Antonine University (UA), in collaboration with the Lebanese Basketball Federation (LBF), has officially launched the University Diploma in Basketball Coaching, a pioneering academic program aimed at elevating the professional and educational standards of basketball coaching in Lebanon.
The launch event took place at UA’s Hadat–Baabda Main Campus, Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery, on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The ceremony gathered distinguished figures from the sports and academic sectors, including MP Ghassan Atallah, member of the Youth and Sports Committee; Mr. Akram Halabi, President of the Lebanese Basketball Federation and First Vice President of the Asian Basketball Confederation; Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA’s Rector; Fr. Ibrahim Bou Rajel, representing the Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order; Fr. Ziad Maatouk, UA’s Secretary General; Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development; Dr. Antonio Soutou, Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences (FSS); Mr. Jihad Salameh, President of the Fencing Federation; Mr. Jassem Kansouh, President of the Badminton Federation; and Mr. Nadim Hakim, Vice President of the Arab Basketball Federation; along with members of the LBF’s administrative committee, club presidents, coaches and players, including the Club Antonin Sportif basketball men team, as well as a large presence of media professionals and journalists.
The event began with an introduction by sports journalist Ms. Gaelle Khoury, who served as the master of ceremony. A video presentation followed, showcasing UA’s mission, vision, and values, setting the stage for the significance of the occasion.
Fr. Michel Saghbiny delivered the first address, welcoming attendees and emphasizing Antonine University’s long-standing commitment to sports as a pillar of education. He highlighted the University’s nearly 50-year history in integrating sports into academia and its evolution into a recognized discipline within the FSS. He stressed UA’s dedication to shaping professionals in sports while instilling values of respect, diversity, and excellence. He underscored the role of collective sports like basketball in fostering national unity, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Discussing the Diploma’s launch, he explained that it aligns with UA’s mission to expand its educational role by offering structured training for coaches and addressing the evolving needs of the sports sector. Confident in the partnership with the Lebanese Basketball Federation, he affirmed that the collaboration will set a new benchmark by integrating academic expertise with real-world experience. Fr. Saghbiny concluded by expressing gratitude to those who contributed to this initiative, emphasizing that it transforms a passion for basketball into a professional career and reaffirms UA’s commitment to producing highly skilled coaches who meet international standards.
Mr. Akram Halabi followed with a speech underscoring the long-held vision of integrating structured coaching education into Lebanese basketball. He stated that the success of the sport at both national and international levels has been built on strong training programs, and this Diploma ensures the continuity of excellence. Mr. Halabi acknowledged that the idea of the Diploma originated from discussions with UA’s Secretary General, Fr. Ziad Maatouk, and Head of the Coaches’ Academy, Mr. Jihad Saliba, given UA’s extensive experience in sports education. He emphasized that this initiative will open doors for Lebanese coaches to gain professional recognition and opportunities abroad, particularly in the Arab region.
A key highlight of the event was a round table discussion on the importance of academic-federal collaboration in sports coaching, moderated by sports commentator and TV/radio host Mr. Fares Karam. Panelists included Charbel Rizk, Secretary General of the Lebanese Basketball Federation and Secretary General of the West Asian Basketball Association; Jihad Saliba, Diploma Coordinator at Antonine University and Coaching and Accreditation Head at the Lebanese Basketball Federation; and Joe Moujaes, National Coach and Head Coach of Homenetmen Beirut Basketball Team. The discussion provided insights into the evolving role of formal education in sports coaching, emphasizing how this Diploma will help coaches refine their skills and enhance the game’s standards.
Following the discussion, a Q&A session allowed attendees to engage directly with the panelists, further exploring the potential impact of the Diploma program on the coaching profession and the future of Lebanese basketball. This section included a video introducing the Diploma in Basketball Coaching, its objectives, learning outcomes, and job prospects.
A dedicated video presentation highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UA and the LBF. The agreement was formally signed during the event by Fr. Michel Saghbiny and Mr. Akram Halabi, solidifying a shared commitment to developing basketball coaching as an academic discipline. The MOU underscores the partnership’s objective to provide aspiring coaches with structured training that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, ensuring that Lebanese basketball coaching meets international standards.
The University Diploma in Basketball Coaching is the first of its kind in the Middle East and represents a transformative step in the professionalization of basketball coaching in Lebanon. The curriculum is designed to combine rigorous academic coursework with hands-on practical training, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world coaching scenarios. The program also supports Lebanese coaches in seeking international accreditation and opportunities in the Arab region and beyond.
Enrollment for the Diploma will officially open on March 1, 2025, with classes set to commence in early April. This initiative reaffirms UA’s dedication to academic excellence in sports education, setting a new benchmark for coaching standards in Lebanon and paving the way for a new generation of highly qualified basketball professionals.