Dany Abboud, The Daily Star

BEIRUT - Joey Accaoui’s first two seasons in the Lebanese basketball league didn’t go the way he had planned. The small point guard had big ambitions after a successful stint with Vermont in U.S. college basketball, but for one reason or another he ended up playing for Sagesse and Anibal Zahle, who were both undergoing transitions.

Despite this, Accaoui produced good numbers last season, averaging 14.6 points (including 33 percent from the 3-point line) and 3.9 assists per game.

But the summer of 2013 brought the 178-cm point guard good news. Amchit – building a side to compete for the title after capturing veteran head coach Ghassan Sarkis and legend Fadi al-Khatib – put their faith in the scoring guard, and Accaoui couldn’t be happier.

The energetic point guard has demonstrated his credentials in the past two seasons to become one of the best guards in the league. He has a great shooting touch from beyond the arc, and an ability to open up the court and lead fast breaks. Accaoui, 24, has put in the practice hours during summer, but the time has come for him to translate his efforts onto the court.

Q: How does it feel to be playing for a title contending team?

A: This has been everything I had hoped it would be. Playing with great players, for a great coach and management, motivates you every day to get better. At this point, I’m just ready for the championship.

Q: What does it mean to you to play under Ghassan Sarkis and beside Fadi al-Khatib?

A: Playing alongside the greatest player in Lebanese history has been a blessing, on and off the court. Fadi is a true professional and I’ve learned a great deal from him, he’s a great teammate. Coach Ghassan really instils confidence in his players. He’s always there for his players and I’m fortunate to play for a coach like him.

Q: Which areas do you think you will need to be at your best for the new season?

A: I think I need to just be consistent with my play, and continue to play with great confidence. I work hard on my game so I will continue to get better in all areas of my game.

Q: Lebanese basketball has been dormant for the last few months. What was it like to practice without competitive games?

A: Practices have been great. Despite the problems in the league, we continue to work hard and push one another every day. Practices have been extremely competitive and I think as players and as a team we have improved greatly.

Q: The league is now very near. Where do you rank Amchit?

A: I think Amchit have a chance to compete for the championship. The league is extremely competitive, which is great, and I think we are right there with the best of them.

Q: Sharing the point guard spot with Karl Sarkis, do you think that will limit your productivity?

A: I think this will make me a better player. Karl and I both push one another in practice and we work hard to get better. We will try to make sure the point guard play on our team is the best.

Q: How do you think Amchit can make up for the loss of shooting guard Sabah Khoury?

A: Losing Sabah is definitely a big loss, not to mention the loss of Khalil Aoun. We have some great young players at the position two who will get a chance to shine, as well as other versatile players that can fill the spot.

Q: Do you think playing with Amchit will give you the opportunity to showcase your true talent?

A: For sure it will. Playing for a big team will allow me to get better every day and will also allow me to play at the highest level competing for a championship.

Q: How would you compare yourself to the other top point guards in the league?

A: There are a lot of great point guards in the league. Every time I step on the court I play thinking I’m the best, just like all basketball players do. This is the only way I know how to play, with confidence.

Q: Do you think playing for the national team is still a long shot?

A: Not at all. I think with the continued experience I’m developing, my opportunity is very close.