This is the sixth consecutive time for the Vietnamese representative to play professionally among eight strong rivals, including Hong Kong Eastern (Hong Kong-China), Nanhai Long Lions (China), CLS Knights Surabaya (Indonesia), Mono Vampire (Thailand), Singapore Slingers (Singapore), Alab Pilipinas (the Philippines), Malaysia Dragons (Malaysia) and Formosa Dreamers (Taiwan-China).
They will be grouped, playing for 20 games (10 at home and 10 visiting).
Three months ago, the Saigon Heat team hired new head coach Kyle Julius, 38, who just crowned at the Canadian Professional Basketball. He is a former Canadian men's national team player, being considered one of Canada's most experienced and talented basketball minds.
Newly-hired head coach Kyle Julius of Saigon Heat team
Mr Connor Nguyen, Saigon Heat Executive Manager, shared: “After three consecutive times entering the semi-final game, we aim to reach the final. That’s why we inked a new deal with the Canadian head coach while adding new names”.
Right after the end of VBA 2017 by Jetstar on December 3rd, the Vietnamese team is scheduled to play for the very first game at ABL 2017-2018 season on December 9th, with the roster of foreigners including Viet Arnold, Tam Dinh, Horace Nguyen, Lenny Daniel, Moses Morgan, and Christien Charles, along with local players like Dinh Tien Cong, Nguyen Van Hung, Trieu Han Minh, Nguyen Huynh Hai or Le Ngoc Tu./.