- 13:40
The 2025 Lebanese Basketball League Final Four promises fireworks. With fierce competition and controversial statements already stirring the pot, Lebanese fans are in for an electric end to the season.
As expected, the traditional powerhouses have made it to the semifinals: Riyadi, Beirut Club, Sagesse and Homenetmen. Although Riyadi dominated the regular season, the playing field appears to be more level than ever heading into the playoffs. Let’s break down each team’s situation and what could shape the path to this year’s championship.
The Yellow Castle Under Pressure
Considered the best team in Asia, Riyadi now finds itself facing adversity. Their playoff campaign took a major hit when captain Amir Saoud suffered a broken rib, followed by the crushing blow of losing Wael Arakji to injury during the BCL Asia quarterfinals.
While Arakji is expected to miss the summer, Saoud is eyeing a return for the playoffs. In the meantime, Riyadi acted swiftly, bringing in Keron Deshields to replace Elmedin Kikanovic, bolstering their backcourt.
Despite these setbacks, Riyadi remains the title favorite. Their 21–1 record in the regular season speaks for itself. Marcus Georges-Hunt is in top form, and Thon Maker is one of the league’s most dominant forces.
Their semifinal opponent, Homenetmen, is no pushover, especially after a heated war of words between both coaching staffs. The path to the trophy may start with a win here, but it certainly won’t come easy.
The Silent Threat
Under the leadership of star coach Jad El-Hajj, Beirut Club quietly enters the playoffs with serious intent. They’re the only team to have beaten Riyadi this season, which proves they have the tools to go all the way.
With Ali Mezher and Sergio Darwish leading the charge, Beirut excels in fast-paced basketball and defensive hustle. However, their Achilles’ heel remains their lack of a dominant center. This weakness could prove costly in matchups where physicality in the paint is decisive.
Still, don’t count them out. If their guards click and their tempo is high, Beirut could be on the verge of another final appearance.
Riding the Green Tide
Following a hard-fought loss to arch-rivals Riyadi, Sagesse enters the Final Four motivated and dangerous. Their new foreign signing Sekou Doumbouya turned heads with a 40-point performance—one of the most impressive individual games of the season.
With arguably the most passionate fanbase in the country behind them, the Greens are gunning for a title. Their clash with Beirut will be one of the most anticipated matchups, especially since both teams share a similar weakness in the center position.
If Sagesse’s sharpshooting and Doumbouya’s explosiveness hold up, we might see another Beirut derby in the final.
The Dark Horse
Homenetmen has added plenty of spice to this year’s playoffs. Coach Joe Moujaes sparked controversy by claiming Wael Arakji makes up “half of Riyadi’s team,” prompting a fiery response from Riyadi coach Ahmad Farran, who promised that the response would come “on the floor.”
On court, Homenetmen is a tough, disciplined unit, often overlooked but always dangerous, especially on their home court in Mezher. With Jordan Stevens in strong form, this team has the potential to pull off an upset.
Make no mistake, this isn’t a free ride for Riyadi.
A Wide-Open Race
Unlike last year’s playoffs, where Riyadi’s dominance was rarely questioned, this season’s Final Four is wide open. Injuries, form and new signings have thrown everything into uncertainty. With Wael Arakji out and Amir Saoud just returning, Riyadi’s crown is anything but secure.
Every team has a shot. Every game will matter. Get ready for one of the most exciting playoff series Lebanese basketball has seen in years.
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