Fadi El Khatib
Encyclopedia
Fadi El Khatib born January 1, 1979, is a Lebanese
basketball
player currently playing for Champville SC
in the Lebanese Basketball League
. He is also the current captain of the Lebanon national basketball team
that participated in the 2002 FIBA World Championship
in Indianapolis
in the United States
, in the 2006 FIBA World Championship
which took place in Japan
, and in the 2010 FIBA World Championship
held
in Turkey
.
After the 2002 FIBA World Championship
in Indianapolis, many NBA scouts were impressed by Fadi's shooting range, strength, athletic ability, physical and mental toughness such as the Los Angeles Clippers
, Sacramento Kings
, Memphis Grizzlies
and New Orleans Hornets.
In August 2005, a legal dispute rose between two rival teams, Riyadi club and Sagesse clubs, over conflicting contracts signed by Khatib, with Sagesse club insisting that its contract was valid as it was signed at the Lebanese Basketball League
. On the other hand, Riyadi insisted on going to courts if necessary.
In 2006, he joined Lebanon's Blue Stars
and later in 2007, at 29, he decided to play professionally in Europe
, for Ukrainian EuroCup team SK Cherkassy Monkeys
.
Khatib returned to his native Lebanon and helped Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
to their third title at the International Dubai Tournament. In 2009-2010 season, he joined Lebanese club Champville SC
.
that same year, Lebanon ended up in 7th place. In the 2001, 2005 and 2007 FIBA Asia Championship, El Khatib helped Lebanon reach the second place and the fourth place in 2003 and 2009. Lebanon
would qualify to three World Championship with Fadi el Khatib yaking part.
Michael Jordan
's personal trainer Tim Grover personally invited him to work out with Michael Jordan
, Michael Finley
, Ray Allen
, Charles Oakley
, Sam Mack
and Juwan Howard
.
They were all very impressed and told Fadi he should be in the NBA. Michael Jordan was quoted in the New York Times, "Michael Jordan believes Lebanon's premiere player should be in the NBA."
He was also quoted in Time Magazine that "Fady el Khatib may be the strongest player at the moment we just need to see him play in the NBA against players like Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Tim Duncan... and I'm sure he'll impress us big time. I personally see that he may even be able to achieve results against me (laughs)"
Khatib led Lebanon in their hopes of qualifying for the 2008 Summer Olympics via the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament; however, following a pre-tournament injury to Joe Vogel
, Khatib conceded that Lebanon did not have the "slightest possibility of winning" against host Greece
. Indeed, Lebanon lost to Greece on the opening day of the tournament. After another loss to Brazil
, Khatib and Lebanon failed to qualify for the 2008 games.
In Lebanon's opening game, El Khatib scored 31 points leading Lebanon to win over Canada 81-71.
In the second half, Fadi scored 26 points he was 5/5 from the field. As Lebanon’s head coach Tab Baldwin
pointed out, the bigger the game, the bigger and better El Khatib is likely to play.
Many Lebanese fans in Turkey were upset that Lebanon did not qualify to the next round. After Lebanon's last match against Lithuania, Fadi El Khatib said in an interview that this will be his last World Championship.
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player currently playing for Champville SC
Champville SC
Champville SC or Champville Maristes Sports and Basketball Club Champville SC competes in the Lebanese Basketball League 1st division.-History:* Lebanese League Semifinals -02, 06, 07* Lebanese Cup Winner -04, 10...
in the Lebanese Basketball League
Lebanese Basketball League
The Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
. He is also the current captain of the Lebanon national basketball team
Lebanon national basketball team
The Lebanon national basketball team is the basketball team representing Lebanon in international competitions.-History:The first time basketball was ever played in Lebanon was in the mid-1920s in the American University of Beirut...
that participated in the 2002 FIBA World Championship
2002 FIBA World Championship
The 2002 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball tournament held by the International Basketball Federation in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA from August 29 to September 8, 2002.-Venues:-Squads:...
in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, in the 2006 FIBA World Championship
2006 FIBA World Championship
The 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
which took place in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and in the 2010 FIBA World Championship
2010 FIBA World Championship
The 2010 FIBA World Championship, hosted by Turkey, was the international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams. The tournament ran from August 28 to September 12, 2010. It was co-organized by the International Basketball Federation , Turkish Basketball Federation and the...
held
in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.
