-- Taiwan U-18 NT, which will compete in the Asian Men's U-18 Championship in Iran from August 28 - September 5, started its training under Korean head coach Chung Kwang-suk this past week in Beitou, Taipei.
The team started its training camp earlier this month under assistants Hsieh Yu-chuan and Yang Yi-feng when Chung was coaching Taiwan NT in the Jones Cup.
Taiwan is slated in Group C with the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Syria.
-- Taiwan U-18 NT, which will compete in the Asian Men's U-18 Championship in Iran from August 28 - September 5, started its training under Korean head coach Chung Kwang-suk this past week in Beitou, Taipei.
The team started its training camp earlier this month under assistants Hsieh Yu-chuan and Yang Yi-feng when Chung was coaching Taiwan NT in the Jones Cup.
Taiwan is slated in Group C with the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Syria. The roster is down to 13 after losing two players to injury. With a height average of 188.5cm, this team has a long way to go in the tournament.
-- This is an old news but I haven't written about it. Yulon head coach Lee Yung-kwang resigned after the team failed to win the SBL champion in consecutive years. The Dinos won the first three SBL titles from 2004-2006.
Lee officially ended his 14-year career with Yulon as a player and a coach when he submitted his resignation in early June.
Zhang Xuelei, a former China NT member who came to Taiwan and played in the pro league CBA, will take over. Actually Zhang has been listed as the Head Coach since last season while Lee was listed as a 'coach' but functioned as the real head coach.
-- Taiwan Beer finished as third place with one win and two losses in the Strait Cup tournament in Hong Kong on July 27 after an 116-69 win over Macao.
Fans in Hong Kong and Taiwan were not happy with the two-time SBL champion. TB players took this tournament lightly and did not give their full effort, which disappointed HK fans. Back home, fans wondered why Lin Chih-chieh, Wu Tai-hao, Ho Shou-cheng and Chen Shih-nian, who all sat out the Jones Cup due to INJURY, were alive and kicking in Hong Kong just days after the Jones Cup. They did not look INJURED at all.
So much for 'attitude, ' TB's team slogan which has become a hot marketing commodity which you can see printed on T-shirts, caps and many other TB merchandise.
NBA Taiwan announced Friday that Scottie Pippen (202-G/F-65, college: Cent.Arkansas), Clyde Drexler, Glen Rice and B.J. Armstrong will visit Taiwan for NBA Madness, a NBA-sponsored event, from August 29-31.
The NBA veterans will participate in the NBA Madness in Taipei after a pair of Legends Games at Taipei Arena on August 29 and at Jhubei Stadium (Hsinchu County) on August 30.
The NBA Madness, now an annual event organized by the NBA, will be held at the following sites:
Aug.
NBA Taiwan announced Friday that Scottie Pippen (202-G/F-65, college: Cent.Arkansas), Clyde Drexler, Glen Rice and B.J. Armstrong will visit Taiwan for NBA Madness, a NBA-sponsored event, from August 29-31.
The NBA veterans will participate in the NBA Madness in Taipei after a pair of Legends Games at Taipei Arena on August 29 and at Jhubei Stadium (Hsinchu County) on August 30.
The NBA Madness, now an annual event organized by the NBA, will be held at the following sites:
Aug. 16-17: Dream Mall, Kaohsiung City Aug. 23-24: Shin Kong Matsukoshi Department Store, Taichung City Aug. 30-31: Danshui MRT Station, Danshui, Taipei County
In the Legends Games, the NBA veterans will be paired with local players. According to the China Times, the roster will be:
Team A: Clyde Drexler Glen Rice Wu Tai-hao (TB) Ho Shou-cheng (TB) Lin Chih-chieh (TB) Chen Shih-nian (TB) Hsu Hao-cheng (TB) Yang Chin-min (TB) Yen Hsin-shu (TB) Chou Jun-san (TB assistant coach) Rex Manu (former CBA player with Hung-kuo Elephants) Hsiung Jen-cheng (former player with Hung-fu Rams)
Team B: Scottie Pippen B.J. Armstrong Hsu Chi-chan (BOT) Doug Creighton (Pure Youth) Cheng Jen-wei (dmedia) Chang Yu-lin (Pure Youth) Chen Shun-hsiang (BOT) Ouyang Ching-heng (dmedia) Chien Ming-fu (BOT) Cheng Chih-lung (former CBA player with Hung-kuo Elephants, current Taiwan Mobile head coach) Huang Chun-hsiung (former CBA player with Hung-kuo Elephants, current Taiwan Mobile assistant) Liu Yi-hsiang (former CBA player with Hung-kuo Elephants)
One interesting thing though, the ticket price for the Legends Games will range between NT$ 4,000-8,000 (USD$131-263). I'm wondering will anyone actually buy the tickets to watch these guys play? I mean, these players were all great players, but the ticket prices are simply too high for kids and middle-class fans.
CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association) President Wang Jen-da said yesterday that the association has reached a decision to extend Korean head coach Chung Kwang-Suk for another two years with Taiwan men's national team until 2010 amid criticism over Chung's performance.
Under Chung, Taiwan NT finished an all-time worst last place in the eight-team 2008 Jones Cup tournament. However, Chung led Taiwan NT to the sixth-place in the 2007 Asian Championship, Taiwan's best finish in years.
CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association) President Wang Jen-da said yesterday that the association has reached a decision to extend Korean head coach Chung Kwang-Suk for another two years with Taiwan men's national team until 2010 amid criticism over Chung's performance.
Under Chung, Taiwan NT finished an all-time worst last place in the eight-team 2008 Jones Cup tournament. However, Chung led Taiwan NT to the sixth-place in the 2007 Asian Championship, Taiwan's best finish in years.
Fans and media criticized Chung for his in-game substitutions, rotations and his communication with players since Chung doesn't speak Mandarin and has to go through a translator to communicate with players.
Personally, I support CTBA's decision. Taiwan NT was without almost all its core players -- including Chen Hsin-an, Tien Lei, Lin Chih-chieh, Wu Tai-hao, Tseng Wen-ting and Ho Shou-cheng -- in the Jones Cup. The Jones Cup team was quickly assembled and was at best a second national team.
For Chung's six-man rotation in the Asian Championship last year, he said that he would only put those players who can play on the court. And I support that. On top of that, Chung knew he had to do well in the AC to convince the CTBA about his ability to lead.
Taiwan's zone defense did improve under Chung. At least that's my observation. But it's important for him to be able to spend more time with the players and observe Taiwanese basketball. It will be difficult as the SBL season lasts six months and most players have to play for their college team in the university league.
Wang also said yesterday that Cheng Chih-lung, Chou Jun-san, Chiu Ta-tsun and Hsu Chin-tse will be young coaches the CTBA looked to develop in the future.
Taiwan will field two national teams in the Jones Cup next year, he said.
Chung led Korea NT to 1997 Asian Championship title, which remained to this day the only time Korea had defeated China in the Asian Championship in the last 40 years, and an appearance in 1998 World Championship, finishing 16th among 16 teams.
Final placing:
1. Jordan NT
2. Athletes in Action
3. Australia U-19 NT
4. Qatar NT
5. Egypt NT
6. Kazakhstan NT
7. Korea University Select Team
8. Taiwan NT
Final Day
Final: Jordan 93-91(OT) AIA
3/4: Australia 91-88(OT) Qatar
5/6: Egypt 98-89(OT) Kazakhstan
7/8: Korea 83-74 Taiwan
Playoffs
Semi: AIA 97-90 QAT
Semi: Jordan 75-60 Australia
5-8: Kazakhstan 66-56 Taiwan
5-8: Egypt 85-81 Korea
Final Prelim Standings
1.
Final placing: 1. Jordan NT 2. Athletes in Action 3. Australia U-19 NT 4. Qatar NT 5. Egypt NT 6. Kazakhstan NT 7. Korea University Select Team 8. Taiwan NT
Final Day Final: Jordan 93-91(OT) AIA 3/4: Australia 91-88(OT) Qatar 5/6: Egypt 98-89(OT) Kazakhstan 7/8: Korea 83-74 Taiwan
Playoffs Semi: AIA 97-90 QAT Semi: Jordan 75-60 Australia 5-8: Kazakhstan 66-56 Taiwan 5-8: Egypt 85-81 Korea
Final Prelim Standings 1. Athletes in Action 6-1 2. Jordan NT 5-2 3. Australia U-19 NT 4-3 4. Qatar NT 4-3 5. Egypt NT 4-3 6. Kazakhstan NT 3-4 7. Taiwan NT 1-6 8. Korea University Select Team 1-6
Final: Jordan 93-91(OT) AIA (34-34, 81-81)
Experience and poise proved to be they key down the stretch as Jordan edged Athletes in Action 93-91 in overtime in the championship game of the 30th Jones Cup and successfully defended its title.
And Jordan deserved its second Jones Cup title, beating AIA twice in the tournament which every team played nine games in nine days. Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) was named tournament MVP.
Final: Jordan 93-91(OT) AIA (34-34, 81-81)
Experience and poise proved to be they key down the stretch as Jordan edged Athletes in Action 93-91 in overtime in the championship game of the 30th Jones Cup and successfully defended its title.
And Jordan deserved its second Jones Cup title, beating AIA twice in the tournament which every team played nine games in nine days. Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) was named tournament MVP.
