LIB – Our target is to qualify for Level I: Nasr

BEIRUT (23rd FIBA Asia Women Championship) - Elie Nasr surely has an unenviable task as the Head Coach of the Lebanese women’s National Team at Chennai in the 23rd FIBA ASIA Women Championship.

On the one hand is the expectation – even if it’s only hope at this point in time – of a nation of basketball crazy population which expects the Lebanese women’s team to emulate the exploits of their male counterparts.

And on the other is the relatively inexperienced team – after all this is only the second time Lebanon will participate in the FIBA Asia Championship for Women, a 13th place finish coming in their maiden appearance at Bangkok in 2001.

In this exclusive interview to chennai2009.fibaasia.net, Elie Nasr spoke of the prospects, potential and the performance to be expected from the team.

FIBA Asia: Welcome back to the FIBA Asia Championship for Women. How does it feel to come back after eight years?

Nasr: We feel good because we want to put our country again in the Asian basketball map.

We have a good championship for women in Lebanon. The standard of players and games is improving every season.

We have a good generation of women basketball players now.

FIBA Asia: Ten years ago Lebanese men created a revolution when they made their entry into Asian basketball. Do you think this is the first such step for Lebanese women?

Nasr: Of course. We do have the ability to take on top Asian teams. But to achieve that we need to participate in all the FIBA Asia competitions and play more games in Asia.

The results achieved by our men’s team are surely a morale-booster for the girls. But we are aware that it has to be complemented by hard work of our own.

And the girls are willing to run the extra mile in order to prove themselves.

FIBA Asia: What is your target at Chennai?

Nasr: Our target is to reach Level I, because that’s where the real competition is. But that will come later on.

Our task in Level II won’t be easy as there are teams like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Philippines who are all very good.

FIBA Asia: Can you talk a little more about women’s basketball in Lebanon?

Nasr: Like I said earlier, we have a good championship, which has improved over the years.

We need to work more on our new generations now, in order to build a strong basketball future, although we have a good team now.

FIBA Asia: Can you elaborate on the strengths of your team at this point?

Nasr: We’re counting on our fighting spirit, organization, and teamwork.

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia