Al-Hamdulilah for Team MB for giving us a smooth season opener!

Now on to the Frank Nitty gritty...

Isdud vs Areeha

This will be one of two DUB-less matchups. Isdud played sans MB rookie newcomer Yousof Mamoor last game, a 20-something 6'3 208 LB PF. Definitely reads like a core guy on paper. Pair Ali Hassan with 1 or 2 volume producers and a W will always be within reach. Mujtaba coming back, I need Muj to get in his middy bag and thrive, and help Isdud facilitate better passing looks out of it.

Areeha had an underwhelming game 1. The roster has every piece to be successful. Slashers, shooters, bigs, and a physical therapist Captain. Mahrooz is the biggest threat on the squad, he simplifies the offense. Singer operating off the catch is a dangerous scenario, he can pass, slash, and shoot. Utilizing Sal + Koyas as high percentage finishers is a must. With solid Isdud gel, they are a spooky team.

Picking Areeha, Areeha has a more physical team, they will limit second chances for Isdud and glean bountiful second chances to themselves. That kind of game momentum is Dub-Bound.

If Isdud brings their rookie could lean to a tossup, if they don't Areeha reels away with a W

Yaffa vs Sabra

Sabra with a blowout W game 1. MB ROY candidate Kai Irby led Sabra to an efficient W, coming in with positive momentum for game 2. Everyone knows their role! Coach Jays' Sabra executes on defense, teamwork, & fundamentals. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Yaffa the former champs. MB's SPURS. Moosa + Habi + Yahya + 2 upgraded roster spots in Jay and Niko. This team can be dangerously fundamental, which is the reason their track record show consistent W's. Never rule the Yanes' out. They will be hunting for a W week 2. This will be 1 of the best matchups this week.

W-Momentum => Sabra

Haifa vs Yazur

Haifa had a fantastic rebounding game, which I am sure got them their W. I mean other than 5 players being in double digits of course, they shot an efficient 48.5%. They share the ball well and shoot it well. MB newcomer Elijah can hoop. They need to minimize TOs. With 6 more games to mesh, this team is TOUGH.

Yazur died by the 3, they shot 2-18 from 3P last game. They need to figure out how to slash the paint + diversify their offense. Things I like about Yazur, solid rebounding + solid ball movement. They just need to figure out how to get reliable points using their pieces.

Haifa with the W, they could reliably get points and know how to make a defensive comeback.


Jerusalem vs Jenin

Jerusalem runs on Abbassi Trio + BRANDON + ALI S. They have all the pieces and some with 3P snipers Ramzy and Mustafa Brown. Ramzy and Mustafa Brown should be shooting minimum 12-15 they MUST SHOOT! They lost a close game last week, I think if they gave the corner 3 more looks it would've helped put them over the edge. Omar Abbassi killed it last game with very efficient 25 PTS on over 50% FG. Brandon needs more looks, he's capable of 10 + 10 all day.

Jenin outrebounding Yaffa last week is CRAZY WORK, and I guarantee you it helped get their win. Zain seems to have had an off game, and obviously is a reliable high FG% double double guy. It is apparent that the rest of Jenin took care of business. Saucy backcourt between Fares bros and Sohaib. Defensive specialist Jared, 3 specialist Sh Idriss, Debke specialist Hossam, and BIG specialist Zain. This is a scary squad on paper.

Jenin with the Momentum W, their guard play is slithery.


Ramla vs Nablus

Ramla can rebound and can pass. They lost last week in a nail biter. Mana is an efficient 2 way double double. They have shooters, but being complacent with 3s could lead to a complacent and well rested opposing team. They need to slash to the rim, collectively and get some points at the charity stripe.

Nablus has some solid guys in Juan and Adeeb. But they do need to find reliable offensive flow. Hamza needs to be taking 10-15 3s. Adeeb needs to diversify his offense if he is taking 20+ shots, or get Jenin a lot more involved. Juan was extremely efficient in the paint. It would help if he shot a high FT %. As a guy like that will see FT line often, must take advantage.

I think if Nablus figures out growing pains, this will be a lot closer. However Ramla seems they have it 70% figured out. Ramla with the W.

Bethlehem vs Al-Bireh

GAME OF THE WEEK! CAPTAIN LEBANON VS CAPTAIN TUNISIA!

Bethlehem had a slam dunk W Game 1. Looking at the stat sheet its clear they rebound the ball well and pass the ball even better. The only improvement looks to be to clean up excessive turnovers. Mahdy is going to beast out, Chaabane brothers going to get theirs, Jojo going to find his shots, and Sehwail brothers always pitch in for the W.

Al-Bireh lost a nail biter last game. For only rebounding the ball half as much as the other team, its a miracle they only lost by 7! MB newcomer Nick is a PROBLEM from 3. Zubi ate dinner from the FT line. Towfeek was all over the stat sheet, Shafic did his usual glue guard stuff. They had many blocks, many steals, and move the ball very well.

This win prediction will be based on turnovers.

If Bethlehem turns it over excessively, Al-Bireh will W

If Al-Bireh turns it over excessively, Bethlehem will W.

Beit Jala vs Lod

Beit Jala's Aadil + Shaz combined for 62.5% accuracy on 16 shots combined! This needs to be closer to 30 shots combined. Their rebounding wasn't the hottest, and is definitely an improvement they need to work on. BJ's role players need to step up and take shots.

Captain Deep's Lod is a ninja star, throw it at the wall and any side will stick. CRAZY equal distribution with a decent amount of shots between everyone. They can shoot the 3, they can convert in the paint, they can pass the ball. Deadly 3 ball shooting team, they are going to be a problem.

I love Shaz and Aadil's games, but they need to figure out how the rest can support to win consistently. Lod, on paper looks like they've been playing for a long time together.

Lod with the W.

Qibya vs Gaza

Qibya shares the ball well, the only improvement I can comment on is to take more shots aka get second chance rebounds. OH erupted with a 19 point game, and likely will need to put up similar numbers and get a little more contribution out of the rest of the cast.

Gaza has an elite shooter on the team who may be as good as Ty Jackson! Michael thrives in the mid range, and can not only draw fouls but also convert his FTs! Pair him with MB OG Vets AFAY + Farhad, and you got a core good enough to put in the middle of IRON-MANS CHEST! Uday needs to contribute and clarify his role a little more, they will need durable productivity from him to win comfortably.

Gaza with the W, Michael/Afay/Farhad is going to be a lot to handle for the Qibya crew.


May Allah SWT bless Team MB for their efforts, bless our season with injury-free fun, and bless our comradery.

Edited by user Tuesday, December 10, 2024 9:14:34 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified