AMMAN (Jordan) - In many ways, Anthony Naba is a high riser.
In the traditional sense, he's a wiry 2.01M (6'7") forward that likes to play above the rim. He first dunked at the age of 14 and it's just been something that he does now. He thrown down jams on such a regular basis that he can't even remember his first in-game dunk ("there's just so many").
When asked about a player he'd like to try dunking on, Naba pondered for a moment before deciding on "all of them".
"Obviously, I'm always proud to [represent Lebanon]"
This is how he was dubbed on social media as "Naba Airlines" after showcasing his hops throughout the domestic youth competitions in Lebanon.
The nickname hasn't grown onto Nab just yet.
"But it's okay, I can't do anything about it," he says.
All he can do is "keep working hard, play his game, be cool on the court, and enjoy it".
Because that is word for word the key piece of advice Naba took to heart from his brother, who is the inspiration for him to pick up the basketball. Wise words from the elder Naba, who young Anthony watched growing up, getting him excited to play the game and fall in love.
Big brother no longer plays, but he's done his part in igniting the fire in Anthony Naba, another one of the bright young prospects in the Lebanon talent pool.
Big bro should be proud of what Anthony is doing now on the basketball scene. Aside from winning trophies in Lebanese youth leagues, Naba is once again representing Lebanon - this time at the U18 Asia Cup in Jordan. He's doing a pretty good job as well, leading the team in scoring (13.0 points per game) and playing time (30.0 minutes per game) while collecting an all-around 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per contest.
Which is just more proof that Naba is a high riser, but not just because of how he soars to get those blocks or to score, but considering his continuously elevated role from playing in the U16 Asia Cup 2022 to the U17 World Cup 2022 to the U19 World Cup 2023.
But Naba knows that his time with the youth national team is running out. After this run in Jordan, if Lebanon make it to the Quarter-Finals, he could play at the U19 World Cup in Switzerland, but after that he'll have to be prepared to rise up higher once again.
And he's mentally prepared to take on that challenge.
"Obviously, I'm always proud to [represent Lebanon]," he sais. "This is my last year playing as a national team player for the U18, but hopefully [I will get to play with] the seniors in the future."
Is he most excited about possibly receiving lobs from Wael Arakji? Or maybe running in transition with Karim Zeinoun? Or teaming up with Yousef Khayat?
"All of them," he said about which players he wants to play with the most. " They are all good players, great players."
While he hasn't played in a professional club setting in Lebanon's Division 1 yet ("this year, next season" he says), Naba has already played against and with them on multiple occasions whether it's in pickup games or in preparation games.
Naba is ready.
Keep working hard. Check. Play his game. Check. Be cool on the court. Check. Enjoy it. Check, check, check.
Naba Airlines, ready for takeoff.
FIBA