Basketball: Al Riyadi on the Attack in Asia
As title holders, Al Riyadi is back on the hunt. ©FIBA Asia

Crowned champions last year in Dubai, the Lebanese giant returns to the same venue one year later with a single obsession: keep its crown and earn a ticket to the Club World Cup in Singapore. Powered by a seasoned squad and the tactical calm of Ahmad Farran, the Asian champion kicks off a new campaign as the clear favorite.

It’s go time once again. The best of continental basketball will gather from June 7 to 13 in the golden emirate of Dubai to compete in the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025, the premier club competition on the Asian continent.

One City, Nine Clubs, One Throne

Nine handpicked teams, three highly competitive groups, explosive matchups right from the group stage, and only one spot for the 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Three groups, two legendary venues — the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall for group matches, and the C-C Arena for the knockout stages — and one promise: top-tier action.

In this high-level arena, one club is at the center of attention: Al Riyadi Beirut Club. The reigning champions, powerhouse of Lebanese basketball, return to their battlefield with a clear mission: confirm, dominate and reign once more. The ultimate goal: Singapore, and another global showdown.

Al Riyadi Among the Elite

The reigning Asian champions are placed in Group C, where they’ll face the Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea) and the Taoyuan Pilots (Taiwan). It’s a tough group, but well within the reach of Al Riyadi, which is confident in its strength and squad depth.

Farran in Command

At the helm is coach Ahmad Farran, a shrewd tactician and respected leader, who has built a team blending continental experience with raw talent. “We’re not here just to participate. We’re here to win,” sums up the sentiment within the Manara-based club. The message is clear.

The Yellow’s Schedule

• Sunday, June 8, 8:00 PM: Opening match against the South Korean Sakers, known for their defensive aggression and fast-paced play.

• Monday, June 9: Second test against the dynamic Taoyuan Pilots from Taiwan — a team not to be underestimated.

The goal: Finish in the top 2 to reach the quarterfinals on June 11, and keep the bigger dream alive.

On the Horizon: Singapore

The winner of the BCL Asia will represent the continent at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2025, scheduled for September in Singapore, alongside the world’s best clubs. A global stage, a coveted trophy that Al Riyadi knows well… and intends to reclaim.

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