Arledge, when he played with FC Porto, in the Portuguese national league. (Credit: Arledge's Instagram account)
BEIRUT — Jonathan Arledge is the latest player to join Lebanon’s Men’s national basketball team, after being granted Lebanese citizenship by presidential decree Thursday.
Here’s what we know:
• In decree no. 9416, published in today’s official gazette, Arledge’s request for Lebanese citizenship was accepted “in view of the relevant services he performs for Lebanon.” The decree was signed by President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi.
• FIBA (International Basketball Federation) regulations allow each national team to have one naturalized citizen on its roster. The 29-year-old Arledge joins a long list of US basketball players granted Lebanese citizenship, including such former players as Joe Vogel and the late Jackson Vroman. A center, Arledge played in the NCAA collegiate league with the George Mason Patriots. Most recently he was with FC Porto, in the Portuguese national league.
• Lebanon is set to play against Jordan on July 1 in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.