ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - It sure is a return so worth it for Thon Maker.

The former NBA big man finally tasted success in FIBA WASL as he helped Al Riyadi secure their second straight West Asia League title after beating Shahrdary Gorgan anew in the winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday night at the Stade Nouhad Nawfal.

So elated was Maker that he actually lied down on the hardwood, surrounded by the golden confetti that rained down as he witnessed all his efforts - 23 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 blocks in 24 minutes - lead to his first crown in the pan-regional competition.

"When I came here, I understood from afar that they're all about championships," he said after the 100-78 rout. "And when you come into an organization like this, you have to bring the same thing mentally, physically, and whatever in terms of your game, you gotta fit in and adjust quickly."

As proud as he is, though, Maker is hardly satisfied.

While he's honored to have aided the Yellow Castle in reasserting their dominance in the sub-zone, the 27-year-old has his sights set on winning the biggest prize of 'em all: the FIBA WASL trophy. It's all that he wants after falling short of winning as much last year.

It could be recalled that Maker joined Kuwait Club prior to the inaugural Final 8 in Dubai in one of the major signings to take place in the league back then, and brought immediate impact as the Gulf League powerhouse went all the way to the championship bout.

But it was Manama who came out victorious in the bout befitting of a finale, 67-59.

"The main thing is the bigger trophy," said the 2.13 M (7'0") center-forward.

Maker has another crack at it with Al Riyadi bound for another Final 8 appearance, and he may have a better chance this time around. He's with his current club longer than he had with Kuwait Club, whom he joined just before FIBA WASL's culminating meet.

"Personally, right now this is a small win. My main focus is on the big Final 8, as we fell short last year. I joined that team late so I didn't get to play in the regional championship. But the main goal is silverware," he said, referring to the league trophy. "That's the next one."

Still, Maker doesn't want to look too far ahead. It's all about taking things one step at a time, with their focus set on their Final 8 opener on May 26 versus BC Astana in a rematch of last year's Third-Place Game that saw the latter win by way of a 94-90 decision.

"One game at a time until we get there," the FIBA Asia Cup gold medalist said.

FIBA