After a see-saw first half, AIA led by as many as 18 in the third quarter before Jordan rallied to tie the score at 79 with 11.7 seconds to go in regulation. Zaid Al Khas was fouled on a three-point attempt and made two of three free-throws to put Jordan up 81-79.
Brett Winkelman was also fouled on a three-point shot but missed two of the foul shots. Ben Woodside was fouled when he went for a rebound on Winkelman's last miss and split the free-throws to tie the score at 81.
An amazing thing happened after the final buzzer. Jordan head coach Mario Palma, who have been complaining about the officiating all tournament, furiously went after Australian referee Scott Baker. Baker left the stadium under escort.
It was not the first time Palmer threw his tantrum in the Jones Cup. Maybe he needed some anger management.
3/4: Australia 91-88(OT) Qatar (41-34, 75-75)
This is going to be Cody Ellis' most unforgettable night. Ellis made a pair of free-throws to send the game into overtime and followed that with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to help Emus conquer a powerful Qatar team. Australia U-19 NT finished the tournament with a very impressive third-place.
It was Qatar's game to win in regulation before it committed three consecutive turnovers. Australia made five free-throws, including Ellis' game-tying freebies, to tie the game at 75.
Australia opened the extra session with a 7-0 run, but Qatar wouldn't give up. E.A. Saeed's putback with 2.1 seconds left help Qatar go ahead 90-88, setting up Ellis' game winner.
Jorden Page led Australia with 28 points. Ellis tallied 26 points. Saeed led Qatar with 32 points and 17 rebounds.
Australia head coach Martin Clarke said after the game that actually Ellis was not the first option in the last possession but he made the winner anyway.
5/6: Egypt 98-89(OT) Kazakhstan
There was no one on Kazakhstan who could stop Wael Badr and especially Mohammed El-Kerdany. Badr had 29 points and El-Kerdany bullied his way inside for 25 points as Egypt used a 7-0 run in the last 1:30 in overtime to beat Kazakhstan 98-89.
El-Kerdany made three consecutive buckets by going one-on-one in the last two minutes of the regulation but there was nothing Kazakhstan could do. El-Kerdany (195cm, 115kg) even swished a three-pointer with 12 seconds to go as Egypt took a 80-77 lead.
On an amazing day, Maxim Voyeikov made an amazing three-point shot as the time ran out and all Egyptian players stunned. The three sent the game into overtime with score 80 all.
In overtime it was all Egypt though.
Voyeikov led Kazkahstan with 25 points while Anton Ponomarev had 18 points. Yevgeniy Issakov had 14.
7/8: Korea 83-74 Taiwan (37-35)
Can we say it's a tainted loss? Taiwan NT lost its eighth straight game in the Jones Cup to the Koreans and finished with an all-time worst last-place. In addition, Chen Tzu-wei punched Kim Hyeon-min with seconds to go before the end of the first half, breaking Kim's nose.
An unsportsmanlike foul was called but Chen was not ejected. Kim tried to charge to Taiwan NT bench area and go after Chen but was held back by teammates.
Korea used that as its inspiration in the second half by limiting Taiwan to five point in six minutes and led by as many as 18 points.
Taiwan made it a three-point gamee with 31 seconds to go and started fouling to freeze time. It worled a little bit but Taiwan failed to pull down rebounds following Korea's two misses and it cost them the game.
Byun Hyun-soo had 19 points for Korea University Select Team, which finished 7th-place in the tourney, while Heo Il-young had 17 points.
Taiwan receive 29 points from Lu Cheng-ju, who was 6 for 11 from threes. Hsu Chih-chan had 13 points.
NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) is scheduled to visit Taiwan from July 26-28, NIKE Taiwan announced.
A 6-9 forward selected by Seattle Sonics in the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant averaged for 20.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in his rookie season.
Durant will attend a number of events during his short two-day stay.
NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant (206-G/F-88, college: Texas) is scheduled to visit Taiwan from July 26-28, NIKE Taiwan announced.
A 6-9 forward selected by Seattle Sonics in the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant averaged for 20.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in his rookie season.
Durant will attend a number of events during his short two-day stay. Arriving in Taiwan on July 26, the former Texas Longhorn will attend a press conference in the afternoon and work as an instructor in Taiwan Junior NT training camp at night.
He will participate in a NIKE-sponsored five-on-five basketball competition the next day and team with the championship team in a match with local professional players.
How exciting the final day of the 30th Jones Cup tournament was? Three of four games went into overtime, that is.
Jordan handed Athletes in Action its second loss in the most important game of the tournament and defended its title by a thrilling 93-91 victory.
Cody Ellis made the most satisfying buzzer beater in his short basketball career and helped Australia upset Qatar 91-88 in overtime. Australia U-19 NT finished with a surprising but impressive third place.
How exciting the final day of the 30th Jones Cup tournament was? Three of four games went into overtime, that is.
