Eight teams to take part in Sultan Azlan Shah Invitational

KUALA LUMPUR: Eight teams, including those from Taiwan, Singapore and China, will compete in the inaugural Sultan Azlan Shah International Basketball Invitational Championship in Ipoh from March 27-April 2.

The teams are China Xiamen, Australia Gold Coast Authentic Allstars, Philippines Far Eastern University Tamaraws, National Taiwan University, Indonesia CLS Knights, Singapore’s national juniors, Thailand Royal Navy and a Perak Selection.

The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two from each group meeting in the crossover semi-finals.

Each team will be allowed a maximum of two foreign imports, just like in the ongoing Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Organising chairman and Perak Basketball Association deputy president Ricky Ng said they hope to popularise the sport through the tournament.

“Basketball has a huge following in Perak and, with the success of several invitational tournaments like the one in Batu Pahat last year, I believe that the timing for this tournament is perfect,” said Ricky.

“We want to help develop the growth of basketball in the country and give the younger players a chance to compete in high level tournaments. So, this tournament is ideal.

“We are also proud and honoured that the Perak royal family has expressed its full support for this tournament and even sponsored the champions’ trophy, which is worth RM80,000.”

The Perak selection will comprise 10 promising local juniors, like Foong Min Joe and Choo Wei Hong and they will have the services of Serbian Ljubisa Vrcelj.