BEIRUT, Lebanon (23rd FIBA Asia Champions Cup): Having been in the thick of things for almost a decade, Omar El Turk surely knows more than a thing about different coaches and differing philosophies. Al Riyadi Beirut will go into hosting, and defending their title, the 23rd FIBA Asia Champions Cup starting at their own Saeb Salam Arena on Monday, with El Turk at the vanguard.

There is a new coach in Serbian Slobodan Zubotic – replacing the popular Fouad Abouchakra – at the helm of affairs at Al Riyadi this year, and El Turk is of the opinion that the success will depend more on the performance of the team.

“Every coach has his own philosophy. He brings in a new dimension to the way we play. Coach Fouad was a fantastic coach. So is coach Zubotic,” El Turk said.

“But in the final analysis, it will all depend upon how well the team adapts to the philosophy and plays,” he said in an interview posted on the club’s website.

On the team’s preparations for the event, El Turk said: “The Hariri tournament (currently ongoing in Beirut) will help us plug the loopholes. We are all well prepared and in good condition coming from the off season. But then there is the always the element of giving the final touches.”

FIBA Asia