Slobodan Subotic helms 14-man Lebanon pool for next Asian Qualifiers window
BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - When Lebanon takes to the hardwood in September's Asian Qualifiers, a new face will be calling the shots from the sidelines.
BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - New national team head coach Slobodan Subotic will bring 14 of Lebanon's top players to the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers.
We are proud to announce that #GSP client coach Slobodan #Subotic signed a contract to run the Lebanese #basketball national team. Subotic will try to qualify with #Lebanon to the #FIBA World Championship that will be held next year in #China.
— Global Sports Plaza (@GSPbasket) August 8, 2018
Congrats to @piximeg & good luck! pic.twitter.com/A44GYIRxbK
The former Al Riyadi Beirut and Slovenia national team bench tactician takes over as the Cedars continue their push to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and leading the pack will be veterans Bassel Bawji, Amir Saoud and Elie Rustom along with athletic center Ater Majok.
| Lebanon 14-man pool for Asian Qualifiers fourth window | |||
| Rodrigue Akl | Bassel Bawji | Elie Chamoun | Daniel Fares |
| Ali Haidar | Ahmad Ibrahim | Jad Khalil | Ater Majok |
| Miguel Martinez | Elie Rustom | Amir Saoud | Nadim Souaid |
| Elie Stephan | Charles Tabet | ||
Bawji and Majok formed an ultra-potent frontline tandem for Lebanon in the first round, combining for 19.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game, while Saoud stepped up as the team's most explosive scorer, netting 22.0 points and 5.0 three-pointers per contest.
Subotic has taken the team to Turkey for training camp until Sunday before they return to Beirut to host mighty China on 13 September at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex.
That's just the first of what should be a significantly more challenging second round campaign for the West Asians. They certainly have a tall task ahead of them as they are to play - aside from China - powerhouse squads Korea and New Zealand. Only the top three teams from their group are assured of berths in the World Cup 2019, and Subotic will have to draw out the best from his squad if they are to meet their ultimate goal of returning to the world stage after last appearing in 2010.
Compounding their difficulties is the fact that star point guard Wael Arakji is still recovering from a major injury, and he remains doubtful for the remaining windows. Still, Subotic is hopeful he and his wards will rise to the occasion and push Lebanon back into the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time since 2010.
After playing China, Lebanon will fly to Rotorua and face New Zealand at the Energy Events Centre on 17 September.
FIBA