A new Red Bull ad released Saturday features Jad Mbarak, one of Lebanon's rising basketball stars.
The 22-year-old Beirut native is pictured going for a layup with his mantra "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" superimposed. The quote was his answer to Red Bull's question "What inspires you?"
The relationship between the energy drink giant and the 6'9 center began last year at Red Bull's King Of the Rock qualifier in Byblos, Lebanon which Mbarak won. The victory earned him a trip to the finals on Alcatraz.
"My dream was always to wear the senior national team jersey on an international level after playing with the youth national team so going to the states and representing Lebanon was nothing short of that dream," said Mbarak who turned pro at 18. "I was honored and humbled."
Mbarak lost in the first round, finding the weather to be the determining factor. "Too cold and too much wind," he said. "I couldn't shoot well especially because I was only wearing shorts and a thin shirt."
He plans to compete in the nearest King of the Rock qualifier this summer and remains on good terms with Red Bull. "We're still in touch and working on future plans together," he said.
Mbarak currently plays for Antranik SC in the FLB League's Division 1, Lebanon's highest level of basketball. He has previously played for the Blue Stars and Champville.
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