FIBA AsiaCup runners-up Lebanon receive Olympic ticket
2024.05.20
Here is Lebanon, the four-time FIBA AsiaCup runners-up, as they rank number 28 in the FIBA World Ranking Men, sponsored by Nike. There has never been an Asian athlete in the Olympics.
Lebanon participated in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup after being absent from the previous two major FIBA competitions. Lebanon lost 109-70 to Latvia in their opening Group H match in Indonesia. In the second game, they lost much more badly, losing 128–73 to Canada. In the last group match, the Asians gave France a real fight before falling short 85-79, making their fellow citizens proud.
As a result, Lebanon gained more self-assurance for the 17–32 Classification and defeated Côte d’Ivoire 94–84 to begin Group P play. After defeating continental rivals Iran 81-73 to close the tournament, Lebanon claimed some pride in Asia.
In the end, Lebanon placed 23rd at the World Cup. As a result, they were placed among the top 16 teams from the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa that did not go straight to the Summer Olympics, earning them a spot in the Olympic Qualification Tournament.
Lebanon did not make it to the additional tournaments in 2012, 2016, or 2020, hence they will only be participating in their second OQT.
Lebanon’s only OQT debut took place in Athens in 2008, where they were defeated by Greece (119-62) and Brazil (94-54).
Lebanon would be making their Olympic debut in Paris, having never participated in an Olympics before. Four World Cups have been attended by Asian teams: 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2023.
Lebanon’s journey in Group A of the OQT Spain will not be an easy one. When they play host Spain to begin the campaign, they may have some much-needed confidence after their impressive performance against France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. After that, Lebanon will play Angola.
The top two finishers in each group proceed to the Semi-Finals, where Lebanon, should they win, will play either Poland, Finland, or the Bahamas. The victor of each of the two Semi-Finals will then compete for a spot in the 2024 Olympics.
@charith
