New Jersey (North): Beirut (D2)

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Power Ranking By Week
WEEK RECORD RANK COMMENTS
Week 5 4-1 5
 
37–64 vs. Cairo, and it was another night where the game slipped early. Nabil Allan kept trying to settle things, and without Ty Jackson, Ian Felix still has the talent to swing quarters — but the possessions get too empty, too fast. The path forward is simple (not easy): cleaner spacing, fewer live-ball turnovers, and more “one good shot” possessions.
Week 4 3-1 5

71–41 over Kabul, and they looked like a team that knows exactly what it wants. Shafic “IKONIK” Itani controlled the backcourt pace, and Towfeek Hamzeh had them in the right spots all night (near triple-double type impact). The group shared it early to avoid the “my turn / your turn” traps. With Khalid Itani in the lineup, Beirut’s structure and confidence make them a tough out for anyone in the top half.
Week 3 2-1 6

Offensive explosion: 98–72 over Istanbul, and it wasn’t a fluke — it was pace, spacing, and confidence. Shafic “IKONIK” Itani went nuclear (57) and controlled the game like it was scripted, while Coach Towfeek Hamzeh had them in the right spots all night. Beirut’s guards pushed tempo and their interior touches kept the defense honest. If they defend with the same urgency they score with, they’re going to keep climbing.
Week 2 1-1 10

Beirut dropped a close one to Damascus (62–64) and will feel like they let a winnable game slip. Captain Shafic Itani had them competing, and with Coach Towfeek Hamzeh trying to steady the pace, they were right there late. The next step is cleaner execution down the stretch — plus more consistent interior production from Ahmad Asfour — to avoid these one-possession losses. Still a solid team, but now firmly in the pack.
Week 1 1-0 7
 
Beirut got a professional win over Lahore (67–60). Captain Shafic Itani had them under control — and between Coach Towfeek Hamzeh setting the tone and Shafic keeping the backcourt steady, they looked like a team that knows exactly what it wants. If Ahmad Asfour keeps giving them interior production, they’re a real dark-horse climber.
Preseason 0-0 9
A balanced, well-coached group led by Towfeek Hamzeh, with enough shot-making to hang with anyone. If the guard play (Shafic Itani and Coach Towfeek) controls the pace and they get consistent interior production from Khalid Itani, Beirut has real dark-horse potential to climb early.