Lebanon NT 2008!

[daniab]

Point Guards:
Ali Mahmoud (182cm-1983)
Ramy Akiki (186cm-1982)
Rony Fahed (182cm-1981)
Anis Feghali (182cm-1985)
Rodrigue Akl (184cm-1988)

Shooting Guards:
Sabah Khoury (196cm-1982)
Omar El Turk (186cm-1981)
Jean Abdelnour (198cm-1983)

Small Forwards:
Fadi El khatib (198cm-1979)
Mazen Mneimneh (195cm-1986)
Jihad El Murr (196cm-1985)
Mohamad Fahes(195cm-1982)

Power Forwards:
Hussein Tawbe(199cm-1982)
Brian Bchara (204cm-1976)
Ali Fakherdine (202 cm-1983)

Centers:
Mohamad Hamdar(202cm-1988)
Ahmad Ozeir (205cm-1979)
Joe Vogel(211cm-1973)
Roy Samaha(206cm-1985)



Average Height:195cm
Average years:25.5 years

Players that might join due for their performance during the league:
Elie Estephan
Ghaleb Rida
Nadim Souaid

-------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lebanese Basketball Federation have signed a partnership agreement with Med Bank for sponsoring the Lebanese National Teams , this agreement has a big title “Partnership for Lebanon “. .

The Federation and Med Bank have announced this partnership in a press conference on Friday March 11th ,2008 at The Headquarters of Med Bank .The press conference was held in the presence of Mr. Bassel Karam (the representative of Med Bank) and The President of the FLB Mr. Pierre Kakhiam the secretary General Mr. Fares El Modawar, the FLB Vice President Mr. Nizar Rawas and the National Teams Manager Mr. Fouad Nehme , among the peoples who attended the press conference are the Men National Team players and its coaching staff.

In the press conference Mr. Kakhia explained that the FLB has a big project to develop the National Teams programs to step to the other level which is to have the stable level on the International scene and why not compete very seriously against China on the first spot in Asia, Lebanon is now ranked 1st in Asia for the past 8 years behind the big China.

On the other hand Mr. Karam from Medbank explained that this partnership will have 1 year validity which will be extended for years to come.

[illmatic88]

The list looks OK.

How has Anis Feghali been performing? He's in 2nd division now correct?
I guess he was basically last year's version of Nadim Souaid.

The 4 and 5 spot are the two positions we obviously have to address. At 35 years old Vogel won't be around for long and I wouldn't bet on the other names to be up to the international competition. Although they're young and I think they can improve, their height is lacking. Roy Samaha is the next tallest player at 6'9.

daniab you mentioned that we have 20 players abroad above 210cm. Are they any good? I think the articles you posted so far regarding the young prospects have been guards and forwards. From the names you mentioned would Rabih Iskandar and Matt Freije be considered the best big men we have outside Lebanon? Although Matt Freije is more of a shooter similar to Brian Bechara and can't really defend the low post. He put up some nice stats at Vanderbilt
http://www.nba.com/draft2004/profiles/MattFreije.html

Hope they can find some new names in time for the Olympic Qualifiers.

[daniab]

Anis Feghali is playing extremely good,he has a potential and he's 23 years only.Last year he was 2nd best lebanese scorer after the tiger El khatib wth 15.3 ppg in the div 1.Surely he cant compete with Ali Mahmoud and Rony fahed and even Ramy akiki,for these reasons,he should be replaced by Nadim Souaid or Ghaleb Rida.
As you said we have a lack in tall players which will effect a lot next year in the asian championship especially against Iran,China and South Korea.
The federation got a list of 80 players,btw them 20 players are above 210cm,i still doing a search about them and hopefully i will post them soon as i can.
Adriano ibrahim is one of them (208cm) but unfortunately he played some friendly game with Brazil NT U18,i dont know if the friendly games are effective.
Regarding the young players,we have 3 tall players (Elie Haber,Jad Moubarak and Rabih iskandar) they should work to improve their skills.
Vincent khoury is PF and one of the best players that will be in the future,he's 16 years and 198 cm,he's not that tall but he can use his body extremely good,he can take shots from long and close range.
The conclusion we need some tall centers,vogel is been aged,brian bchara the same and the rest are not that tall.

[dreamwalker]

As you said we have a lack in tall players which will effect a lot next year in the asian championship especially against Iran,China and South Korea.

Despite our same need of tall centers, don't count out us just yet, my friend, the Philippines still belongs to the elite group of asian basketball playing nations and include Jordan in your shortlist.:D

We both know that the key for both our national teams to succeed (win) is how to defend the shaded lane against taller centers and the perimeter shooters of the opposing teams. We need to live or die on defense, don't you agree ? :D

[dreamwalker]

Short list of probable candidates and their alma maters, replacing some members of Team Philippines of the 2007 FIBA-Asia excluding some new found prospects from Canada and the US, too young to be included just yet for our men's team. You can see the preview of what's ahead for the Philippines in the next FIBA youth asian championships.

Gian Chiu - 208 cms C US-DIVIII - Oberlin College
Japeth Aguilar -205 cms PF US-DIVI - Western Kentucky Univ.
Kelly Williams -200 cms SF US-DIVII - Oakland University
James Yap -190 cms. SG UAAP-PH - University of the East
Gabe Norwood -195 cms. PG US-DIVI - George Mason University

Kerby Raymundo -200 cms SF NCAA-PH - San Juan de Letran
Jason Castro -177 cms PG NCAA-PH - PHilippine Christian Univ.
Samigue Eman -208 cms PF CESAFI-PH - University of Mindanao
Joe Devance -203 cms SF US-DIVI - University of Texas El Paso
Jared Dillinger -195 cms SG US-DIVI - University of Hawaii
Jay Washington 200 cms SG US-DIVII - Eckerd College
Greg Slaughter -210 cms C CESAFI-PH - University of the Visayas
Arwind Santos -193 cms SG UAAP-PH - Far Eastern University
Sonny Thoss -203 cms PF Australia - James Cook University
Ryan Reyes -188 cms PG US-DIVI - Cal State - Fullerton
Nino Canaleta - 195 cms SF UAAP-PH - University of The East
JR Reyes - 203 cms -PF UAAP-PH - University of the Phil.

However, we still feel an urgent need to naturalize a foreigner preferably a 7-foot or more rebounding monster, to be able to compete against the best basketball playing nations of the world.

Just like you my friends, we all need to see basketball beyond Asia. Lebanon, Iran, South Korean and the Philippines, not necessarily in that order needs to belong to the elite group of top 15 basketball nations of the world. China is currently ranked no. 11. We asians need to show the world that our time has come......:D

Jordan will remain a formidable force in asian basketball, but I think Syria is more likely to challenge us in the near future.

[daniab]

Thanks dreamwalker for you participation in the discussion here,we appreciate it.
Honestly i dont think jordan and syria are the more likely to challenge us in the near future for many reasons,lately i dont see any new young players coming up in jordan,maybe malas can clarify this thing if it is true and in syria also.
Iran yea,they are improving!
Anyway we made a new plan for our NTs (men,U19,U17,U15),we should get the players from the lebanese descentry, we as lebanon are so popular in all the world.

