By Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Joseph Lee/Red Sports
Larry Liew (#11) rising up for a shot. Larry is no stranger to the local basketball scene, having recorded the most number of assists when playing in the National Basketball League (NBL). (Photo 1 © Joseph Lee/Red Sports)
“This is the most prepared we’ve ever been.”
That was the declaration by Singapore Slingers captain Kyle Jeffers as the team gears up for the fifth season of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Slingers have set their sights firmly on a return to the post-season. They have reinforced their squad with a perfect blend of experienced players and enthusiastic rookies while keeping the core of the team intact.
This year’s edition of the ABL features six teams. Indonesia’s Laskar Dreya South Sumatra and Thaliand’s Hi-Tech Bangkok City are the newcomers while defending champions San Miguel Beermen are sitting this year out, leaving the title up for grabs.
American Kyle Jeffers, who has been with the Slingers since 2009, will provide much leadership on and off the court while Filipino point guard Al Vergara will return to the starting lineup after leaving the club in 2011. Vergara, a fan-favourite in the first two seasons of the ABL, is an expert in controlling the tempo of the offense and will give much-needed stability in the backcourt.
Gayford Rodriguez, the 19th pick of the 2013 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft, is another skilful ASEAN import that has joined the Slingers. Though he has yet to get court time with the team as he recovers from an ankle injury, head coach Neo Beng Siang is counting on him to pour in the points for the team when he is healthy.
Teams in the ABL are limited to two international imports and while they usually choose to get two big men to challenge in the paint, the Slingers have opted for a guard. Former New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors player Hassan Adams, a 54th overall draft pick in 2006 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, will suit up for the Slingers.
He has been training for a month with the team, getting to know the players and the system.
“I’m honoured that the Slingers picked me up and I’m excited for season to start,” said Hassan.
The 30-year-old American has experience in the international basketball scene, having played in the Philippines, Serbia, Italy, and Venezuela.
When asked what he brings to the Slingers, he said, “What I do is anything to help the team win. I think I bring leadership and my basketball experience to the team. I just want to be aggressive and play hard out there. That is really all you can control sometimes – to just get out there and play hard.”
“I don’t have a particular move, or style. I want to bring an all-round game to the team and get my teammates going.”
Slingers head coach Neo Beng Siang is satisfied with what he has seen so far from the American.
“I like what he brings to the team,” commented Slingers head coach Neo Beng Siang.
“He has energy, is extremely skilful and is willing to share the ball with his teammates. He gets the team going and encourages the players, even if they miss shots.”
The Slingers also retained the services of core players like Wong Wei Long, Desmond Oh, Ng Hanbin, Tan Chin Hong, Wu Qingde and Delvin Goh while adding two rookies to the roster.
The pair of Larry Liew and Russel Low, who represented Singapore at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) back in 2010, will make their long-awaited debuts this season. They are no strangers to the international scene, having represented Singapore since their teenage years.
“When I was young, I’ve always dreamt about playing for the Slingers,” said 21-year-old Larry, who is a sharp-shooter from distance.
“I’ve been training with the team for about two years now so finally I’m on the roster! The ABL is very tough so I will just aim to do my best for the team. When the coach puts me on, I’ll just do my best on court to help my team win. I’m not too concerned with the minutes that I will play,” added Larry.
For Russel, he feels that he has “grown a lot since YOG” four years ago and that his “basketball concept is better on both defense and offense”.
“I have a wider range of skills and can do much more with the ball,” described Russel. “Instead of just posting up, I can get the ball from the outside and shoot better. I just want to play hard, and contribute to the team. When I get the chance, I’ll do my best.”
And it may be as soon as this Sunday that he gets his chance.
In their first match of the season against Laskar Dreya South Sumatra, head coach Neo may opt to play Delvin, Qingde or Russel in the number 4 spot.
“I’m looking for one of them to start,” revealed Neo. “They are confident leading up to the start of the season and I’m quite happy with their performances in training. As long as they don’t put too much pressure on themselves, they will play a good game.”
“We do not know much about our opponents this Sunday as they are a new team, but we want to focus on ourselves. If we play our game, we will do fine.”
The Slingers will open their season against Laskar Dreya South Sumatra on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the OCBC Arena at 4pm.
Singapore Slingers Roster (Number, Name, Position, Age, Height)
1 Tan Chin Hong, G/F, 24, 185cm
2 Desmond Oh, G, 28, 178cm
3 Hassan Adams, G/F, 30, 194cm
5 Wong Wei Long, G, 26, 174cm
6 Ng Han Bin, F, 25, 194cm
7 Wu Qingde, F, 22, 183cm
8 Gayford Rodriguez, F, 29, 188cm
11 Larry Liew, G, 21, 191cm
19 Al Vergara, PG, 34, 170cm
23 Delvin Goh, F/C, 19, 202cm
31 Kyle Jeffers, C, 28, 208cm
32 Russel Low, F/C, 21, 197cm
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