BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Big man Ali Haidar will not just be a key player for Lebanon at the Asia Cup - he may just be the team's barometer for success.

At only 2.01m, he is not the biggest or most imposing player for the Cedars, but he is maybe their most hard working. He debuted for Lebanon's men's national team at the FIBA Asia Championship 2015, giving them a credible offensive threat down low and a solid rebounder. He was second on the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game while also hauling down 6.5 boards.

This year, Lebanon will continue to need his production alongside new naturalized center Norvel Pelle. Haidar's ability to hit the outside shot, attack the basket against slower defenders and finish strong around the basket will be critical in the host team's bid to finish on the podium for the first time since 2007.

FIBA