[dreamwalker]

Thanks dreamwalker for you participation in the discussion here,we appreciate it.
Honestly i dont think jordan and syria are the more likely to challenge us in the near future for many reasons,lately i dont see any new young players coming up in jordan,maybe malas can clarify this thing if it is true and in syria also.
Iran yea,they are improving!
Anyway we made a new plan for our NTs (men,U19,U17,U15),we should get the players from the lebanese descentry, we as lebanon are so popular in all the world.


I have included Syria for one reason, from what I have heard, Brazilians of syrian descent are reinforcing their team which we all know is a traditional basketball power in latin america until the Argentinians came along. While Jordan, courtesy of Rashiem Wright will still be a force in asian basketball, besides having a good foreign coach and good basketball program like yourselves and Iran. The Philippines for that matter has put into place a long-term basketball program, the only problem is, and sadly mixed by dirty politics.

[daniab]

I have included Syria for one reason, from what I have heard, Brazilians of syrian descent are reinforcing their team which we all know is a traditional basketball power in latin america until the Argentinians came along. While Jordan, courtesy of Rashiem Wright will still be a force in asian basketball, besides having a good foreign coach and good basketball program like yourselves and Iran. The Philippines for that matter has put into place a long-term basketball program, the only problem is, and sadly mixed by dirty politics.
It seems that your situation is close to us,first the tall players :D and second the politics,always lebanon is unlucky in politics!
As for the syrian descent players,just one is good he's andre chweyri.The 2nd eduardo is very normal and honestly he's not good.
Jordan have a good new player,his name is jamal abu shamala and he is playing in the NCAA with Minnesota,and he has a 5 ppg.

[dreamwalker]

It seems that your situation is close to us,first the tall players :D and second the politics,always lebanon is unlucky in politics!
As for the syrian descent players,just one is good he's andre chweyri.The 2nd eduardo is very normal and honestly he's not good.
Jordan have a good new player,his name is jamal abu shamala and he is playing in the NCAA with Minnesota,and he has a 5 ppg.

You made mentioned that least you have 20 players abroad more than 210 cms tall, are they any good ? are they all of Lebanese descent or of full blood ?

[daniab]

You made mentioned that least you have 20 players abroad more than 210 cms tall, are they any good ? are they all of Lebanese descent or of full blood ?

No idea about them!

[daniab]

Our program for this year:

-A training camp in Lebanon for 15 days in the first half of june.
-Participation in Waba championship btw 18 and 21 june.
-Friendly tournament in toronta canada btw 30 june and 6 july.
-Friendly tournament in France btw 8 and 10 july.
-Pre-olympics games in Greece.

[illmatic88]

Is the list of players still the same as the one you posted above? No chance of naturalizing a foreigner or recruiting a Lebanese from abroad such as Barbour?

[daniab]

Is the list of players still the same as the one you posted above? No chance of naturalizing a foreigner or recruiting a Lebanese from abroad such as Barbour?

Dr.Pierre kakhia said that Lebanon NT will not have any new additions as for these things u mentioned bcz it needs time.
But for next year,everything is possible.

[thelebanon]

Our program for this year:

-A training camp in Lebanon for 15 days in the first half of june.
-Participation in Waba championship btw 18 and 21 june.
-Friendly tournament in toronta canada btw 30 june and 6 july.
-Friendly tournament in France btw 8 and 10 july.
-Pre-olympics games in Greece.

do you have more info for abt the friendly tournament in France?

[daniab]

do you have more info for abt the friendly tournament in France?

No idea !:(

[PRSURF]

Matt Freije?:cool: :rolleyes:

[Khalid80]

I heard that after the end of this season, the Lebanese National team will participate in a tournament in Canada where they play the Canadian National Team and a few other teams before heading to Greece to play in the Olympic Qualifiers.
The chances of Lebanon qualifiying to the Olympics are quite low in all honesty since they will be playing Brazil and Greece which are 2 of the best teams in South America and Europe.
I mean Brazil already has 3 players that play in the NBA (Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Nene (Denver Nuggets), Anderson Varejao (Cleveland Caveliars) a few others in the top leagues in Europe (Tiago Splitter, I believe he plays with Barcelona).
Greece has 2 teams that always qualify to the final stages of the Euroleague (Panathinaikos and Olympiakos). They also have a player that played with the Houston Rockets (I think his name is Spaniolis). Greece also defeated the Last Dream Team at the World Championships. Last but not least, they will have home court advantage since the Olympic Qualifiers will be played in Greece.
I really hope that Lebanon can pull of another huge upset like when they beat France (Inshalla ya rab).

[marko]

inchalla but its hard
we had a golden golden chance to win iran and we lost it :(:(:(

[dreamwalker]

I heard that after the end of this season, the Lebanese National team will participate in a tournament in Canada where they play the Canadian National Team and a few other teams before heading to Greece to play in the Olympic Qualifiers.
The chances of Lebanon qualifiying to the Olympics are quite low in all honesty since they will be playing Brazil and Greece which are 2 of the best teams in South America and Europe.
I mean Brazil already has 3 players that play in the NBA (Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Nene (Denver Nuggets), Anderson Varejao (Cleveland Caveliars) a few others in the top leagues in Europe (Tiago Splitter, I believe he plays with Barcelona).Greece has 2 teams that always qualify to the final stages of the Euroleague (Panathinaikos and Olympiakos). They also have a player that played with the Houston Rockets (I think his name is Spaniolis). Greece also defeated the Last Dream Team at the World Championships. Last but not least, they will have home court advantage since the Olympic Qualifiers will be played in Greece.
I really hope that Lebanon can pull of another huge upset like when they beat France (Inshalla ya rab).

I've heard that Nene Hilario, 25, underwent a successful operation and following medical advice, the athlete will rest waiting for news about future operations and treatment, a statment in the media did not say what type of tumor was involved nor where it was on Hilario's body. The decision to operate was taken by the medical team taking care of the case and a conclusive test result might probably take some time and it's quite intriguing though about the future operations and treatment, it must be really serious and I'm hoping not.

But with regards to your team, don't count out Lebanon just yet, who knows, did you ever expected to beat France, many good things still to come better believe it my friend................

My best bet is, if you can add two more good 210 cms players, you can beat Brazil as you did France but not Greece....

What about Matthew Wayne Freije (208 cms at 249 lbs), former Vanderbilt University Commodores mainstay ? And Jamil Matar is he any good ?, I can't find any source for this guy.

Piece of a friendly advice, don't let the intimidating factor of them having NBA and european based players, rely on your skills put that level beyond their own.

BELIEVE LEBANON BELIEVE !!!!

[dreamwalker]

Our program for this year:

-A training camp in Lebanon for 15 days in the first half of june.
-Participation in Waba championship btw 18 and 21 june.
-Friendly tournament in toronta canada btw 30 june and 6 july.
-Friendly tournament in France btw 8 and 10 july.
-Pre-olympics games in Greece.


