ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - Cleanthony Early played a pivotal role in the Indian Railways' significant victory over Ittihad Club in the FIBA West Asia League (WASL) Final 8 on Monday night, marking the team's first-ever win in the tournament. Early expressed his pride in helping the team secure this landmark achievement, saying, "I didn't know that. So to represent the country and help them get their first win, it's something that I take pride in. It's a really good feeling." The Railways triumphed with a score of 93-85 at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex.
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Since its inception in 2023, the WASL has hosted four editions of the Final 8, with the South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) region being represented twice. The first representation came in 2024 when Tamil Nadu participated in Doha, Qatar, though they ended their campaign with a 0-3 record, highlighted by close matches against teams like Shahrdari Gorgan and Kuwait’s Kazma.
The Railways faced pressure to demonstrate that SABA teams could not only compete in WASL but win as well. Their journey began with a loss to Al Riyadi on Opening Night, where they lost 104-81, but showed signs of potential that they carried into their game against Ittihad. Early, who scored a game-high 26 points, including four three-pointers, contributed significantly to the win, along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal in just 21 minutes of play.
Early attributed his performance to his extensive experience in basketball, saying, "I think my experience just as a basketball player, as a pro knowing I'm 35 now, is definitely helping - just to slow the game down and communicate with my teammates and just try to play hard to win." Previously, he played for Sagesse SC during the 2023-24 WASL season, where he was integral to their Final 8 run in Qatar.
Having come close to championship glory two years ago with Sagesse, Early is now focused on achieving success with the Railways. He added, "I have played in WASL before. I've definitely won, and I've lost. So, for me to come here and win with a team that is trying to get their first win, it's an amazing feeling. Let's try to get no. 2. It's a good feeling." FIBA.