ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - It didn't take long for Thon Maker to make his presence felt in his return to Al Riyadi.
Any time we come out with a win and play great basketball, I’m happy
Back in the Yellow Castle for the first time since winning MVP honors in the WASL Final 8 2024, Maker picked up right where he left off - dominating both ends of the floor and, more importantly, savoring every moment of being back with the club he's come to love.
"It felt great," said Maker after Riyadi's dominant 93-58 win over BC Astana to open their 2025 WASL Final 8 campaign. "I've been enjoying playing with Riyadi. It's fun basketball... A lot of people ask me why I came back - that’s enjoyment. I enjoy great basketball and that’s why I came back."
Maker didn't suit up with the reigning WASL-West Asia champions during this year's sub-zone season. But his return for the Final 8 is anything but a cameo - it's a reunion with a team that has become synonymous with his success in the region.
"When I came here, I understood from afar that they're all about championships," he said just over exactly one year. "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."
In 2024, Maker helped Riyadi lift the WASL championship in Doha with a 35-point, 15-rebound, 4-block masterclass in the Final against Sagesse. That performance earned him the distinction of being the league's first-ever MVP. He followed it up by anchoring their charge to the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) crown just months later.
Now, with another deep run in their sights, Riyadi have once again welcomed back their 7-footer, and Maker is locked in.
"I believe in us," he said. "We have great talent, from the starters to the bench. Everyone is focused and locked in. We know the main goal - defending the title. And we're taking it one game at a time."
In his 2025 debut, Maker finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds in 27 minutes, helping Riyadi cruise to victory while flashing his trademark mobility and timing. He also recorded 5 blocks, tying the WASL Final 8 record which was set by himself last year.
But for the former NBA big man, the numbers are secondary to the joy of competing at this level, in this team culture.
"Our coaches prepared the scouting report at a high level, and we as players just came ready to play as a unit," he said. "I'm excited to enjoy good basketball. Any time we come out with a win and play great basketball, I’m happy."
Maker's return isn't just a boost to Riyadi's repeat bid - it's a reminder of why stars like him choose to play in WASL: for the competition, the camaraderie, and the chance to be part of something special.
And as long as Riyadi keep winning, expect Thon Maker's smile - and impact - to only grow.
FIBA