Do you know where the playing venue is, I want to watch that game and hopefully give you some feedback, I'll be in Toronto area for two weeks, (July 1 to 15, 2008), I'll make my laptop and video camera handy, might even get you the play by play analysis.... I'll let my Lebanese boss worked for me for a change taking the videos and fire him if he won't do as he's told to do.:D

If we both get lucky, might have ourselves some pictures taken with the Lebanese team and have the "Tiger" El Khatib sign an autograph on my shirt, that would be awesome.....;)

[rikhardur]

I've heard that Nene Hilario, 25, underwent a successful operation and following medical advice, the athlete will rest waiting for news about future operations and treatment, a statment in the media did not say what type of tumor was involved nor where it was on Hilario's body. The decision to operate was taken by the medical team taking care of the case and a conclusive test result might probably take some time and it's quite intriguing though about the future operations and treatment, it must be really serious and I'm hoping not.
He had a malignant testicular tumor removed, that was on the news. And the good thing is that he resumed playing, he already played some games with the Nuggets ;)
Back to topic.

[daniab]

And Jamil Matar is he any good ?, I can't find any source for this guy.



Yes me too,i just know his name.The federation is working on the issue and they are taking everything in secret.


Do you know where the playing venue is, I want to watch that game and hopefully give you some feedback, I'll be in Toronto area for two weeks, (July 1 to 15, 2008), I'll make my laptop and video camera handy, might even get you the play by play analysis.... I'll let my Lebanese boss worked for me for a change taking the videos and fire him if he won't do as he's told to do.

If we both get lucky, might have ourselves some pictures taken with the Lebanese team and have the "Tiger" El Khatib sign an autograph on my shirt, that would be awesome.....

Check this (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6801) thread.I dont know anything else.

[dreamwalker]

Yes me too,i just know his name.The federation is working on the issue and they are taking everything in secret.



Check this (http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=6801) thread.I dont know anything else.

Thanks, I know where it is now and buy tickets online.

[Khalid80]

But with regards to your team, don't count out Lebanon just yet, who knows, did you ever expected to beat France, many good things still to come better believe it my friend................

My best bet is, if you can add two more good 210 cms players, you can beat Brazil as you did France but not Greece....


Piece of a friendly advice, don't let the intimidating factor of them having NBA and european based players, rely on your skills put that level beyond their own.

BELIEVE LEBANON BELIEVE !!!!
Yo Dreamwalker!
I always believe in Lebanon's National Team but there are some issues that should be highlighted.
I personally don't think that Lebanon can beat France if they were to play again and here's why:
1) Tony Parker was not playing with the French Team.
2) I think that the French team didn't take the Lebanese team seriously.
3) A lot of their players have improved over the past few years (Borris Diaw (Phoenix Suns) was voted as the most improved player in the NBA. I believe that was last year. Another player by the name of Rony Turiaf (L.A Lakers) is getting more playing time and he is becoming part of their rotation from the bench).
4) Don't forget that Parker, Diaw and Turiaf all are gaining NBA playoff experience since all their teams have been consistently making it to the playoffs over the last few years.
5) I believe that the French team played one of their worst games in the World Championships against Lebanon (Personal Opinion)
As for beating Brazil and Greece I can only hope that they have an off-night and Lebanon National team plays the best basketball ever.

[dreamwalker]

Yo Dreamwalker!
I always believe in Lebanon's National Team but there are some issues that should be highlighted.
I personally don't think that Lebanon can beat France if they were to play again and here's why:
1) Tony Parker was not playing with the French Team.
2) I think that the French team didn't take the Lebanese team seriously.
3) A lot of their players have improved over the past few years (Borris Diaw (Phoenix Suns) was voted as the most improved player in the NBA. I believe that was last year. Another player by the name of Rony Turiaf (L.A Lakers) is getting more playing time and he is becoming part of their rotation from the bench).
4) Don't forget that Parker, Diaw and Turiaf all are gaining NBA playoff experience since all their teams have been consistently making it to the playoffs over the last few years.
5) I believe that the French team played one of their worst games in the World Championships against Lebanon (Personal Opinion)
As for beating Brazil and Greece I can only hope that they have an off-night and Lebanon National team plays the best basketball ever.

True, the probability of beating France twice is quite remote but a win is a win. Team USA made up of NBA superstars thought they were still the best team in the world and did received a rude awakening from other national teams. A case of over confidence ? probably so, but for me, they didn't just played well as a team. I am not saying Lebanon can beat USA what I am saying is that Lebanon is capable of beating Brazil but not Greece. Add two or more good 210 cms. guys and you'll have a better chance with Greece, just keep the game close (scores) and wait for crunch time and do your thing.

Correct me if I am wrong, Lebanon do have players playing professionally in Europe, are all NBA players, not the usual superstars, really much better than their european counterparts ? I don't really think so.:rolleyes: Remember, the new tall Lebanon is a much better team than before.

Just take note, I'm a big fan of the "Tiger" not the american golfer but of Fadi El Khatib, that is why I like Team Lebanon, outside Canada and the Philippines. :D

[daniab]

I agree that not everyday we can win a team such France,but a win is a win and i believe that our team were playing with big heart,i remember fadi el khatib scoring 29 pts vs boris diaw,Rony fahed scoring an unbelievable 3pts and same thing for Joe Vogel.
Our chances are quite low in the coming qualifiying tournament since we are in the same group with 2 great teams Greece and Brazil,so i dont know we have nothing to loose.Its pitty that our NT didnt start their practices yet :(

Go Lebanonnnnnnnnnnnnnn!

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6822/n5643079071288538114sn6.jpg

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/1785/542860firstimageimgthumht3.jpg

http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/4237/lib05josephvogelocn3.jpg

[dreamwalker]

He had a malignant testicular tumor removed, that was on the news. And the good thing is that he resumed playing, he already played some games with the Nuggets ;)
Back to topic.

And what I've heard was that Anderson Varejao is being ruled out to play for Brazil because of his injury is not recovering quickly from the ankle and quadriceps injuries he picked up while playing for Cleveland in the NBA play-offs and will miss this summer’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens. Varejao, also missed last year’s FIBA Americas Championship because of his contract dispute with the Cavaliers and has been told by Cleveland doctors not to play in Greece. There are also injury concerns around Leandro Barbosa while it is still unclear if Nene, the Denver Nuggets center, will play for Brazil.

With 3 players possibly out, Lebanon can hope for an upset win.

[zouz]

And what I've heard was that Anderson Varejao is being ruled out to play for Brazil because of his injury is not recovering quickly from the ankle and quadriceps injuries he picked up while playing for Cleveland in the NBA play-offs and will miss this summer’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens. Varejao, also missed last year’s FIBA Americas Championship because of his contract dispute with the Cavaliers and has been told by Cleveland doctors not to play in Greece. There are also injury concerns around Leandro Barbosa while it is still unclear if Nene, the Denver Nuggets center, will play for Brazil.

