I still remember the first time I watched Lebanon's national basketball team play—it was during the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, and even then, you could sense something special brewing. Fast forward to their recent journey to the FIBA Asia Cup finals, and it’s clear this wasn’t just a lucky streak. As a longtime analyst of Asian basketball, I’ve followed their evolution closely, and what stands out to me is how they’ve transformed their identity on the court. Head coach Jad El Hajj and his staff, including assistant Gavina, made strategic adjustments that turned them from a predictable unit into a dynamic, adaptable force. I vividly recall Gavina’s remarks in a post-game interview, where he highlighted, "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." That single quote, in my view, encapsulates the entire shift in Lebanon’s approach—a move from structured set-plays to aggressive, high-tempo basketball that kept opponents guessing.
When you look at Lebanon’s roster, the depth at the guard position was a game-changer. Players like Wael Arakji and Amir Saoud didn’t just bring skill; they brought a versatility that allowed the team to pivot mid-game. For instance, in their semifinal clash against Jordan, Lebanon trailed by 8 points in the third quarter, but by switching to a full-court press, they forced 12 turnovers and outscored Jordan 28-14 in the final period. I’ve always believed that in international competitions, the ability to adjust pace separates contenders from champions, and Lebanon executed this flawlessly. Gavina’s emphasis on "extra stability at the point guard slot" wasn’t just talk—it translated into real outcomes. In the group stages alone, Lebanon averaged 85.3 points per game, up from 76.8 in the previous tournament, and their assists per game jumped from 18.2 to 22.5. Those numbers might not seem huge, but in high-stakes games, that efficiency is everything. Personally, I think their decision to blend experienced players with younger talents like Sergio El Darwich paid off massively; it gave them the flexibility to toggle between execution and pressing without losing composure.
What really impressed me, though, was how this strategic pivot resonated beyond the stats. As someone who’s coached at the youth level, I’ve seen how difficult it is to instill that kind of adaptability. Lebanon’s journey to the finals wasn’t just about talent—it was about mindset. They embraced risk, and it showed in moments like their quarterfinal win over the Philippines, where they shifted to a pressing defense in the last five minutes, forcing three consecutive steals that led to fast-break layups. I remember thinking, "This is what modern basketball should look like." It’s not just about running plays; it’s about reading the game and reacting. Gavina’s insight into having "another option" for pace highlights a broader trend in FIBA basketball, where teams that can alternate between controlled offense and aggressive defense tend to overperform. In Lebanon’s case, this approach helped them secure a spot in the finals for the first time in over a decade, and honestly, I’d argue it sets a blueprint for other emerging teams in the region.
Of course, no journey is without its hurdles. Lebanon faced injuries to key players early in the tournament, including a shoulder issue for center Ali Haidar, which sidelined him for two games. Yet, they adapted—deepening their bench and relying on that point guard stability Gavina mentioned. In the finals, they ultimately fell short against Australia, losing 75-65 in a hard-fought battle, but the fact that they kept it competitive until the final minutes speaks volumes. From my perspective, this run wasn’t just about silverware; it was about establishing a legacy. The team’s 67% win rate in the tournament, compared to 52% in 2021, underscores their growth. Looking ahead, if they maintain this dual identity—execution when needed, pressing when it counts—I’m confident they’ll be a force in upcoming qualifiers. As a fan and analyst, I’m excited to see where this takes them, because in basketball, as in life, the best stories are often about the journey, not just the destination.
