Now the hunted, reigning FIBA WASL kings Manama brace for tougher Season 2

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Coach Linos Gavriel knows that the target on Manama's back has grown bigger entering Season 2 of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL).

“To defend the title, we will do what we do every season: try to prepare as well as we can and as early as possible."”- Linos Gavriel, Manama head coach

 That is why the first-ever FIBA WASL champions are anticipating all opposing teams to bring their A-game, whenever they go up against them.

"Big challenge because we are the champs," offered the veteran mentor. "And, teams are usually extra motivated and [try to] overachieve when they play against us."

Gavriel and his charges will be taking on familiar opponents and a newcomer in the WASL-Gulf League Group Phase after being drawn in a competitive Group B.

One of them are Kazma, which also have some business to settle after being ousted by Manama in their sub-zone's Qualification to Semi-Finals last season.

The Kuwaiti side was just a win away from arranging a Semi-Final duel versus Al Hilal, but the winningest Bahraini Premier League team swept the next two games of the best-of-3 series.

There is also another returning side in Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai, which is aiming to bring home gold this time after finishing third in the Gulf League inaugurals.

Last but not the least is the debuting Al Shamal, a team looking to attain success in FIBA WASL after settling for a runner-up finish against Al Rayyan in the 2022-23 Qatari Basketball League.

"Every game is special," said Gavriel, who's entering his second season back with the team. "All good teams, very balanced group. We will have to fully focus on every opponent."

The journey back to the pinnacle of success definitely won't be a walk in the park and the entire Manama knows it, especially with the teams standing in their way.

However, the champion bench tactician at the same time firmly believes that it's all about preparing for each and every battle there is the best that they can.

"To defend the title, we will do what we do every season: try to prepare as well as we can and as early as possible," Gavriel said.

"And, try to get better throughout the season" he added. "We have to play as a team and with a high level of confidence -- as a group and individually."

FIBA