With 3 players possibly out, Lebanon can hope for an upset win.
wow good news...machado is left:p

[daniab]

Dr Pierre kakhia the president of the lebanese federation talking about the NT:

-We've asked the asian federation to host the asian championship next year,
-Lebanon in general was facing hard time last weeks and we couldnt start NT's preparation,we will participate this summer in many tournament in Canada,France,and finally at King abdullah.(Jordan)
-We could sign 3 contracts with 3 banks to support the NT (Med Bank,Imarat airplanes and imarat Bank)
-We have reached the Level A since we are ranked 23 in the fiba ranking and we hope that the situation will help to continue the good results.

[daniab]

BRA – Anderson Varejao ruled out for Brazil because of injury
RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) - Brazil big man Anderson Varejao is not recovering quickly from the ankle and quadriceps injuries he picked up while playing for Cleveland in the NBA play-offs and will miss this summer’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.

Varejao, who also missed last year’s FIBA Americas Championship because of his contract dispute with the Cavaliers, has been told by Cleveland doctors not to play in Greece.

“I’m shocked by the news,” he said. “I thought I was better and focused on recovering.

“It’s frustrating because it’s a very important moment for the national team. It’s important for me, too, as I have always been proud of defending my country.”

Anderson said he has already broken the news to his national team coach, Moncho Monsalve.

“I thanked Moncho for having named me and I wished him luck in this challenge. We really need this Olympic berth.”

Brazil are hoping to play at an Olympic Games for the first time in 12 years.

They are in Group A of the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens with hosts Greece and Lebanon.

Only three places are up for grabs for Beijing at the event.

There are also injury concerns around Leandro Barbosa while it is still unclear if Nene, the Denver Nuggets center, will play.

He underwent an operation earlier this year for testicular cancer.

I think without Varejao and Nene,we have some chances to win.I dont know,let us hope.
Does anyone know if Barbosa will play or not ??

[PRSURF]

I think without Varejao and Nene,we have some chances to win.I dont know,let us hope.
Does anyone know if Barbosa will play or not ??They play better without Varejao, Nene and Barbosa. :rolleyes:

[interxavierxxx]

They play better without Varejao, Nene and Barbosa. :rolleyes:

They still have Machado and Splitter. The former can hit consistent 3s, that's what's scary about this team. They also have a Ren-Ren Ritualo of their own with the addition of a versatile Tiago Splitter who can rebound, perimeter shoot, and post up.

[PRSURF]

They still have Machado and Splitter. The former can hit consistent 3s, that's what's scary about this team. They also have a Ren-Ren Ritualo of their own with the addition of a versatile Tiago Splitter who can rebound, perimeter shoot, and post up.They have other great role players like Murilo Becker, Alex Garcia, Valtinho(very fast guy PG), Batista, Giovannoni, Vinicius and the other younger guys.

[daniab]

They play better without Varejao, Nene and Barbosa. :rolleyes:

I feel good now lol :D thanks man

[Khalid80]

Nene has successfully recovered from his operation and he was cleared to play with the Nuggets toward the end of the season but i don't know if he will decide to play with the national team or not.
Nene and Varejao provide alot of power for Brazil especially under the basket so this good news.
I think the key player is Barbosa. He is one the quickest point guards in the NBA (along with Chris Paul and Baron Davis before he got injured) and he's a great shooter especially from the 3 point line, so if he won't play then this is great news.
Brazil though still has many weapons and it's true that even without these 3 great NBA players they still are a very dangerous team that needs to be taken seriously.

[daniab]

Our National team will start their practices tomorrow.

[daniab]

Lebanon's roster for the camp:

PG:
Rony Fahed (182cm-81)
Ali Mahmoud (182cm-84)
Ramy Akiki (186cm-84)

And Rodrigue Akl (186cm-88) not sure

SG:
Omar El turk (186cm-81)
Jean Abdelnour (198cm-84)
Sabah khoury (198cm-84)

SF:
Jihad Murr (198cm-85)
Mazen mneimneh (195cm-86)
Fadi el khatib (198cm-79)
Brian Bchara (204cm-77)

PF:
Ali Fakhreddine (202cm-83)
Hussein tawbe (199cm-83)
Roy Samaha (205cm-85)

C:
Joe Vogel (212cm-73)
Ahmad ozeir (205cm-79)


Average height: 199cm/6'6"

[nnt01]

Any new news about bringing players of Lebanese descent to the national team? Is it still possible for them to join before the qualification tournament?

As always we try to do everything in the nick of time! :S

[Khalid80]

Why is Roy Samaha listed as a PF?
I have always considered as the best center pure Lebanese center. Ali Fakhreddine can play as a PF since he doesn't have such a big body and he's quick as well.
I don't think there's enough time left to bring players of Lebanese descent to the national team for this years pre-Olympics and u can't risk to find out whether they would directly fit into the system of the team.

[mvblair]

As always we try to do everything in the nick of time! :S And that's always a mistake. It's like what the US was doing 5 or 6 years ago. Lebanon has some great stars and could fix a good team around them if they took the time to find the best available players. Still, they should bring a strong team.

[daniab]

Why is Roy Samaha listed as a PF?
I have always considered as the best center pure Lebanese center. Ali Fakhreddine can play as a PF since he doesn't have such a big body and he's quick as well.
I don't think there's enough time left to bring players of Lebanese descent to the national team for this years pre-Olympics and u can't risk to find out whether they would directly fit into the system of the team.

Hey Khalid
I prefer to see Roy Samaha as a PF since he will be undersized as a center.You cant compete with international teams using a 206 cm as a center. If he plays as a PF next to Vogel,then we will have a good size under the basket.
and unfortunately Ali Fakhreddine is listed as a substitute player in his local team so how could we use him as a starter in the NT ??

[daniab]

source www.flbb.com

A Partnership for Lebanon

After signing a sponsorship deal with Med Bank ,The Lebanese Basketball Federation have signed a partnership agreement with Fly Emirates to sponsor the Lebanese Men National Team , this agreement has a big title “Partnership for Lebanon “. .

The Federation and Fly Emirates have announced this partnership in a press conference on Friday June 13th ,2008 at restaurant Canyon .The press conference was held in the presence of Miss. Tamador Kouatly the Regional Manager of Fly Emirates) and The President of the FLB Mr. Pierre Kakhiam the secretary General Mr. Fares El Modawar, and FLB board members the National Team Coaching staff together with a big number of reporters.

In the beginning of the press conference Mr. Modawar welcomed everybody and had a word in which he stated about the past and previous projects of the FLB , Miss Kouatly from Fly Emirates mentioned that Fly Emirates is always sponsoring sports events and their interest in sponsoring the Lebanese National Team is due to the big success this team had for the past years..

In the end Mr. Kakhia had the last word in which he thanked Mr. Boutros Boutros for his big role in finalizing the sponsorship deal and he mentioned that all the sponsors are interested in sponsoring the Lebanese basketball due to the big success this game is accumulating year after year.

[daniab]

Tune in to New TV tomorrow sunday at 9.30 am for a special episode about Lebanon NT.

