BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Expectations will be high on Ittihad Club in their return to the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) after authoring one of the tilt's best underdog stories during their maiden campaign last season.
FIBA WASL history
It could be recalled that the Saudi Arabian Side started slow early in the 2024-25 Gulf League competitions, but seemingly had a switch which they flipped come the Final Phase - and turned their fortunes around.
From winning just twice in their six games in the Group Phase, Ittihad managed to qualify for the Qualification to Semi-Finals and went on to oust Kuwait Club from their two-year reign as kings of the Sub-Zone League.
They then went on to complete a reverse sweep of Al Qadsia SC in the best-of-3 Semi-Finals to make it all the way to the Big Dance, where they squared off against one of WASL's pioneers in Shabab Al Ahli.
Their dream run ended via sweep and ultimately settled for a runner-up finish but there's no denying whatsoever how remarkable their turnaround was - from being beset by manpower woes, to standing at the podium.
Qualifying path
Now, an opportunity to improve on that finish lies ahead as Ittihad are bound to compete in the 2025-26 season, earning their spot after ruling the 2024-25 Saudi Basketball League by outlasting Al Ahli Jeddah.
They would be one of two Saudi representatives in Season 4, the other being Al Ula Club, marking the first time since the 2022-23 inaugurals that a pair of KSA teams will be competing in the league.
Players to watch
The Almarwani Brothers, Mohammed and Mathna, are both expected to lead the pack once more in their WASL comeback, bringing with them valuable experiences gained from the recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah.
Both men were crucial for Ittihad last season, with Mohammed posting 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds and Mathna registering 9.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists - highlighted by a game-winner that ousted Kuwait Club.
Ittihad have also signed up new reinforcements, namely Eddia Jarell and Erick Neal, to bolster their bid, with the two getting more and more familiar with the squad as they've been seeing action in the new SBL season.
Ittihad are situated in Group A of the 2025-26 Gulf League together with Shabab Al Ahli, Kazma SC, and Muharraq Club. To know more about their upcoming FIBA WASL campaign, click here.
FIBA