Xavi Pascual Joins Dubai Basketball, Al Ittihad Enter Ounahi Race And Fatma Abdella Makes FIBA Prospect List

Hey hey hey, Smashi Sports Fam! 🌟⚽
From Dubai Basketball’s major coaching move to Saudi transfer interest and Egypt’s rising hoops talent, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Dubai Basketball Club have signed former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Pascual, Al Ittihad have reportedly entered the race to sign Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, and Egypt’s Fatma Abdella has been named among FIBA’s top 20 prospects at the U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Xavi Pascual Signs For Dubai Basketball Club

What Is It About
Dubai Basketball Club have signed former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Pascual as their new head coach. The Spanish manager arrives with one of the strongest coaching resumes in European basketball.

Why It Matters
Pascual is one of Europe’s most successful basketball coaches, best known for his long spell with Barcelona, where he won major domestic and European titles. His arrival is a huge statement for Dubai Basketball as the club continues building its presence on the international stage.

What’s Next
Pascual will now lead Dubai Basketball into their next chapter, bringing elite European experience to the UAE-based club. The move adds another major name to Dubai’s growing basketball project.

Al Ittihad Enter Race For Azzedine Ounahi

What Is It About
Al Ittihad have reportedly entered the race to sign Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. According to Girona-focused journalist Iván Quirós, the Saudi club have made an offer to Girona and contacted the player’s representatives.

Why It Matters
Ounahi could be a major midfield signing for Al Ittihad after his strong World Cup run with Morocco. The 26-year-old played six matches at the 2026 World Cup and scored two goals as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.

What’s Next
Ajax are also pushing for Ounahi and may have an advantage through coach Míchel, who previously worked with him in Spain. Girona’s relegation to the second division could push Ounahi towards an exit, but no agreement has been announced yet.

Egypt’s Fatma Abdella Named Among FIBA U17 Top Prospects

What Is It About
Egypt’s Fatma Abdella has been named by FIBA among the top 20 prospects at the U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup. The recognition comes after she led Egypt to the FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket title and earned MVP honours.

Why It Matters
The 16-year-old is being recognised as one of the brightest young talents in international women’s basketball. Even though Egypt finished ninth at the World Cup, Abdella stood out for her potential, leadership and impact.

What’s Next
Abdella’s name is now on the global radar as one of the young players to follow in women’s basketball. For Egypt, her recognition is another strong sign of the country’s rising talent in the women’s game.

🤖🎙️Tune Into the Smashi Sports AI Podcast for the Latest Insights!

• Don’t miss out on the Smashi Sports AI Podcast in English, where we bring you the latest sports news through the power of AI!

• For our Arabic-Speaking listeners, we’ve got you with game-changing transfers to insider analysis, we’ve got all the updates you need.

SMASHI MOMENTS

• Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh received a hero’s welcome after returning home from the 2026 World Cup

• Riyad Mahrez and Erling Haaland reunited in Saint-Tropez for the Norwegian striker’s 26th birthday bash

• Beşiktaş fans once again made their feelings clear over Mohamed Salah

• Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi have reunited off the pitch for a summer holiday in Cannes

• Turki Alalsheikh was asked in the comments to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.⁠ His answer?⁠ “Maradona.” 😂⁠

 Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe Here