[nnt01]

Tune in to New TV tomorrow sunday at 9.30 am for a special episode about Lebanon NT.

I missed the episode...Can you please fill us up with the most important things said? and what was ur opinion from what you saw and heard?

[daniab]

I missed the episode...Can you please fill us up with the most important things said? and what was ur opinion from what you saw and heard?

ok sure.

-Theres no time to bring the lebanese abroad since we were late in ending the league and starting the preparation of our NT.

-Fadi el khatib was the guest and he said :

The team will win Waba cup next week hopefully,we didnt get a real time to prepare but we will try to represent Lebanon in best way.
As we won France and Venuzuela,we will try to win a game and qualify to the next round,theres no impossible.
About riyadi,he said that a little problem happened btw him and the coach fouad abou chakra but everything is solved now. He said,for 5 months i didnt play with any team so my weight was 116 kg and i get too slow but now he reduces his weight to 107 kg and he will back better and faster as always.

[nnt01]

ok sure.

-Theres no time to bring the lebanese abroad since we were late in ending the league and starting the preparation of our NT.

-Fadi el khatib was the guest and he said :

The team will win Waba cup next week hopefully,we didnt get a real time to prepare but we will try to represent Lebanon in best way.
As we won France and Venuzuela,we will try to win a game and qualify to the next round,theres no impossible.
About riyadi,he said that a little problem happened btw him and the coach fouad abou chakra but everything is solved now. He said,for 5 months i didnt play with any team so my weight was 116 kg and i get too slow but now he reduces his weight to 107 kg and he will back better and faster as always.

Thanks Dani..

[daniab]

According to Block shot,the weekly basketball magazine.
The federation is negotiating with Antwain barbour(196-G-84) to play with us in the Pre-Qualifier tournament.The plan is to get back his lebanese passport and let him play with the NT.

[daniab]

Leb NT final roster :

-Rodrigue Akl (185-PG-88)
-Rony Fahed (182-PG-81)
-Ali Mahmoud (182-PG-83)
-Jean Abdelnour (198-SG-84)
-Mazen Mneimneh (195-SF-87)
-Fadi el khatib (198-SF-79)
-Sabah khoury (198-SG-84)
-Joe vogel (211-C-75)
-Brian Bchara (204-F-77)
-Ali Fakhreddine (203-F-83)
-Hussein Tawbe (199-F-82)
-Roy Samaha (206-C-85)

In the NT :Omar Turk out , Mazen in ! :D
In the local team : Omar in ,Mazen out :confused:

If Mazen is better than Omar and i'm sure that Mazen is better then why Mazen is the substitute of Omar in the league with riyadi and what is confusing me is that Fouad abou chakra is the NT's coach and Riyadi's coach !!!

[marko]

really big loooool but i think this is our best roster

but we must work on barbour so we have a better chance in july

i really think 2 of our teams can win the waba this week :D:D

ali
fady
brian
roy
joe

or

rony
saba7
jean
ali
tawbeh


and mazen sub in first team and rod in second lool :D:d

best of luck tomorow against our neighbors syria

oh also i notice only the final 4 teams have players in the NT

6 riyadi
2 sagesse
2 mutahed
2 BS

[daniab]

oh also i notice only the final 4 teams have players in the NT

6 riyadi
2 sagesse
2 mutahed
2 BS

Yep but Mazen,Ali F and Hussein tawbe are going to leave Riyadi :D
Mark my words,especially Ali F and Mazen cz they refused to renew their contracts !
I think Elie Estephan should be in the NT instead of Mazen not bcz elie is better bcz elie is playing enough time in the league while mazen isnt.

[marko]

agreed

[daniab]

After winning Waba Cup,our NT arrrived to Lebanon for a 1 week rest before leaving to Canada this saturday where they will participate in a friendly tournament joining (Canada and New Zealand)
Omar Turk (186-G-81) recovered from his injury and he will re-join the National team in his travel.

[eagleaqua]

Can you tell the date and the time of the 2 games, will they be broadcasted?
will antwain barbour join the Nt in the 2 games, or only in the pre-olympics,
Can you tell thae names of the players that are living abroad that may join the NT in the pre olympics.
bye

[daniab]

Secretary-general of the Lebanese Basketball Federation Faris Mdawar and national teams director Fuad al-Nima, team coach Fouad Abu Shaqra and the Captain Fadi Al-Khatib will hold a press conference,tomorrow at three o'clock ,at the Demirjian Center to talk about the preparations of the lebanese NT and the participation in the international friendlies in preparation for the upcoming pre-Olympics.

Source: all the newspapers.



Can you tell the date and the time of the 2 games, will they be broadcasted?

Game 1: (July 14th)
Greece - Lebanon

Game 2: (July 15th)
Lebanon - Brazil

maybe on LBC.

[daniab]

The Lebanese roster to Canada :

-Rodrigue Akl (185-PG-88)
-Rony Fahed (182-PG-81)
-Ali Mahmoud (182-PG-83)
-Jean Abdelnour (198-SG-84)
-Mazen Mneimneh (195-SF-87)
-Fadi el khatib (198-SF-79)
-Sabah khoury (198-SG-84)
-Ali Fakhreddine (203-F-83)
-Hussein Tawbe (199-F-82)
-Bassem Balaa (200-F-80)
-Roy Samaha (206-C-85)
-Omar el turk (186-G-81)

Joe Vogel and Brian Bshara will re join our NT after the end of the tournament in canada.

[Khalid80]

I noticed that when the national team went to visit our president, Joe Vogel was not there so I thought that he might have some problems with the team.

Does anyone know why Joe Vogel and Brian Bshara will re join our NT after the end of the tournament in Canada?

I think that during this time (2 weeks before the start of the pre-Olympics) the whole national team needs to be together to improve their team play and team chemistry and for both Vogel and Bshara not to play in the friendly tournament in Canada is bad news.

[daniab]

I noticed that when the national team went to visit our president, Joe Vogel was not there so I thought that he might have some problems with the team.

Does anyone know why Joe Vogel and Brian Bshara will re join our NT after the end of the tournament in Canada?

I think that during this time (2 weeks before the start of the pre-Olympics) the whole national team needs to be together to improve their team play and team chemistry and for both Vogel and Bshara not to play in the friendly tournament in Canada is bad news.

Well yea,too bad for our NT especially that u can consider bshara and vogel as the tallest players in the NT,i was hoping to see the twins tabet with the NT.
im sure they can help a lot since they are 206 cm and in our team theres no above 206 except vogel.

[nnt01]

Only Brian will join us in France. Vogel has already joined the team in Canada.

Anyway, Lebanon lost its first game against Canada 89-67.

Fadi El-Khatib was the best scorer for Lebanon with 20 points. The Canadians with help of Dalembert were in clear control of the rebounding with a total of 41-28 rebounds for Canada.

Source: http://www.basketball.ca/en/hm/inside.php?sid=1&id=2159

[daniab]

A raucous crowd of 1200 fans (including a particularly enthusiastic Lebanese contingent) took in the match within the cozy confines of McMaster University’s Burridge Gym.

