04 Dec.2016 – Riyadi’s first game this year in Manara will be against newcomers Mayrouba on Monday night.
On paper, this might look like a David vs Goliath clash, but on court, it’s a different story. Mayrouba have shown that they aren’t intimidated by big teams as they swept Sagesse earlier on this week. Their leader, Calvin Cage will surely cause problems. Great ball handling, awesome shooting abilities and one good vision of the floor. Jahmar Young and possibly Jean Abed El Nour will have the task of limiting Cage’s scoring and denying him the ball. Riyadi have shown that they can handle any team on defense, yet it’s the offense part that hasn’t clicked yet.
They will count on Wael Arakji’s ability to command the open court. Those fast-break points will come in handy especially after those trademark passes from Ismael Ahmad. Alade Aminu will be asked to give a better performance than the one he gave against Champville. Mayrouba know how to play the low-post as both Upshaw and Bohannon can find their way to the basket. The match-up of Ali Haidar and John Bohannon will be interesting to watch as both PF can stretch the defense by taking outside shots, drive to the basket or even play a post-up game. If Haidar and Aminu are not enough, Riyadi have Ismael coming off the bench, and we all know that there is nothing Ismael can’t do.
Ismael isn’t the only weapon Riyadi can use from the bench as Amir Saoud is always ready to shift the momentum is his team’s favor every time he steps on the floor. His team-mates are always looking to set him free with off the ball screens and plays drawn just for him to take his shot. Fouad Anati may be asked to keep an eye on him as he took the difficult task of guarding Stoglin on Friday.
Mayrouba can also count on Tom Ammar who showed he has what it takes to be a starter in D1. Great shooting and decision making, nothing flashy, just doing what it takes to score. Off the bench Costy Koudsi, Albert Zeinoun and Elie Ghaleb will surely have their time to prove to coach Nasr that he can rely on them when it counts.
It will be a tricky test for Riyadi who want to reconcile their fans after a harsh loss and reconsolidate their presence as the team to beat.
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