Maroun Jibrayil, a member of the Lebanese Basketball Federation and the director of national teams, emphasized the significance of the "Beirut Cup" for the men's teams, highlighting both the strength of the participating teams and its timing (from February 17 to 20), just a few days before the first Asian qualifying window for the Asian Cup. The Lebanese national team is participating in the "Beirut Cup" in Group A alongside Iraq and Kuwait, while Group B includes Palestine, Syria, and Oman. The tournament is organized under the supervision of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, which has paid considerable attention to it, with management by "Global Active Sports."
Jibrayil stated, "The timing of the tournament is very important for preparing the Lebanese team for the Asian challenge. Here, we extend our thanks to the organizing company, which is making remarkable efforts despite the economic difficulties in Lebanon, and has taken it upon itself to gather strong teams on Lebanese soil. It is very important to have interactions with them during the preparation process."
Regarding the presence of Gulf teams and the implications amidst warnings from Gulf states about their citizens in Lebanon due to current security conditions, Jibrayil noted: "Lebanon is always welcoming to its guests, especially our brothers from the Arab and Gulf countries. Their teams' presence is a testament to the trust in Lebanon and Lebanese basketball, which remains an attraction for all Arab countries."
Concerning the Lebanese national team, Jibrayil mentioned, "The Lebanese Federation has renewed full confidence in the coaching staff led by Jad Al-Haj. The tournament will serve as an internal camp for the Lebanese team, starting from February 16 in Jounieh, allowing them to play preparatory friendly matches. This is a new gathering, the first after participating in the World Cup, and it will be an opportunity to get to know the strong Syrian national team, which they will face in the first match of the Asian window on the 23rd."
When discussing the levels of the participating teams, Jibrayil affirmed respect for all teams working to improve themselves and said, "All matches are difficult, and we will approach them as if they are official. Our players are ready to compete in the tournament through their participation in the Lebanese Championship." He added, "The team will participate with all its stars, and there will also be additions from young players who have proven themselves in the league, as part of our strategy to incorporate younger elements into the team, as well as to compensate for any potential absences due to injury. The naturalized player will be Norville Bell, who has previously played for the Lebanese national team."
