Preview: Al-Riyadi Beirut’s Dominance on Display in Asian Basketball Champions Cup; Akeem Al-Hakim Leads Quest for Unbeaten Title Run

On the evening of June 15, the Asian Basketball Champions Cup final takes place as Al-Riyadi Beirut faces Dubai Dynamic FC.

As the host team, Dubai Dynamic FC has reached the final with championship aspirations. As the most successful team in the UAE league, they have won almost all titles in recent years. They have twice participated in the Asian Champions Cup but have yet to clinch a title, with their best result being a semifinal appearance in 2016.

Leading Dubai Dynamic FC is Omar Al-Shaabbi, who has played over 50 games for the team, averaging 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds. With his experience, he guided the team to the Asian Champions Cup semifinals in 2016. In this tournament, he has been impressive, averaging 18 points and 7.5 rebounds, alongside Hunter’s 15.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, Sibert’s 17.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, and Bointe’s 16.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Four players from Dubai Dynamic FC average double-digit scoring.

The team averages 87.5 points per game, ranking fifth, but they dominate the boards with an average of 43.3 rebounds, leading the competition. They also rank second in offensive rebounds with an average of 22. In their last match, a 73-71 narrow victory over Gorgan City, they didn’t display overwhelming dominance, shooting poorly from beyond the arc with a 18% three-point percentage. Al-Shaabbi led the team with 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Sibert contributed 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Bointe scored 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Despite securing the win, they exposed some vulnerabilities.

In contrast, Al-Riyadi Beirut has previously won the Asian Champions Cup and demonstrated unmatched strength in this edition, remaining unbeaten with a 4-0 record and a massive average winning margin of 27.3 points. Their average score of 112.3 points leads all teams, along with 40.3 rebounds (third) and 26.8 assists (first).

Boasting a star-studded roster including Akeem Al-Hakim, Mansour, and Hayek from the Lebanese national basketball team, Al-Riyadi Beirut has shown its prowess on the international stage. The team’s cohesion, resulting from extensive training, is evident. Seven players have averaged double-digit scoring in their four games, ensuring a constant offensive threat. Their overall strength is undeniable.

In their latest match, Al-Riyadi Beirut crushed the Japanese B League champions Hiroshima Dragonflies 121-89. Saudi scored a game-high 21 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, Giochiyan contributed 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Meck, Kikanovic, and Al-Hakim each had 17 points, with Al-Hakim adding 14 assists. Al-Riyadi Beirut showcased both offensive firepower and defensive intensity, setting them up well for the final.

When the two teams met earlier in the tournament, Al-Riyadi Beirut emerged victorious 102-88. While Dubai Dynamic FC held their own in the first half, Al-Riyadi Beirut took control in the second half for a comfortable win. Al-Hakim exploded for 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, despite Sibert and Bointe combining for 43 points. This time, as they clash in the final, it remains to be seen if Dubai Dynamic FC can make a significant impact.