TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Two years ago, when Lebanon won the title at the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, there was this player who was enthralled one and all in front of his home Ghazir crowd and shot up as the revelation of the event. He responded to the name Elias Rustom.
Such a stunning performance booked him a place in the Lebanese team that went to Turkey for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. A decent performance in front of the international audience added credence to the hopes of a basketball-crazy nation that the Cedars had indeed found a crucial element in their next generation of players.
But the start of the following year was a shock for Rustom – laid low by a painful back injury – that forced him out of the National Team that went to 26th FIBA Asia Championship at Wuhan (China).
“Those were the most painful moments of my life,” the 25-year-old guard began the conversation with this website, after marking his comeback with a sterling show that put Lebanon on well their way to a rousing start against Macau in the opening game of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup on Friday.
“In a way, my playing here is like starting things all over again. I am happy, and thankful to the coach, for this opportunity,” he added.
“I just want to play basketball. I don’t want to take any other job,” added Rustom, a communication engineer by education.
“I am really thankful to my family and God for helping me with the second opportunity. I don’t think I could have made a comeback without their support.
“In a way, the injury came as a blessing in disguise. I was able to sort people who were my real friends and wellwishers and those who were only paying lip service. And I am raring to make up for the lost time in between,” he added.
After all, Rustom is one of the reasons why Lebanon are strong contenders for the title here.
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