Jamil Abiad moved to Reykjavík, in Iceland, for the 2022-23 winter season, where he coached the U18 and U21 Valur men’s basketball teams, reaching the league’s semifinals twice. Abiad also served as the lead assistant coach for Valur men’s professional team, winning the regular season title and the Icelandic Cup.

Following a two-year professional basketball career in Lebanon and five collegiate seasons with the Bishop University Gaitors, Abiad dedicated his time to growing the game of basketball in the nation’s capital, where he created various initiatives to provide more resources and visibility to local basketball talents.

He is the founder and head coach of Team Believe U17 & U19, a competitive boys basketball team located in Ottawa, aiming to help individuals reach their maximum potential on and off the court. He also founded NL Fitness, a basketball training company offering private and group trainings for athletes from ages six to the pros, where he helps prepare college and professional athletes get to the next level. Abiad has travelled to Africa multiple times to help run camps and work alongside NBA/WNBA coaches, players and other trainers. 

Abiad is currently a mentor for National Basketball Youth Mentorship Program (NBYMP).  In 2019, he had the opportunity to be one of the Lead Instructors at the Under Armour Rising Stars Camp and at the Nike Basketball Camp (Brockville).

Abiad played two years professionally in the Lebanese Basketball League, the top-tier professional men’s basketball league in Lebanon. He spent the 2015-16 campaign with Hoops Club, playing a total of 12 games. Two years later, he signed with Tadamin Zouk, in Kesrouan, Libanon.

During the last season of his five-year collegiate career at Bishops University, Abiad and his team won the 2014-15 RSEQ title with a 6^th place finish at the U SPORTS national championship. Abiad also earned the Garth Smith Award, going to the best player on his team.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Abiad moved to Ottawa in 1999 with his mom Gifty and his three younger brothers, Said, Samih and Jamal. He grew up playing soccer and was first introduced to basketball at the age of 12. He attended Colonel By Secondary High School where he became a 4-time city all-star.