The Lebanese squad is stacked.
Team Lebanon has submitted their final pool of players for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. On February 24, at the Philippine Arena, twelve names from the 24-man Lebanese pool will take on the home team in Gilas Pilipinas. The last time the two groups met, Lebanon handed the Philippines a deflating 85-81 defeat.
To avoid another heartbreak, especially at home, Gilas must watch out for these Lebanese ballers who are likely to make the trip to Bocaue, Bulacan later this month.
Wael Arakji
Nicknamed The Great, Arakji has lived up to the hype as he continues to be Lebanon’s top scorer, hitting 16.8 points per game. When they defeated the Filipinos in August last year, the 28-year old guard finished with 24 markers including a dagger three that had him dropping the Steph Curry “night night” gesture on Gilas. Clearly, he’s a marked man.
Amir Saoud
This 6-foot-1 combo guard torched the Philippine side with 17 points to help Lebanon get the win roughly six months ago. If not given enough attention, the 32-year-old lefty will get buckets from the outside, along with occasional drives to the basket. Saoud is definitely the guy who demands Gilas’ focus aside from Arajki.
Sergio El Darwich
This 6-foot-4 wing can be a thorn to the Philippine contingent should he make Lebanon’s final roster. A year and a half ago, he was named Player of the Game when he posted 18 points, 8 boards, and 3 dimes as helped his squad survive Jordan, 86-85. Gilas would not want to see this guy go off on the 24th.
Ali Haidar
At 6-foot-7, there’s a possibilty that this power forward might dominate the inside against Gilas. Averaging 13.4 points, and 6.4 rebounds, Haidar is someone coach Chot needs to deal with, considering the Filipino tactician had already acknowledged his team’s big man problem. Against Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar last August, Haidar was able to score 10 points so, go figure.
Ater Majok
Majok is already 35 years old, but he’s a formidable rebounder at 6-foot-11. He currently records a team-leading 8.3 boards per contest. He’s also a cause for concern as Gilas’ pool is lacking in big men at the moment.
Count on Team Lebanon to do everything they can to get a road win on February 24. But also expect Gilas to go all out in front of the home crowd. For sure, an intense encounter will go down in a few days.