When I first started following the Libyan Basketball League a few seasons back, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as I’ve watched more games and spoken with coaches and players, I’ve come to appreciate the unique intensity and passion that defines this competition. The league, which currently includes around 12 professional teams, has grown significantly in visibility and skill level over the past five years. Just last week, I was reviewing footage from a nail-biting match between Al Ahly Benghazi and Al Ittihad Tripoli, and one post-game interview stood out to me. The coach remarked, "I’m happy that the guys had that intensity. They were a bit more focused today, medyo kulang pa but at least we came away with the win." That blend of raw emotion and candid reflection—acknowledging progress while pointing out areas to improve—really captures the spirit of Libyan basketball right now.
One of the standout teams this season has been Al Ahly Benghazi, a club with a rich history and a fanbase that’s nothing short of electric. I’ve had the chance to watch them play live on three separate occasions, and each time, their defensive coordination and fast-break execution left a strong impression. They’re currently leading the standings with an impressive 14 wins out of 18 games, thanks in large part to their star point guard, Ahmed El-Masri, who averages 22.7 points per game. But what I find most compelling about Al Ahly isn’t just their stats—it’s their resilience. In a recent match against Al Nasr, they were down by 9 points going into the fourth quarter, but they clawed back with a series of three-pointers and aggressive defense that had the crowd on its feet. Moments like that remind me why I love covering this league; there’s a palpable sense of growth, even amid the occasional setbacks.
Another team that’s been turning heads is Al Ittihad Tripoli, though their journey has been a bit more uneven. They’ve secured 10 wins so far, but inconsistency on the road has been their Achilles’ heel. I remember chatting with one of their assistant coaches after a tough loss in January, and he mentioned how the team was struggling with turnovers—averaging around 18 per game at that point. Fast forward to last month, and they’ve trimmed that down to just under 13, a clear sign of progress. Their center, Mohamed Saleh, is a force to be reckoned with in the paint, pulling down an average of 11.2 rebounds per game. Still, as that earlier quote hinted, there’s a sense that they haven’t fully tapped into their potential. "Medyo kulang pa," as the coach put it—a phrase that, loosely translated, means "still a bit lacking." It’s that kind of honest assessment that fuels improvement, and I’ve noticed Al Ittihad’s players responding to it with renewed focus in practice sessions.
Beyond the top contenders, teams like Al Tahaddy and Al Hilal have shown flashes of brilliance, though they’ve struggled to maintain momentum. Al Hilal, for instance, pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season by defeating Al Ahly Benghazi by a narrow margin of 78–75 back in November. I was in the arena that night, and the energy was absolutely infectious. Their shooting guard, Khalid Hassan, dropped 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute. But since then, they’ve had a rocky run, winning only 6 of their last 12 games. It’s a reminder of how competitive the league has become; no victory is guaranteed, and every team has to bring their A-game, night after night.
From a tactical standpoint, I’ve been impressed by the league’s evolving style of play. More teams are embracing a faster tempo, with an average of 85 possessions per game this season compared to just 76 two years ago. That shift has led to higher-scoring affairs and more highlight-reel moments, like the alley-oop dunk Al Ahly’s power forward, Jamal Aboud, threw down against Al Olympic last month. But it’s not all about offense. Defensive schemes have gotten smarter too, with coaches implementing more zone defenses and full-court presses to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. In my view, this strategic depth is what sets the Libyan Basketball League apart from other regional competitions—it’s not just raw talent, but a growing sophistication in how the game is played.
Of course, none of this would matter without the fans, whose passion is the lifeblood of the league. Attendance numbers have climbed steadily, with an average of 4,200 spectators per game this season, up from 3,500 last year. I’ve seen firsthand how that support can swing a close game; in a recent matchup, Al Ittihad’s home crowd roared so loudly during a crucial free throw that the opposing player missed both shots, sealing the win for their team. It’s moments like these that make the league so compelling to follow, both as a analyst and a fan.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the future of Libyan basketball. The league is attracting more international talent—this season, there are at least 7 foreign players across various teams—and grassroots programs are nurturing young prospects. Still, challenges remain, like improving infrastructure and securing more broadcast deals. But if the current trajectory holds, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Libyan teams making noise in continental tournaments within the next few years. For now, though, I’ll keep tuning in every week, notebook in hand, ready to witness the next thrilling chapter in this dynamic competition.
