Arakji number one in West Asia Super League for round 2

- May 15, 2025

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Wael Arakji

Wael Arakji

Guard Wael Arakji (193-G-1994) put on an amazing game in the last round for top-ranked Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 2 (Second Stage).
The 30-year old player was the main contributor (36 points, three rebounds and six assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Sagesse (#2, 5-6) with 30-point margin 101-71. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Al Riyadi to consolidate first place in the West Asia Super League. It's already very far into the season and Al Riyadi keeps a perfect 11-0 record. In the team's last game Arakji had a remarkable 90.9% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He just recently signed at Al Riyadi, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Wael Arakji has solid league stats. He is in league's top in points (5th best: 20.4ppg), assists (3rd best: 6.6apg) and averages impressive 72.0% FGP and 40.4% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Keron DeShields (190-PG-1992, agency: Diamond Sports) of Al Ittihad Jeddah. DeShields had a very good evening with a double-double of 24 points and 12 assists. It was enough for Al Ittihad to edge Astana (0-3) 79-76. The Second Stage is still at the very beginning and this victory may help a lot. Let's wait for the next round. DeShields is a newcomer at Al Ittihad, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 23.6ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 5.9rpg and 7.2apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Al Riyadi's star - Australian center Thon Maker (216-C-1997). Maker showcased his all-around game by recording 17 points, 11 rebounds (!!!) and 4 assists in the last round. He was another key player of Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut, helping his team with a 97-87 win against #3 ranked Al Ittihad in a game of the week. Al Riyadi have amazing season winning all 11 games without a single defeat. Maker turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Maker has a great season in West Asia Super League. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 10.0rpg (#1 in league).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marin Maric (211-C-1994) of Al Riyadi - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Andrey Desiatnikov (220-C-1994) of Astana - 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Majok Deng (205-F-1993) of Al Ittihad - 25 points and 7 rebounds
7. Zach Lofton (193-G-1992) of Sagesse - 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Sek Henry (193-G-1987) of Qadsia - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Yasir Aljohani (G) of Al Ittihad - 22 points and 5 rebounds
10. Deshawndre Washington (201-G) of Shabab Al Ahli - 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : WAEL ARAKJI, SPORTING AL RIYADI BEIRUT, LEBANESE BASKETBALL, , WEST ASIA SUPER LEAGUE