Teams
By 1997, Khatib joined Sagesse Beirut, signing a three year contract; which was renewed by 7 more years.After the 2002 FIBA World Championship
2002 FIBA World Championship
The 2002 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball tournament held by the International Basketball Federation in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA from August 29 to September 8, 2002.-Venues:-Squads:...
in Indianapolis, many NBA scouts were impressed by Fadi's shooting range, strength, athletic ability, physical and mental toughness such as the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
and New Orleans Hornets.
In August 2005, a legal dispute rose between two rival teams, Riyadi club and Sagesse clubs, over conflicting contracts signed by Khatib, with Sagesse club insisting that its contract was valid as it was signed at the Lebanese Basketball League
Lebanese Basketball League
The Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
. On the other hand, Riyadi insisted on going to courts if necessary.
In 2006, he joined Lebanon's Blue Stars
Bluestars (Lebanon)
Bluestars is a professional basketball team in the Lebanese Basketball League. They competed in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2007, finishing in 5th place....
and later in 2007, at 29, he decided to play professionally in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, for Ukrainian EuroCup team SK Cherkassy Monkeys
Cherkassy (basketball)
BK Cherkasy is a higher-tier Ukrainian professional basketball club that plays its home games in Cherkasy, Ukraine. The team is also known as the "Cherkas'ki Mavpy" , which means "Cherkasy Monkeys"....
.
Khatib returned to his native Lebanon and helped Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut, also known as Riyadi Club and Sporting Club is a Lebanese Basketball club based in Raouché, Beirut where both men's and women's tournaments are held every year....
to their third title at the International Dubai Tournament. In 2009-2010 season, he joined Lebanese club Champville SC
Champville SC
Champville SC or Champville Maristes Sports and Basketball Club Champville SC competes in the Lebanese Basketball League 1st division.-History:* Lebanese League Semifinals -02, 06, 07* Lebanese Cup Winner -04, 10...
.
International
Fadi El Khatib started playing with the Lebanese national basketball team in 1999, he helped in Lebanon qualifying for the first time to the FIBA Asia ChampionshipFIBA Asia Championship
The FIBA Asia Championship for Men is a tournament which takes place every two years between teams of the continent. This is the Asian qualifying tournament for the FIBA World Championship and the Olympic basketball tournament...
that same year, Lebanon ended up in 7th place. In the 2001, 2005 and 2007 FIBA Asia Championship, El Khatib helped Lebanon reach the second place and the fourth place in 2003 and 2009. Lebanon
Lebanon national basketball team
The Lebanon national basketball team is the basketball team representing Lebanon in international competitions.-History:The first time basketball was ever played in Lebanon was in the mid-1920s in the American University of Beirut...
would qualify to three World Championship with Fadi el Khatib yaking part.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
's personal trainer Tim Grover personally invited him to work out with Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
, Michael Finley
Michael Finley
Michael Howard Finley is a retired American professional basketball player. He last played for the Boston Celtics of the NBA.-High school career:...
, Ray Allen
Ray Allen
Walter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
, Charles Oakley
Charles Oakley
Charles Oakley is a retired American professional basketball player and is currently an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association...
, Sam Mack
Sam Mack
Sam Mack is a retired American professional basketball player, formerly of the NBA.The 6'7" shooting guard from Iowa State University, Tyler Junior College and the University of Houston played with five different NBA teams over a 10-year span...
and Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard
Juwan Antonio Howard is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . The Heat were his eighth different NBA team. He was drafted fifth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets...
.
They were all very impressed and told Fadi he should be in the NBA. Michael Jordan was quoted in the New York Times, "Michael Jordan believes Lebanon's premiere player should be in the NBA."
He was also quoted in Time Magazine that "Fady el Khatib may be the strongest player at the moment we just need to see him play in the NBA against players like Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Tim Duncan... and I'm sure he'll impress us big time. I personally see that he may even be able to achieve results against me (laughs)"
Khatib led Lebanon in their hopes of qualifying for the 2008 Summer Olympics via the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament; however, following a pre-tournament injury to Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel
For American author, see Joseph VogelJoseph Vogel is an American-Lebanese basketball player. Vogel attended Colorado State. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1996 NBA Draft...
