BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The 2024/2025 FIBA WASL-West Asia League is set to raise its curtains in the coming days and there should be no question whatsoever which team has the biggest target on its back.
Al Riyadi will indeed be one of the most watched teams when the tilt finally opens shop after much anticipation, for they are coming in as the defending champions - not only of the Sub-Zone League but of the entire pan-regional contest as well after completing the competition's first golden double last season.
For starters, the Lebanese powerhouse achieved WASL glory by winning the tightly-contested championship bout against long-time domestic rivals Sagesse to close out the Final 8 in Qatar, finally finishing their story after placing just fourth in the inaugural edition in 2023 no thanks to a slew of injuries to the key cogs.
Now with a healthy lineup again, will the Yellow Castle be able to extend their dominion over the region? Or will they be tested by the four other competitors in this special two-round season set-up?
History
A multi-sport club, Al Riyadi were founded in 1943 and eventually emerged as a basketball powerhouse. Since the Lebanese Basketball Championship was reformed in 1992, they have clinched 18 titles, the most recent of which was the 2024 edition also against Sagesse as that season added even more color to their rivalry.
And that successful title defense at home once again punched their ticket to the upcoming WASL-West Asia season, where they are shooting for a rare three-peat - a feat that no team in this league has accomplished after Kuwait Club's attempt in doing so in the Gulf League got foiled by Ittihad Club just recently.
It is also worth noting that by winning the 2024 WASL crown, the team earned the right to represent the league in the first Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai. The result? A mighty five-game sweep toward the gold.
And by conquering FIBA's flagship club competition in Asia, Al Riyadi went on to compete in the prestigious FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore later that year, where they reached the Semi-Finals.
Will they add more to their history this season?
Emblem
Homecourt
Al Riyadi play their games at the Saeb Salam Stadium, located in the municipality of Manara. The 2,500-seater venue was built in 1991, which realized the club's dream for about 50 years prior.
FIBA