Saoud: ''Without the national team, I wouldn't be where I am''
BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Lebanese shooter Amir Saoud knows that his contribution and experience with the national team have been quite invaluable.
BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Lebanese shooter Amir Saoud knows that his contribution and experience with the national team have been quite invaluable.
"Honestly, without the national team, I wouldn’t be where I am," he said. "Playing for the national team gives exposure to more players and opens the opportunity of them making a move to bigger clubs."
Saoud, for his part, has been part of the Cedars since the FIBA Asia Cup 2015, with his vaunted outside shooting helping the team on many occasions. Currently, he holds the highest player efficiency rating for Lebanon in the Asian Qualifiers, averaging 21 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 4 triples per game. His best game so far was a 26-point explosion in the second window against West Asia rivals Syria, where he made 4 three-pointers and hit a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. For the 6ft 2in (1.87m) shooting guard, all he wants is to make his fellow Lebanese proud, especially when they see him and his teammates playing on home soil.
"I just want to make people proud of being Lebanese, especially with the whole country supporting us," he explained. "I’ve experienced playing at home during the Asia Cup, and it was amazing. This change in format is good, and I hope that fans all over the world will get the chance to watch and cheer for their home teams."
The mission is far from over for Saoud and the Cedars, though, even with a 3-win, 1-loss record entering the third window. Saoud knows that they cannot rest on their laurels as they will need to win more games to strengthen their position and improve their chances of qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China. Saoud is aware that the fans won't settle for anything less, and the same goes for him.
"I can’t accept any bad performance, and I’m sure the fans feel the same," he shared. "Aim high and we'll reach far. That’s how I play. We will take it step by step, and we will do our best."
FIBA