BEIRUT (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Big men Hayk Gyokchyan and Joe Abi Khares are hoping their performances for Lebanon over the next several weeks are going to earn them a chance to play for the national team at the FIBA Asia Championship.

The event will be staged in Changsha, China, from 23 September to 3 October.

Coach Veselin Matic has taken both with the squad that is currently training in Serbia.

I'm willing to sacrifice anything to have a chance to wear the Cedar jersey. - Gyokchyan

Gyokchyan, 25, is coming off a good season with Sagesse in Lebanon's top flight.

He handles the ball well for his size and also has the ability to knock down three-pointers.

"I don’t think we realize how big of an achievement qualifying for the Olympics is yet," he said to the Daily Star in Lebanon.

"It’s a dream for every single athlete in the world to represent his country in it."

The country that wins the event in China will clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games while the sides that finish second and third will go to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Lebanon will play in Group D against Chinese Taipei, Qatar and Kazakhstan.

Abi Khares, 23, a center whose Byblos team defeated Gyokchyan's Sagesse in the domestic playoffs, impressed Matic with his performances in the games.

"As any young player, my dream is to play for the national team alongside veteran stars like [Fadi] Khatib, Jean Abdelnour, Ali Mahmoud and others," he said.

"I am proud to represent my country."

It's a new chapter in my career that I hope to leave a mark on. - Abi Khares

Abi Khares knows that representing his country at a FIBA Asia Championship could enhance his career prospects.

The fans of Byblos' rivals will be paying close attention and cheering him on.

"In this experience, you will be followed by everybody and not only your club fans, hence I will give everything to help the team," he said.

Gyokchyan is not taking this opportunity lightly.

"Having a chance to represent Lebanon is more than an honor for me," he said.

FIBA