TEHRAN (Iran) - It has undeniably been a summer to remember for Lebanese basketball, and Karl Zamatta is elated to be part of it.

The 16-year-old and the young Cedars made history just last June, reaching the FIBA U16 Asian Championship Semi-Finals that brought the nation to its first-ever U17 Basketball World Cup appearance the following month.

And that proved to be the start of a remarkable span for the program. July also saw the men's team write their own success story, going all the way to the Asia Cup 2022 Final -- their first Final trip in the continental meet in 15 years.

"I can say that this is one of the best summers I have ever experienced," said Zamatta, who averaged 11.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in the U16 meet.

Now, the 2.02 M (6'8") center can make this stretch even more memorable. He'll be representing Lebanon anew in the U18 Asian Championship for already his third tour of duty in three months. Tiring, yes, but he has no complaints.

Zamatta banners a squad that's one of those being looked at to make some noise in the August 21-28 festivities, given their recent success.

Surely, he and his peers are out to do just that, as the top four teams will represent the region in next year's U19 World Cup in Hungary.

It has been quite a ride for Lebanese hoops but Zamatta is just getting started, aiming to earn a place in Cedars lore like what his idols have done.

The young bruiser looks up to the great Fadi El-Khatib and is also inspired by the up-and-coming Youssef Khayat, the lanky 19-year-old forward who was part of the Cedars team that bagged the silver medal in the Asia Cup.

"Seeing someone achieving so much at a young age inspires me to do more," said Zamatta. "If he can do it, then I can, too."