This is the best part,Long Live Lebanon!

[nnt01]

This is our boxscore of our game against Canada. Our referee Marwan Egho was also one of the referees in the game.

[eagleaqua]

I think that with the current NT we are not capable of doing anything against brazil and greece, I think that if the team performance stayed like this we are going to lose by more than 20 pts in every match,

It appears that the coming of any abroad player such as barbour is a just a dream that won't come true in the upcoming days.

[daniab]

I think that with the current NT we are not capable of doing anything against brazil and greece, I think that if the team performance stayed like this we are going to lose by more than 20 pts in every match,

It appears that the coming of any abroad player such as barbour is a just a dream that won't come true in the upcoming days.

this thread is not to discuss the NT's situation,please guys stick to topic and let ur posts reflect to the title. [above post moved]
The NT isn't ready yet,we are not happy,but we still hoping to fix the mistakes before the Pre-olympics.
Thanks for ur understanding.

[Khalid80]

Do u guys know when the final roster of the National Team will be announced? Is it after the tournament in Canada or after the one in France. There are 3 players that are currently fighting for the last position on the team (Bassem Balaa, Hussein Tawbe, and Omar El Turk depending on if he fully recovers from his injury).
As for the players on the National Team and their current performance, I do agree and think that we should give them a chance for now and then judge them after the pre-Olympics.

[JGX]

New Zealand 84 Lebanon 71

http://live.sportingpulse.com/matches/15/00/05/25/12R8P2XTdhpcU/

[Khalid80]

The Lebanese Team played without Joe Vogel.
I read in the newspaper yesterday that he originally was not supposed to go to Canada because he had a slight back injury and he was in the States to recover.

[thelebanon]

jazzera sport will broadcoast the olympic qualifier games??

[nnt01]

Al-Balad newspaper today said that the probability of Vogel being out of the official roster for the Qualifying Games to the Olympics is very high and up to 90%.

Vogel underwent yesterday an MRI, and the physio Khalil Nassar said that Vogel's condition is very serious and difficult and they'll be waiting for the official Medical Report.

[daniab]

we are in trouble without vogel and brian !!!

Rony fahed best scorer in the game wz 24pts in 34 min
Fadi el Khatib only 6 pts in 19 min

Lebanon made 25 turnovers
20 rebounds

Our team is being very undersized without any real and tall center !

[karim]

well brian should be back ....but if vogel does not come he might see it is not worth it to come since leb will lose anyway ....cant leb naturalize a center now ? vogel is old anyway ........

[Khalid80]

I honestly believe that the Lebanese team should just try their best but they should start putting all their efforts from now on the Asian Championships since winning any games in the pre-olympics is almost impossible.

[daniab]

Vogel to miss Olympic Qualifying Tournament

by Eurobasket News - Jul 8, 2008
Lebanese star will not be able to help his team in Athens FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Joe Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) was injured in Toronto during the first game of the Jack Donohue tournament against Canada and didn't participate in the remaining games. Joe Vogel signed 5-years contract with Champville in 2003. He played the whole season with the team averaging 14.
Lebanese star will not be able to help his team in Athens FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Joe Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) was injured in Toronto during the first game of the Jack Donohue tournament against Canada and didn't participate in the remaining games.
Joe Vogel signed 5-years contract with Champville in 2003. He played the whole season with the team averaging 14.8ppg and 10rpg. In 2004-2005 he moved to Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut and remains there until now. In his first season Joe Vogel played 24 games and had 18.5ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.4apg. He was the best blocker making 2.6 blocks per game.
In 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 he averaged 15.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 0.6spg, 1.9bpg. The last season saw Joe Vogel improving his stats as he spent 22 games averaging 17.0ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.9apg.
Joe Vogel latest achievemnets were the winner of WABA Club Championships this year and Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 2nd Team.
Lebanon will head on Monday to Paris to continue its preparations with games against Cameron and Cape Verde before heading to Athens on the 12th for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.The Lebanese National Team will be joined in Paris by Brian Feghali, the team's second scorer and overall player.


Lebanon Leaves Canada, Heads To France

Date: Jul 7, 2008


The Lebanese national team left Canada the afternoon of July 7, 2008, heading toward Paris, France, where it will join Cameroon and Cape Verde for a tournament.

In Canada, Lebanon suffered three losses in the Jack Donahue Classic basketball tournament: two against Canada and one against New Zealand. The results came as follows:

Canada 89-67 Lebanon

New Zealand 84-71 Lebanon

Lebanon 68-100 Canada

The Lebanese squad will stay in France until the 12th of July, after which it will travel to Athens, Greece for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament.

Source : www.pma-basketball.com

[nnt01]

LIB - Lebanon will miss Joe Vogel in Athens

BEIRUT (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) Lebanon will have to continue its preparation for the Athens FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament without its star Joseph Vogel.

Vogel was injured in Toronto during the first game of the Jack Donohue tournament against Canada and didn't participate in the remaining games.

That reduced Lebanon's chances to continue the good results on the international scene which started in 2006 by beating Canada in the ALPOS Cup in Slovenia.

In the second game of the Tournament, despite the absence of Vogel, Lebanon dominated New Zealand throughout the first 3 quarters through the great effort of Rony Fhaed, but in the fourth quarter Rony had to be rested due to foul problems.

The team's start Fadi El Khatib who is suffering from an injury in his hand didn't had enough power to secure Lebanon's first win in Canada which gave the New Zealanders their first win of the tournament (84-71).

Lebanon's last game against Canada was the worst game for the injury plagued Asian powerhouse and they suffered a big loss with the fiinal score of 100-68.

Lebanon will head on Monday to Paris to continue its preparations with games against Cameron and Cape Verde before heading to Athens on the 12th for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The Lebanese National Team will be joined in Paris by Brian Feghali, the team's second scorer and overall player.

In the absence of Joe Vogel for the first time since 2001, Lebanon will try to adapt quickly to the new situation hoping to achieve better results in Paris and Athens.

Source: http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/26403/arti.html

[daniab]

The friendly games in France:

Wednesday: Cape Verde x Stars Africa (six p.m. Beirut time)
Thursday: Lebanon x Cape Verde (five p.m. Beirut time)
Friday: Lebanon x Stars Africa (five p.m. Beirut time)

I wish a good luck even i think our team is not in his best days.

[nnt01]

I think Cape Verde won their first game 107-73..that is if I understood the translation correctly.:D

Maybe someone who understands Portuguese can help us here!

According to a previous article on the same website, the 4th team is a collection of African players who play in France.

Original Source: http://liberal.sapo.cv/noticia.asp?idEdicao=64&id=19352&idSeccao=519&Action=noticia

Source Translated:
http://translate.google.de/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fliberal.sapo.cv%2Fnoticia .asp%3FidEdicao%3D64%26id%3D19352%26idSeccao%3D519 %26Action%3Dnoticia&hl=de&ie=UTF8&sl=pt&tl=en

[rikhardur]

Yes, they won :)

[nnt01]

Lebanon lost against Cape Verde 90-88

According to the website, Cape Verde was ahead during all the game and dominated from the 3 pts line, but Lebanon managed to narrow the gap in the last quarter.

