Arakji says home crowd will give Lebanon a huge boost at Asia Cup

BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Lebanon guard Wael Arakji is counting on partisan home crowds to give the Cedars a big lift when they host the FIBA Asia Cup 2017.

The draw for the event took place on Tuesday and the home side ended up in Group C with Kazakhstan, Korea and Asia newcomers New Zealand.

If they finish in the top three after round robin play, Lebanon could face the likes of Asia's other newcomers, Australia, in the second phase of the competition.

"New Zealand is the hardest team to beat in our group," Arakji said. "We can beat Korea and I suppose we shouldn't struggle against any team because we'll be playing at home in front of our fans."

Arakji is an important member of the Lebanon squad, a floor general who plays with a lot of flair and passion.

He has been unable to play of late because of a shoulder injury but the expectation is that he'll recover in time to take part in the preparations and then feature in the tournament, which tips off 6 August.

"I should be ready and fit for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017," he said. 

Arakji has gone from strength to strength since making his senior national team debut for Lebanon in 2015

There are some very important matters for Lebanon to address first, including the naming of a new coach.

Veselin Matic, a Serbian, was at the helm of the national team at the last FIBA Asia Cup in 2015, while Lebanese Patrick Saba held the reins at the 2016 WABA Championship.

At this year's WABA Championship played at the end of January and start of February in Amman, Jordan, Lebanese Joe Moujaes coached the team to the title.

So far, Lebanon have not announced if they will pursue hiring a foreign coach or a native to lead the team.

"We in Lebanon have very good coaches, but both options are available right now and there's no problem in any of them," Arakji said. "In the end, it's not my call."

The 1.93m (6ft 4in) playmaker warned that the clock is ticking and that Lebanon's players need to be focused on getting ready for the tournament now.

"We've been somewhat late in the preparations, but most probably we'll start in early June," he said. "We should start practicing as soon as possible."

Hosting the FIBA Asia Cup is a huge opportunity for Lebanon and not just the national team. All eyes in the region will be on the country.

Fill the tribunes, come in numbers and show the beautiful picture of Lebanon because the whole world will be watching us in AugustArakji

Tuesday's draw took place at Le Royal Hotel in Dbayeh, Lebanon, and played to good reviews. Arakji says his compatriots are taking a lot of pride as the nation that is staging the event.

"The Lebanese Basketball Federation is working hard with a high level of professionalism for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017," he said.

The 22-year-old playmaker says there is one crucial aspect for the tournament to be a success and that is down to the fans.

His message?

"Fill the tribunes, come in numbers and show the beautiful picture of Lebanon because the whole world will be watching us in August," he said.

FIBA