As the FIBA Asia Cup heats up, Lebanon has quietly become one of the most closely watched teams, especially among fans following tournament news on platforms like Live Cricket BPL. With the tournament taking place on their home turf, Lebanon’s national team is poised to turn its local familiarity and crowd support into a strategic edge. Their group includes competitive teams like South Korea, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan, but playing at home may tip the balance in their favor.
The Chinese national team, for instance, has never played in Lebanon, and even head coach Du Feng is making his first trip to the country. Like other teams, China had concerns before arriving, preparing instant noodles and canned food due to Lebanon’s reportedly unstable political climate. However, once on the ground, the environment proved to be far more welcoming and stable than expected. This sense of unpredictability—paired with Lebanon’s unfamiliarity to most Asian teams—adds to the host nation’s aura of mystery, which could become a hidden weapon. It’s no surprise, then, that Lebanon was surprisingly ranked second in pre-tournament championship odds, just behind powerhouse Australia.
One of the biggest stories in Lebanon’s campaign is the return of 38-year-old veteran Fadi El Khatib, once regarded as Asia’s top small forward. After two previous retirements from international play, Khatib made a comeback for the West Asian Championship earlier this year, where he averaged 22.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His standout performance against Jordan included 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, proving that age is just a number. Khatib’s return is not only a morale booster but also a major draw for fans, reinforcing Lebanon’s strong home-court presence.
Another key addition is Norvel Pelle, a 24-year-old naturalized player who led Italy’s top league in blocks last season. Despite going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, Pelle built a strong resume in the NBA G League and summer leagues, including recent stints with the Miami Heat. In this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged just 2 points and 3 rebounds in 13.7 minutes per game, but made his mark with 3.5 blocks per contest, showcasing his defensive instincts.
Together, Khatib and Pelle form the backbone of a Lebanese squad that is not to be underestimated. Their mix of veteran leadership and interior defense, bolstered by home crowd energy, makes them a serious threat—even to more established teams. As tournament coverage continues on Live Cricket BPL, Lebanon’s unexpected rise and strong fan support are shaping up to be one of the Asia Cup’s most compelling narratives.
With mystery, momentum, and a hungry roster, Lebanon’s home advantage might just be the X-factor in this year’s campaign. For Live Cricket BPL audiences keeping a close eye on the region’s rising basketball powers, Lebanon has firmly entered the spotlight.