With two wins under its belt in the Qualifiers, Team Lebanon is getting ready to face India as its races to qualify for FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Asia 2021 Cup.
Despite the current tough state of their country and the challenges that came up recently, the Lebanese basketball team’s momentum has not faded as they prepare to retain their winning record in the upcoming windows.
Led by head coach Joe Moujaes, the team boasts a mix of highly-experienced veterans and young talents that have gone through their fair share of competitions and have showcased and honed their skills.
These players have been able to emerge strongly from the unfavorable situation in Lebanon thanks to the past opportunities they had to shine, both in Lebanon and abroad.
“We’re going through some difficult challenges with the stoppage of local competitions for a long time right now, in addition to the other current situations,” 21-year-old professional basketballer Karim Zeinoun told FIBA.
Zeinoun’s performance was remarkable during the first window of the Qualifiers, averaging 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest on 78.6 percent shooting.
“It will be a great motivation for us to do everything we can to proudly represent Lebanon in the upcoming games,” he continued, noting that the current squad of the national team includes “a harmonious mix of experience and youthful players who have proven their worth in more than one occasion.”
“We are able to win the next two games in order to guarantee direct qualification to the Asia Cup [in 2021].”
After emerging victorious from their matches against Iraq and Bahrain last February, the Cedars will take on India next, on February 22nd, 2021, in Manama, Bahrain.