Till now, the traditional Thai basketball was based on quick outside moves, great shooting percentage and poor inside game, given that only one player from that country was taller than 2 metres. This all, however, could change soon.
Till now, the traditional Thai basketball was based on quick outside moves, great shooting percentage and poor inside game, given that only one player from that country was taller than 2 metres. This all, however, could change soon. In fact, we just received an e-mail from a professional player named Brian Sigafoos (212-C-81, college: Harvard), who is 7'0' and played professionally around the world (his last stop was in the Palestinian team at the Arab Club Championships 2007 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) after a Division 1 college career at Harvard University. He was born in.... Bangkok in 1981 after his American born parents lived there for 5+ years. It is true that Mr. Sigafoos never was back in Thailand after his birth, but now he says to be interested in traveling to Thailand and helping the Basketball Association of Thailand in a number of different capacities, like to train basketball coaches, running a program of juvenile teams, and why not, to play for that National team if he will be given the Thai passport. Let's see what will happen...
The Premier Basketball League and the Maryland Nighthawks announced that for the first time in the history of a Thai basketball player will be playing in a professional league in the United States. Ratdech Kruatiwa (6'3''-F-85), known in Thailand as "J.O." will be joining several other international players on the 2008 Maryland Nighthawks roster. Ratdech is a 6'3' swingman who played for the Thailand National Team at the 2006 Asian Universidad in Vietnam.
The Premier Basketball League and the Maryland Nighthawks announced that for the first time in the history of a Thai basketball player will be playing in a professional league in the United States. Ratdech Kruatiwa (6'3''-F-85), known in Thailand as "J.O." will be joining several other international players on the 2008 Maryland Nighthawks roster. Ratdech is a 6'3' swingman who played for the Thailand National Team at the 2006 Asian Universidad in Vietnam. He was also ranked first in three point shooting at the 2007 World Universidad in Bangkok and was the MVP in the 2005 and 2006 King's Cup. Dr. Severko Hrywnak , Chairman of the Board for the PBL, added that the league' s Vice President of Global Strategies, Mark Schlossenberg will held in Bangkok, Thailand a National Press Conference on December 17, 2007 to celebrate this wonderful announcement.
SEA Games: Thailand celebrates victory over Cambodia
by Eurobasket News - Dec 11, 2007
Thailand - Cambodia 61:51
The hosts of the 24th SEA Games triumphed in their third encounter at the tournament. After the opening defeats Thailand finally found their rhythm and edged Cambodia. The outcome was mainly built in the starting frame as Thai players outscored their opponents 20:8. The game was pretty even afterwards as Cambodia tried hard to get their initial victory at the SEA Games. But it was Thai team that led by 14 points at halftime and never surrendered the lead.
Thailand - Cambodia 61:51
The hosts of the 24th SEA Games triumphed in their third encounter at the tournament. After the opening defeats Thailand finally found their rhythm and edged Cambodia. The outcome was mainly built in the starting frame as Thai players outscored their opponents 20:8. The game was pretty even afterwards as Cambodia tried hard to get their initial victory at the SEA Games. But it was Thai team that led by 14 points at halftime and never surrendered the lead. The teams struggled to play consistent basketball at the second half committing numerous mistakes. Both teams struggled in accuracy but having an advantage under the rims Thailand managed to maintain the lead. Cambodia outplayed 6 points in the final term but it was never enough to succeed in this close battle. Nontapob Vivattanapongpetch (186-C-81) led the winning side with 19 points and 7 boards. Jakkrapan Silapapipat (197-C-84) contributed 13 points and 13 boards for Thailand. Toun Sopeen (180-F/G-85) was a usual topscorer for Cambodia with game-high 22 points and 13 boards. Puthrothna Monh (180-G-81) added 10 points in a loss. Thailand outrebounded their counterparts 53:45 and forced Cambodia to 18 turnovers. Both teams shot only 26% from the field. Thailand improved to 1-2 record and play against Philippines on Thursday. Cambodia fell to 0-3 record and complete their action tomorrow when they take on Indonesia.
