Attaporn MVP win highlight of losing ABL season for Thailand Tigers

“We were only able to start the preparations for the season a few weeks before the season. Had a new pro sport, with a brand new team in a new league. Our imports did not do the trick, especially the Filipinos were way under qualified regarding what we needed,” said Reijnen. “Ike was ok regarding rebounds, but lost it regarding free throws at 29%. Chaz also made some great points, but was not consistent enough and also low on free throws (35%). Happy that Nop (Attaporn), Boy (Piyapong Piroon) and J.O. (Ratdech Kruatiwa) helped us to win some games, with Nop and J.O. being nominated for the MVP regular season and Nop winning the MVP award.”

The regular schedule also did not seem to do the Tigers any favours. The squad played eight away games in a 15-game regular season, with four of those in a stretch from November 28th to December 13th, 2009.

“Scheduling was not really in our favour, or any of the new teams (who all played 7 at home and 8 away). Playing 4 games away, followed by 4 at home (including a bye in the middle) did not help either. But it is hard to schedule with all the venues, and on such a short notice. Think this will be better in the next season,” siad Reijnen.

The team also was not helped by a change in head coach nearing the end of the season. Their American coach, Chuck Davission, a former scout with the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA, left the Tigers after the game against the Singapore Slingers on December 18th, 2010.

“Davisson breached his agreement, furthermore he did not have the international experience we were looking for, and did not adept to the Asian style of coaching a team,” said Reijnen.

The Tigers have also been rocked by online grumblings about players allegedly not getting their salaries. Reijnen declined to comment on this matter for this story, citing confidentiality issues.

Attaporn’s MVP win is certainly one of the few bright sparks in a losing season dogged by player unrest for the Tigers.

Attaporn Stats
– Most points in a game by a local player (23, Oct 18 2009 v Satria Muda)
– Most 20-point games by a local player (5)
– Tied for third place in the league for most 20-point games
– Most games with double-digit points by a local player (12)
– Finished 11th in the league for points per game (14.9), led all local players
– Finished 8th in the league for total points scored (223), led all local players
– Finished tied-11th in the league for field goals made (74), led all local players
– Most field goals made in a game by a local player (9, Oct 18 2009 v Satria Muda)
– Finished 12th in the league for field goals attempted (168), led all local players
– Most field goals attempted in a game by a local player (21, Oct 18 2009 v Satria Muda)
– Finished tied-1st in the league for free throws made (70), led all local players
– Most free throws made in a game by a local player (10, Dec 13 2009 v Dragons)
– Finished tied-3rd in the league for free throws attempted (98), led all local players
– Most free throws attempted in a game by a local player (11, twice)
– 1 of only 4 players in the league to make at least 44% of their field goals and 70% of their free throws
– 1 of only 2 players to shoot 100% from the free throw line in a game with at least 10 attempts (10/10, Dec 13 2009 v Dragons)
– Finished 2nd among local players in total minutes played (402)
– Finished 3rd among local players in minutes per game (26.8)