New Jersey (North): Istanbul (D2)

Power Ranking Trend

Power Ranking By Week
WEEK RECORD RANK COMMENTS
Week 5 0-5 13
 
31–54 vs. Granada, and they never found consistent creation. Without Corey Chandler, Omar Singer felt like the only reliable offensive lever; still, the defense kept competing even when the offense stalled. The identity is solid — but they need more players who can bend the defense and create easier looks before the game turns into mud.
Week 4 0-4 13

61–74 vs. Islamabad, and while it’s another loss, the fight level was better than the record. Muhanad Deeb kept them competing, Nick Fajvan battled on the glass, and Khaled Musbeh / Muhammad Assaf had stretches where the offense looked more organized. They still give up too many “easy” runs — but the growth is showing in pockets.
Week 3 0-3 14

Rough night: 72–98 vs. Beirut, and the defensive cracks showed early. Sube Deeb kept competing, and Nick Fajvan was a bright spot with a strong performance, but the transition leaks and breakdowns piled up too fast. Khaled Musbeh and Muhammad Assaf have to help settle late-game execution, and the whole group has to finish possessions with rebounds. The upside is real — but the defensive details have to tighten immediately.
Week 2 0-2 13

Istanbul ran into another tough matchup and fell to Mombasa (58–85). Captain Sube Deeb has them playing hard, but it’s the details: finishing possessions (Nick Fajvan & Tamer Assaf), limiting run-outs, and executing late (Khaled Musbeh + Muhammad Assaf + Muhanad Deeb). At 0–2, they need a cleaner brand of basketball, quickly.
Week 1 0-1 13
 
Istanbul fell to Gaza (41–58), but the energy is real — they play with edge. Captain Sube Deep has them competing, and the path forward is clear: finish possessions (rebounding from Nick Fajvan & Tamer Assaf) and execute late (Khaled Musbeh + Muhammad Assaf + Muhanad Deeb). Until that settles, the “grown-up stuff” will keep costing them games.
Preseason 0-0 13
A young, exciting up-and-coming team that plays with edge and intensity—and won’t be intimidated by anyone. Their path up the rankings depends on finishing possessions: rebounding from Tamer Assaf and late-game execution from Khaled Musbeh and Muhammad Assaf will be the difference between close losses and wins.