, Khatib conceded that Lebanon did not have the "slightest possibility of winning" against host Greece
Greece national basketball team
The Greece national basketball team is the representative for Greece in international men's basketball competitions, organized and run by the Hellenic Basketball Federation. Traditionally, Greece is considered among the world's top basketball powers; they were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World...
. Indeed, Lebanon lost to Greece on the opening day of the tournament. After another loss to Brazil
Brazil national basketball team
The Brazilian National Basketball Team represents Brazil in FIBA's basketball competitions.-Men's team:First drafted in 1922, the men's team has won two World Championships , three bronze Olympic medals , four Americas Championships and five Pan American Games .-Olympic Games:-FIBA...
, Khatib and Lebanon failed to qualify for the 2008 games.
In Lebanon's opening game, El Khatib scored 31 points leading Lebanon to win over Canada 81-71.
In the second half, Fadi scored 26 points he was 5/5 from the field. As Lebanon’s head coach Tab Baldwin
Tab Baldwin
Thomas Anthony "Tab" Baldwin ONZM is an American-New Zealand basketball coach,-History:Baldwin was born in Florida and came from Jacksonville Beach to New Zealand in 1988 to coach the Otago Nuggets....
pointed out, the bigger the game, the bigger and better El Khatib is likely to play.
Many Lebanese fans in Turkey were upset that Lebanon did not qualify to the next round. After Lebanon's last match against Lithuania, Fadi El Khatib said in an interview that this will be his last World Championship.
Awards and achievements
- Lebanese Cup Winner -95, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03.
- Lebanese Cup Finalist -04, 06, 07.
- Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
Champion -98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 09. - Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
Runner-up -06, 07, 10. - Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
Best Domestic Player -06, 09, 10 - Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
All Tournament Team -04, 06, 07, 10. - Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
Player of the year-01, 02, 03, 04. - 2006-2007 Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
Forward of the year. - 2009-2010 Lebanese Basketball LeagueLebanese Basketball LeagueThe Lebanese Basketball League or FLB League or BANKMED FLB League is the top basketball league in Lebanon and one of the top leagues in Asia. It is organised annually as a national championship with playoffs and a national cup by the Lebanese Basketball Federation . The Men Division A made up of...
1st Top Scorer averaging 29.6 ppg. - 4th King Abdullah Basketball Cup 2005 with the Lebanese national team
- Arab Cup Champion -98, 99
- Asian Club Championships -99(1), 00(1), 01, 04-(1), 2011(1)
- Lebanon Military National Team -00
- West Asian Championship 1st place -00,01
- West Asia MVP -2001,2002
- Syrian League Regular Season Champion -05
- FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2005FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2005The FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2005 was the 16th staging of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the basketball club tournament of FIBA Asia. The tournament was held in Quezon City, Pasay City and Antipolo City, in the Philippines between May 29, 2008 and June 5....
All Tournament 1st Team. - Asian ChampionshipFIBA Asia Champions CupThe FIBA Asia Champions Cup is the Asian club championship for basketball organized by FIBA Asia, and takes place every year.-Summary:- Titles by team :- Titles by country :-References:*...
- Most Valuable Player: 2005 (Al Riyadi)
- Most Valuable Player: FIBA Asia Champions Cup for clubs 2011 (Al Riyadi)
- 2001 ABC Championship-Silver Medalist.
- 2001 ABC Championship-All Tournament 1st Team.
- 2005 FIBA Asia Championship-Silver Medalist.
- 2005 FIBA Asia Championship-Best Forward.
- 2005 FIBA Asia Championship-All Tournament 1st Team.
- 2007 FIBA Asia Championship 2nd Top Scorer averaging 27.3 ppg.
- 2007 FIBA Asia Championship-Silver Medalist.
- 2010 Arab Club Championship-All Tournament 1st Team.
- 2010 Arab Club Championship-Best Domestic Player.
- 2010 Arab Club Championship- Gold Medalist.
- Efes Pilsen World Cup 9Efes Pilsen World Cup 9-Round-robin:*All time UTC+3.-Final standings:...
-Bronze Medalist