Original Source: http://liberal.sapo.cv/noticia.asp?idEdicao=64&id=19372&idSeccao=519&Action=noticia

Translated source: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fliberal.sapo.cv%2Fnoticia .asp%3FidEdicao%3D64%26id%3D19372%26idSeccao%3D519 %26Action%3Dnoticia&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=pt&tl=en

UPDATE:

First 3 quarters ended (23-18) / (39-36) / (62-60) for Cape Verde. Lebanon was trailing by 10 points in the last 2 minutes and then was able to even the scores up to 88-88, but Cape Verde scored the winning basket 23 seconds before the end of the match. Cape Verde was able to score 18 3pts, averaging 47%!!

Best Scorers for Lebanon: Khatib 35 pts, Beshara 16 pts, Ali and Rony 15 pts each.

Source: Al-Balad Newspaper

[Khalid80]

Lebanon should have won the game even without Vogel. At least a win would have lifted the players morale. I hope that the Lebanese team will be mentally prepared cuz if they believe that they won't win any games without Vogel then they probably won't.

[daniab]

Lebanon should have won the game even without Vogel. At least a win would have lifted the players morale. I hope that the Lebanese team will be mentally prepared cuz if they believe that they won't win any games without Vogel then they probably won't.

Well,my friend who attended the game yesterday told me that Cap Verde have some tall players which allowed them to dominate the rebound O/D while Roy samaha is not being able to play as a Center bcz hes only 205.
I'm expecting all this stuff,and all these losses without a center in waiting to see the solutions for next year.
The positive thing is the nice come back from El khatib and brian bchara and ali mahmoud,these three were the best.
Good luck for our team.

[daniab]

Lebanon's games will be broadcasted on Jazeera and maybe LBC.
The first game is monday at 10 pm vs Greece

[nnt01]

Group A: Greece, Lebanon, Brazil
The Greek national program has enjoyed a resurgence since winning EuroBasket in 2005 and silver at the World Championships in 2006. A fourth-place finish at last year’s EuroBasket relegated the Greeks to the qualifier but they should easily advance to the knockout round. They boast three talented guards in Vassilis Spanoulis, Dimitris Diamantidis and Theodoros Papaloukas and the home court advantage factor shouldn’t be discounted.

Brazil is the other choice to emerge from Group A as it pursues its first Olympic berth since Atlanta in 1996. But while Brazil should move on to the quarter-finals, the absence of three key players doesn’t guarantee the team much after that. Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, who led the FIBA Americas tournament in scoring last year, has pulled out with a knee injury while Nene of the Denver Nuggets, and Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers also won’t be playing.

Lebanon, winners of silver at the 2007 FIBA Asia tournament, will be hard-pressed to emerge from this group and advance to their first Olympic basketball tournament. Many of the same players were on the roster when Lebanon upset France at the 2006 Worlds, so they can’t be taken too lightly.


http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/basketball/story/2008/07/12/feature-basketball-qualifier.html

[daniab]

Are uuuuuu ready guys ? :D
Today at 10 pm,our NT will play against Greece where 18000k fans is going to watch the game,300 btw them are lebanese :o

[Khalid80]

Lebanon's games will be broadcasted on Jazeera and maybe LBC.
The first game is monday at 10 pm vs Greece

I hope LBC shows the game. I prefer listening to Ghayath than to the guys from Jazeera :) (even though Jazeera has one commentator from Qatar who used to coach the Qatari National Team and his basketball knowledge is great).
If LBC doesn't show the game do u guys know which Jazeera Sports channel will show the game (There are like 4 Jazeera Sport Channels)?

[daniab]

I hope LBC shows the game. I prefer listening to Ghayath than to the guys from Jazeera :) (even though Jazeera has one commentator from Qatar who used to coach the Qatari National Team and his basketball knowledge is great).
If LBC doesn't show the game do u guys know which Jazeera Sports channel will show the game (There are like 4 Jazeera Sport Channels)?
LBC will not show Lebanon's game (What a shame,they are busy in preparing for Star Academy 2015 :D )
Jazeera 2 will broadcast Korea's game today at 3.30 pm and lebanon's game at 10 pm.I just call the dish,he puts that channel

[marc333]

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) – Fadi El Khatib will this week attempt to lead Lebanon into the Beijing Games.

And thankfully, there is no political uncertainty back home, thus allowing the players to focus on the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

El Khatib gave this interview 24 hours before the start of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Fadi, is life in Lebanon getting back to normal?

El Khatib: “Now we have a president, a couple of days ago a government was formed and there are no problems anymore. For two or three months, life has been back to normal; people are going to their jobs without feeling any fear, they are having fun or going to the beach with nothing to worry about. The fact that we now have a government has been the actual solution. Everybody in Lebanon sees now the future with an optimistic view.”

Did the unsettled situation before cause trouble for the team’s preparations?

El Khatib: In previous years, every time we traveled to participate in any international competition, we knew that we had left big problems behind us at home. In 2006, during Japan’s FIBA World Championship, there was a war taking place in our country. It has always been so; we were traveling and things back home weren’t good. But, that’s not the case anymore. Now, we are calm, because we know that our families and friends are secure. It’s the first time we don’t feel any kind of pressure or insecurity.

What is the situation with your team right now?

El Khatib: In Canada, where we played some friendly games, we unfortunately lost one of our most important players, Joseph Vogel. His absence costs us a lot as he is 2.10m. After him, the tallest player is only 2.05. As a result, we will be facing a significant draw back under the basket, but we are still willing to give our best.

What do you think about your opening game against Greece?

El Khatib: We know that against the Greek National Team we really don’t have the slightest possibility of winning. Greece is an excellent team and furthermore will be competing and enjoying the support of the home crowd. They are determined to qualify for the Olympic Games and they wouldn’t allow themselves lose at the beginning. Nevertheless, we will try as hard as it gets and see what happens.

Do you believe that you can beat Brazil?

El Khatib: If we had Vogel with us, I would say that we would have a 50% to beat Brazil. Without him, though, things have become a lot harder. However, we tend to play well against good teams and I hope that the same will happen against Brazil.

source: http://www.athens2008.fiba.com

Fadi could have been a bit more optimistic I think, even though it's hard..good luck to lebanon anyway!

[nnt01]

Fadi could have been a bit more optimistic I think, even though it's hard..good luck to lebanon anyway!
Giving the other teams a little bit extra-confidence can turn to be to our benefit ;)

[nnt01]

This is an interview done from FIBA with 2 Greece Players "Papaloukas & Glyndiakis"..Can someone watch it and tell me what they said about their first game...i would do that..but video streaming is blocked here at work! :D

Interview: http://www.athens2008.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/08/olymQual/men/vide/inte/p/newsid/26565/vide.html

[Khalid80]

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) – Fadi El Khatib will this week attempt to lead Lebanon into the Beijing Games.

