08 Nov.2016– After a shocking defeat to USEK in last year’s Unileague final, LAU is coming out strong this year with a taste of revenge. LAU Byblos has been dominating the league with 5 titles in the last 6 seasons. Never being short on talent, LAU’s roster has been filled with big names with the likes of Khalil Aoun, Omar Ayoubi, Mathieu Dib and Patrick Chahwan.
This year a super team has been formed, with their eyes set on a clean sweep in this year’s uni-league and even more, claiming scalps in foreign tournaments.
A major acquisition to the team was talented point guard and rising superstar Jad Khalil. Jad is well known for his ability to lead any team with a great sense to slow the tempo or push for the fastbreak when needed. His great ball-handling skills give him an edge over any defender and cutting speed would split any defense to penetrate right to the basket. He will share the point guard duties with another rising player, Albert Zeinoun. Albert is definitely one of the most athletic players out there with lightening speed and a vertical jump worthy of slam dunk contests. Albert is a lockdown defender with a great sense of feeling the floor giving him an advantage to intercept many passes, grab rebounds and push on the break. His passing skills are also well noted, finding his team mates to dish those dimes.
The list goes on with team Captain and the “dinamo” of the team, Jonny Nemer. Always concentrated, the tiger keeps his team focused and his positive energy is felt whether he’s playing or cheering from the bench. A versatile player who can drive on any defender, absorb contact and make the extra from the line or be a spot up shooter who drains three after three. His ball-handling skills are not to be underestimated as he can pass by any opposition like a V8 on a highway.
The team’s guard are attracting most of the attention. How not, while Elie Chamoun and Karam Mechref are forming the backcourt of the team. Chamoun is well known for his tremendous ability to shoot that deep three. Open shot or not you’d better believe it’s going in. Add to that his ability to take on any defender with often height and speed on his side. Hazardly the easiest player to talk about yet the most difficult was Karam Mechref. He has a bit of everything making him the go to guy most of the times, creating opportunities out of nothing. He obviously can split the defense, cut straight to the rim and with his great leaping ability few can stop him. His defensive skills are well noted as he can guard practically anyone from point guard to power forward, making him a key part of the team. Some may argue that he was the missing piece in the puzzle that allowed USEK to overpower LAU in the finals.
Not to forget about Aziz Abdel Masih whose impact this year on the team is well celebrated. His long arms allow him to shoot over defenders with ease. His leaping ability propels him to the basket to finish easily with the harm. Last but not least is Marc Korjian known for his fighting spirit and intense play. He is often assigned to the adversary team’s best scorer as his defensive ability is second to none. Add his sharp shooting skills, drilling those dagger threes giving his team a big advantage on both sides of the court.
However, this team would never be a real competitor if it wasn’t for its hardworking coaching staff made of Joe Mojaes and Sarkis Korjian. Two basketball men with immense basketball knowledge and an eye piercing vision.
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