I’ve heard that the majority of basketball teams in Lebanon, with the exception of Riyadi, are asking the federation to allow three foreign players next season, specially after Ismail Ahmad got the Lebanese nationality. I really hope that this is just a rumor because that’s the worst thing that could happen to Lebanese Basketball.

I’ve been urging the Lebanese Federation for years to force teams to cut down their expenses on foreign players and invest in young Lebanese talents, because that’s the only way to develop new talents and improve the game in Lebanon. Ismail Ahmad has been living in Lebanon for around 10 years and turns 38 this year, so using him as an excuse to get more foreign players is invalid.

Like I said on previous occasions, the Lebanese Federation must force all the teams to set a 5 or 10-year plan and invest as much money on recruiting and improving local talents as they spend on getting foreign players. If we keep on relying on retired NBA players and undermining our youth, we will be killing the game in Lebanon.