POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Mitchell Tabet
Mitchell Tabet (183-PG-00) is a Lebanese future star currently playing for Al Moutahed in the LBL League (Lebanon). In 2017/2018, Tabet was named Captain of the (U18) National Team (Lebanon). He was invited to play at the Liga Mediterranean Cup (Barcelona, Spain): 4 games: 7.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 72.7%. In 2017/2018, he starred in the WABA U18 (West Asia Basketball Association) playing 8 games averaging 14.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Assists-1 (7.5apg), Steals-2 (2.6spg), 44.0%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT:77.8%. Eurobasket.com conducted it's 20th interview with future stars during the coronavirus crisis.
Hi Mitchell. Where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the turmoil across the world because of the outbreak of the Coronavirus?
A: First, I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me. I am currently in Lebanon with my family. Like everyone else we are just taking things as they come until this situation passes.
Can you tell us more about your basketball background?
A: I began playing basketball at a really young age in my father's club in Beirut. It wasn't until I was 12 that I chose to solely focus and pursue basketball. For 4 years I played in the same club (Chabibeh Sporting Club) until I moved to Spain to play with Torrelodones Sports Club. I stayed in Spain for a year then moved back to Lebanon where I played 2 seasons again with Chabibeh Sporting Club. After these seasons, I got an opportunity to play in Division 1 with Beirut Sports Club. Most recently, I moved to Al Mouttahed which is also in the LBL.
You went to Spain when you were just 16 years old, how was your experience there?
A: Moving to Spain was a life changing experience. I gained a lot of knowledge and my whole mindset about basketball changed. There's a difference in the level of basketball between Spain and Lebanon and that's what made me improve my game. I could say that in Spain, players are more motivated to play than in Lebanon.
What other basketball experiences do you have outside your country?
A: I was invited to the Mediterranean Cup that was held in Barcelona where my team won the cup. I also participate in intensive basketball camps every summer in Serbia.
As a National Team player in Lebanon, which international championships did you participate in?
A: With the U16 National Team, I participated in the WABA Tournament in Jordan and the Asian Championships in Indonesia. With the U18 National Team, I participated in the WABA Tournament in Jordan and Iran.
We heard many coaches saying that you have good vision and you are one of the best combo guards of your age group in Lebanon, what do you have to say about that?
As a point guard, my primary objective is to find the open man on the court. I see through tiny spaces other players can't see which makes my vision impressive - especially for my age.
By looking at your WABA stats, we noticed that the team efficiency is highest when you're on the court. Tell us about the point guard position and what it's like to lead a country?
A: The biggest thing is making sure there is no negative energy on the team. I motivate my teammates, feed the hot hand, and most importantly, stand up for them. I make it my own mission to organize the team so that we can play together, hustle together, and be one hand.
COVID-19 froze the world and it impacted all sectors. How did it impact you as a basketball player?
A: COVID-19 stopped the basketball season, which means all teams stopped practicing. It forced gyms to close and people to stay home. Staying at home and not practicing on a daily basis eventually ruins your shape and lowers your level in the game which is impacting a lot of athletes around the world.
What are you doing to overcome these challenges?
A: I saw this virus as a challenge that in turn has motivated me to work even harder. Im doing home workouts, getting some shots up, and running around the neighborhood every day in order to stay in shape.
We also heard that some clubs from Europe are contacting you for next season, is this true?
A: Yes that's true, nothing finalized yet, but options are there.
What are your future plans?
A: I am pursuing my career as a basketball player, and of course I want to continue my university education.
As a basketball player, my plan includes finding the best opportunities for me to play and improve my skills. I have to select the option that gives me both, whether that's in my country or abroad. My goals are to make basketball my professional career because to me nothing is better than transforming your passion into your career. At the same time, I want to build a career in sports management. I was doing an internship at the FIBA offices in Beirut this year and it was very interesting to see basketball from an international management perspective.
Thank for your time Mitchell
Tags : MITCHELL TABET, AL MOUTAHED TRIPOLI, LEBANESE BASKETBALL