Jordan handed Athletes in Action its second loss in the most important game of the tournament and defended its title by a thrilling 93-91 victory.
Cody Ellis made the most satisfying buzzer beater in his short basketball career and helped Australia upset Qatar 91-88 in overtime. Australia U-19 NT finished with a surprising but impressive third place.
Egypt also defeated Kazakhstan 98-89 in yet another overtime game and won fifth.
Taiwan lost to Korea 83-74 and finished last for the first time in 30-year history of the Jones Cup.
(More game summaries to come...)
Standings: 1. Jordan NT 2. Athletes in Action 3. Australia U-19 NT 4. Qatar NT 5. Egypt NT 6. Kazakhstan NT 7. Korea University Select Team 8. Taiwan NT
AIA to meet defending champ Jordan for Jones Cup gold
Download game stats here
AIA 97-90 QAT
Actually, you can say it's North Dakota State beat Qatar 97-90. NDS Bison teammates Brett Winkelman and Ben Woodside combined for 57 points and helped AIA beat Qatar NT to advance to the championship game.
AIA has won seven straight following the opening loss to defending champ Jordan, AIA's opponent tomorrow in the championship game.
Actually, you can say it's North Dakota State beat Qatar 97-90. NDS Bison teammates Brett Winkelman and Ben Woodside combined for 57 points and helped AIA beat Qatar NT to advance to the championship game.
AIA has won seven straight following the opening loss to defending champ Jordan, AIA's opponent tomorrow in the championship game.
Winkelman scored 31 points and pulled down 8 rebounds while point guard Ben Woodside had 26 points and dishing out five assists. The NDS combo eliminated Qatar's upset bid in the final quarter.
Qatar trailed by as many as 18 but cut the deficit to three in the end of the third, 67-64.
AIA: B. Winkelman 31p+8rb, B. Woodside 26p+5a+2s QAT: E.A. Saeed 31p+7rb, D. Mousa 29p
Kazakhstan 66-56 Taiwan
Taiwan NT was determined to end its six game losing streak, but Kazakhstan wouldn't agree. Kazakhstan used an 18-8 final quarter to knock out the home team.
Once again, Taiwan's poor rebounding proved to be one of the deciding factors. It was outrebounded 40-17.
KAZ: A. Ponomarev 20p+18rb, M. Voyeikov 16p TW: Hsu Chih-chan 14p, Yang Chin-min 13p,
Egypt 85-81 Korea (42-52)
Korea University Select Team shared a same fate with Korea NT which is playing in the Olympic Qualifiers in Athens, Greece: they couldn't hold on to a double-digit lead.
Korea NT lost a heartbreaker that cost it a quarterfinal berth in the qualifiers, failing to defend a 10-point lead in the final two minutes against Canada. Korea was eliminated with two losses.
In Taiwan, Korea Univ. Select Team had squandered two games with double-digit advantage and they did it again today. Korean kids once again let a 10-point halftime lead slip away against Egypt, ending up losing by four.
Leading by one at the half, Australia U-19 NT lost its poise against the experienced Jordan NT. Emus team was outscored 21-8 in the game-changing third quarter of a physical game.
It also lost Mitchell Young to a wrist injury. Young hurt his wrist in a clash with a teammate on defense. His status was unclear.
From what I've seen, Jorden Page and Matthew Dellavedova dominated the ball too much and that hurt the whole team and eventually cost them the winnable game.
Don't get me wrong. Page and Dellavedova are both talented. But they failed to play within a team scheme in this game, playing too many one-on-ones and hurrying shots.
With the win, Jordan was ready to defend its Jones Cup title. It won the 10-team round-robin format 2007 Jones Cup last year.
JOR: A. Idais 23p+11rb, Z. Alkhas 13p+6rb, J.A. Shmala 12p AUS: J. Page 15p, M. Dellavedova 14p, C. Ellis 12p
Heres a big sorry for fans and readers whove been waiting for Jones Cup videos. A reader emailed and told me that Veoh.com has been blocked in Malaysia, which I didnt know. Also some of the uploads to Veoh.com did not go well. The site did not validate some of the uploaded videos. Thats why they are still being processed.
Maybe I shouldve chosen blip.tv or simply Google video in the first place? I dont know. But Veoh.com allows unlimited filesize which makes it easier for me to upload.
Heres a big sorry for fans and readers whove been waiting for Jones Cup videos. A reader emailed and told me that Veoh.com has been blocked in Malaysia, which I didnt know. Also some of the uploads to Veoh.com did not go well. The site did not validate some of the uploaded videos. Thats why they are still being processed.
Maybe I shouldve chosen blip.tv or simply Google video in the first place? I dont know. But Veoh.com allows unlimited filesize which makes it easier for me to upload.
