Astana in Beirut: The Final 8 Begins

WASL, organised by FIBA Asia, is a premier regional league uniting the strongest teams from West Asia and the Gulf. Launched in 2022/23, it quickly became one of the key events in Asian basketball. Finalists earn spots in the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia).

Astana made a memorable debut in 2023, going undefeated in the group stage (3–0), including a standout win over then-unbeaten Kuwait Club (85:72). After a tough semi-final loss to eventual champions Manama (81:91), Astana bounced back to claim bronze with a thrilling 94:90 victory over Al Riyadi.

The following season proved more difficult, as Astana failed to advance from the group stage, falling to Sagesse SC (89:103) in the deciding game.

Now, once again in Beirut, Astana faces a tough group: Lebanese powerhouses Al Riyadi Beirut and Sagesse SC, along with Ittihad Club from Saudi Arabia. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals.
 

Group Stage Schedule

• 10 May — vs. Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)

• 12 May — vs. Ittihad Club (Saudi Arabia)

• 14 May — vs. Sagesse SC (Lebanon)

The Opponents

Al Riyadi Beirut (Lebanon)

A regional giant with 31 Lebanese titles and three BCL Asia championships, Al Riyadi are defending WASL champions and firm favourites. Their leader, point guard Wael Arakji, was named BCL Asia 2024 MVP with remarkable averages: 29.3 PTS, 8.9 AST, 3.3 REB in 36 minutes, shooting 75.9% FG and 52.9% 3PT. He’s supported by Ali Mansour (11.3 PTS, 12.0 AST, 5.6 REB) and Croatian big man Marin Maric, who previously averaged a double-double in China.

Ittihad Club (Saudi Arabia)

The Jeddah-based team plays a physical brand of basketball—strong rebounding, tight defence, and tough interior play. Keron DeShields leads the charge, recently posting 21 PTS, 9 AST, 5 REB. He’s flanked by forward Mathna Almarwani (9.5 PTS, 5 REB, 3.5 AST) and centre Mohammed Almarwani (10.2 PTS, 7.9 REB).

Sagesse SC (Lebanon)

A storied name in Asian hoops, Sagesse boasts 8 national titles and 3 FIBA Asia Champions Cup victories. In 1999, they made history as the first Asian club to play in the McDonald’s Championship. This year, they feature former NBA and VTB United League centre Johnny O’Bryant, who joined the team in April after a stint in Korea. On the perimeter, Michael Hudson brings speed, confidence, and lethal shooting.

Every match in this group will be a challenge—and a chance for Astana to make a statement. Let’s support the team as they fight for a semi-final spot!