanon during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia (16.3 pts, 5 rebs, 4 asts), and MVP of the national league, he is reportedly close to signing with a Japanese franchise.
Versatile, athletic, reliable from distance and gifted with strong court vision, El Darwich is expected to take on the role of offensive leader alongside Ali Mansour, whose energy and driving ability will also be crucial in the backcourt.
Dedric Lawson, the Interior Anchor
In the paint, Dedric Lawson will serve as the team’s anchor. A successful naturalization and consistently solid performances have made the Kansas alum a key figure. His ability to defend, set strong screens, crash the offensive glass and involve his teammates has made him an essential player who is effective, efficient and unflashy.
At his side, Ali Haidar continues to bring leadership, while Hayk Gyokchyan rounds out a solid interior rotation, ready to battle the size and strength of the Australians and Koreans.
Jamaleddine, a Pressured Return
The Omar Jamaleddine saga stirred much pre-tournament talk. The Sagesse forward had initially declined his call-up, citing medical reasons, which were quickly deemed “unconvincing” by federation president Akram Halabi. Threatened with sanctions, the player eventually gave in, announcing his return via a carefully worded Instagram post.
A return under pressure, then. Will that be enough to reignite his commitment? The court will decide, but internal tensions may resurface at the slightest misstep.
A Dream Still Alive
Head coach Miodrag Perisic hasn’t been spared: injuries, delays, egos, public pressure. But he knows his players and understands that tournaments aren’t won on paper. With Amir Saoud, always capable of pulling off the spectacular, the raw talent of Youssef Khayat, the accuracy of Jad Khalil, the grit of Haidar, the intensity of Mansour and the emergence of El Darwich, Lebanon has some real weapons.
The challenge now: finding chemistry, aligning egos and turning adversity into strength. Three years after Jakarta, the time has come to write a new chapter.
A Breath of Hope in a Weary Nation
In a wounded, fractured Lebanon, where national unity feels more elusive by the day, sports, and basketball in particular, offer a vital escape. One team, one jersey, one flag. Maybe this group of players, caught between injuries and courage, promises and doubt, will find in Jeddah what so many Lebanese are desperately looking for: a source of pride, a sense of belonging, a ray of light.
And who knows? From this orange ball, the colors of hope might rise.
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