And thankfully, there is no political uncertainty back home, thus allowing the players to focus on the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

El Khatib gave this interview 24 hours before the start of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Fadi, is life in Lebanon getting back to normal?

El Khatib: “Now we have a president, a couple of days ago a government was formed and there are no problems anymore. For two or three months, life has been back to normal; people are going to their jobs without feeling any fear, they are having fun or going to the beach with nothing to worry about. The fact that we now have a government has been the actual solution. Everybody in Lebanon sees now the future with an optimistic view.”

Did the unsettled situation before cause trouble for the team’s preparations?

El Khatib: In previous years, every time we traveled to participate in any international competition, we knew that we had left big problems behind us at home. In 2006, during Japan’s FIBA World Championship, there was a war taking place in our country. It has always been so; we were traveling and things back home weren’t good. But, that’s not the case anymore. Now, we are calm, because we know that our families and friends are secure. It’s the first time we don’t feel any kind of pressure or insecurity.

What is the situation with your team right now?

El Khatib: In Canada, where we played some friendly games, we unfortunately lost one of our most important players, Joseph Vogel. His absence costs us a lot as he is 2.10m. After him, the tallest player is only 2.05. As a result, we will be facing a significant draw back under the basket, but we are still willing to give our best.

What do you think about your opening game against Greece?

El Khatib: We know that against the Greek National Team we really don’t have the slightest possibility of winning. Greece is an excellent team and furthermore will be competing and enjoying the support of the home crowd. They are determined to qualify for the Olympic Games and they wouldn’t allow themselves lose at the beginning. Nevertheless, we will try as hard as it gets and see what happens.

Do you believe that you can beat Brazil?

El Khatib: If we had Vogel with us, I would say that we would have a 50% to beat Brazil. Without him, though, things have become a lot harder. However, we tend to play well against good teams and I hope that the same will happen against Brazil.

source: http://www.athens2008.fiba.com

Fadi could have been a bit more optimistic I think, even though it's hard..good luck to lebanon anyway!

Fadi is actually realistic. He knows that Lebanon is placed in the most difficult group out of all and that even with Vogel Lebanon's chances to qualifying were quite low.

[rikhardur]

What's the matter with Fadi? 3 pts vs Brazil? Is he disheartned or something?

[daniab]

What's the matter with Fadi? 3 pts vs Brazil? Is he disheartned or something?

good question.
i have no answer for this,Fadi and all the players seem to be not in their top format,the injury of Vogel made a major role.The players were shocked,one of the most important players get injured and before what ? 2 games against 2 great teams.
Shit happens!

[nnt01]

What's the matter with Fadi? 3 pts vs Brazil? Is he disheartned or something?

According to Assafir newspaper today, Fouad Abu Chakra will start a new phase and will remove 7 players from the squad starting from El-Khatib and Beshara

[Khalid80]

According to Assafir newspaper today, Fouad Abu Chakra will start a new phase and will remove 7 players from the squad starting from El-Khatib and Beshara

Best decision made.
I was really upset yesterday with the Lebanese team especially Khatib, Bshara, and Roy Samaha. The guys were playing as if the game was a practice session. They weren't fighting for any rebounds and seemed likr they didn't care.
Khatib supposedly had a slight injury to his back cuz he sat out the second half and had ice placed on his back (I personally think he is exaggerating so no one will blame him for the loss). While Fadi was on the bench he was smiling and joking with his team mates. Samaha and Bshara were sitting on the bench with one leg crossed over the other as if they were sitting in a salon or on a night out.
I can understand that everyone was expecting them to lose but at least act like professionals!
Rony Fahed, in my opinion, was the best player on the Lebanese team for the 2 games that were played against Greece and Brazil. Hussein Tawbe played hard as did Sabah Khoury, Ali Mahmoud, and Omar El Turk. Even Mazen with the 5 or 6 minutes that he played at the end of the game gave a nice effort.

[daniab]

According to Assafir newspaper today, Fouad Abu Chakra will start a new phase and will remove 7 players from the squad starting from El-Khatib and Beshara

Coach Fouad will stay ? :o

[nnt01]

Best decision made.
I was really upset yesterday with the Lebanese team especially Khatib, Bshara, and Roy Samaha. The guys were playing as if the game was a practice session. They weren't fighting for any rebounds and seemed likr they didn't care.
Khatib supposedly had a slight injury to his back cuz he sat out the second half and had ice placed on his back (I personally think he is exaggerating so no one will blame him for the loss). While Fadi was on the bench he was smiling and joking with his team mates. Samaha and Bshara were sitting on the bench with one leg crossed over the other as if they were sitting in a salon or on a night out.
I can understand that everyone was expecting them to lose but at least act like professionals!
Rony Fahed, in my opinion, was the best player on the Lebanese team for the 2 games that were played against Greece and Brazil. Hussein Tawbe played hard as did Sabah Khoury, Ali Mahmoud, and Omar El Turk. Even Mazen with the 5 or 6 minutes that he played at the end of the game gave a nice effort.
I think so too, he just wanted a way out to somehow explain his bad performance..he even said to the FIBA website after the game, that he was not supposed to be playing in the tournament because he was injured, but after vogel's injury..the coach told him that he has to come! Ya right!

Even Vogel's injury was exaggerated..GS said this to a newspaper 2 days ago, and even riyadi who were supposedly starting a search to seek a replacement..canceled everything after knowing that he can play again!

They knew this was gonna happen..so execuses started to be made!


Coach Fouad will stay ? :o
Unfortunately seems so! I was surprised with what he said after Greece's game...that we should start over and do a serious search for players with Lebanese origin...so here comes the question..Who's job is this actually?! If not the coach, then who?! Dani I advise you to email him all the info about the players with Lebanese origin you found ;) ...maybe because he does not know where to start! :confused:

[daniab]

Unfortunately seems so! I was surprised with what he said after Greece's game...that we should start over and do a serious search fo players with Lebanese origin...so her comes the question..Who's job is this actually?! If not the coach, then who?! Dani I advise you to email him all the info about the players with Lebanese origin you found ;) ...maybe because he does not know where to start! :confused:

why not ? but hope someone will listen to me.
Honestly,im with making 2 NTs,one essentiel and another one under the name " Lebanon NT for the future" where we group some players that cant make the first team,and we let them pariticpate in secondary tournaments to give them some experience.

[Khalid80]

why not ? but hope someone will listen to me.
Honestly,im with making 2 NTs,one essentiel and another one under the name " Lebanon NT for the future" where we group some players that cant make the first team,and we let them pariticpate in secondary tournaments to give them some experience.

I wish the Lebanese Basketball Federation would take a look at this Forum "Interbasket". There is enough info. for them and Dani (Smallah :D ) is an encyclopedia of knowledge concerning Lebanese Basketball especially for the players of Lebanese origin and the young players so we can provide them with alot of info.
As for having 2 teams, I don't think this is a bad idea. The second team should be like an Olympic Team (usually all the players should be below 21 years old).

[Charbel Sakr]

we played like shit
but at least my registration here worked this time hehe :)