Thailand - Indonesia 65:67
The hosts of the 24th SEA Games Thailand suffered their second loss in a row as they fell just short against Indonesia today. Indonesia climbed to 2-1 record and still ponders over their title prospects. It never looked like losing affair for Thailand at the start though. The hosts who were coming out of a sour start to their campaign rushed ahead early in the game. Thailand played aggressive basketball and rolled to a 26:20 lead after 10 minutes of action.
Thailand - Indonesia 65:67
The hosts of the 24th SEA Games Thailand suffered their second loss in a row as they fell just short against Indonesia today. Indonesia climbed to 2-1 record and still ponders over their title prospects. It never looked like losing affair for Thailand at the start though. The hosts who were coming out of a sour start to their campaign rushed ahead early in the game. Thailand played aggressive basketball and rolled to a 26:20 lead after 10 minutes of action. Indonesia tightened up defense in the second stanza and the hosts' scoring flow went dry. Thai players scored just 8 points in the second quarter but they still enjoyed a 34:32 advantage at halftime. Indonesia fought desperately for every inch of the initiative in the third period. Thailand withstood comeback efforts from Indonesia but the teams headed into the final term all square at 49. The teams exchanged the blows in the final quarter with tension mounting in the air. But Youbel Sondakh (188-F-84) stepped with important free throws late in the game to steal the win for Indonesia. He finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to pace Indonesia. Amin Prihantono (188-F-82) and Ronny Gunawan (194-F/C-80) posted 9 points for the winners. Pramoch Jantharaniom (192-G/F-75) answered with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Thailand. Piyapong Piroon (189-F-81) scored 15 points as Thailand slipped to 0-2 record at the tournament. Indonesia will next face Cambodia on Wednesday. Thailand plays against Cambodia tomorrow.
Malaysia - Thailand 70:65
Malaysian National team bounced back after the loss to Indonesia in the SEA Games opener. Today they edged hosting Thailand and improved to 1-1 record in the ladder. The hosts kept it close in the starting frame as they trailed by just a single point 21:22. Malaysia however gradually gained speed and looked more confident with every passing minute.
Malaysia - Thailand 70:65
Malaysian National team bounced back after the loss to Indonesia in the SEA Games opener. Today they edged hosting Thailand and improved to 1-1 record in the ladder. The hosts kept it close in the starting frame as they trailed by just a single point 21:22. Malaysia however gradually gained speed and looked more confident with every passing minute. The things deemed for Thai team in the second term as well-balanced Malaysia offense capped the first half with some impressive plays and clinched a 45:38 advantage at halftime. The complexion of the game did not change after the intermission as Malaysia kept their opponents at a safe distance. The shots just would not drop for Thailand and moreover they were losing the battle under the rims to deny themselves a chance to get to a striking distance. The hosts scored only 9 points in the third stanza and were behind by 10 points heading into the final period. Finally Piyapong Piroon and Pramoch Jantharaniyom got the home side rolling with a couple of successful plays. Thailand cut the gap but Malaysia came up cool at the dying stages and draining important free throws ensured the winning outcome. Koh Way Tek (194-F/C-83) led the winners with 19 points and 8 boards. Tan Kian Hoong (192-G/F-83) and Kappusamy Satyaseelan scored 11 points apiece for Malaysia. Piyapong Piroon answered with game-high 22 points and 7 boards for Thailand. Chaiwat Kaedum (-C-85) contributed 12 points and 8 boards in a losing clause. Malaysia outmuscled their opponents under the rims pulling down 35 boards. Malaysia will now play against Cambodia on Monday. Thailand will seek for the first victory against Indonesia the same day.
THAILAND
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in
4 SANTHIYAKUL Piya G 1.79/5'10"
5 JANTUMA Mana G 1.85/6'1"
6 PINITPATCHARALERT Sopon G 1.82/6'0"
7 RAI Dilip C 2.03/6'8"
8 VIVATTANAPONGPETCH Nontapob C 1.86/6'1"
9 SOONTREEYAPAS Chainarong F 1.81/5'11"
10 JANTHARANIYOM Pramoch F 1.92/6'4"
11 SAMOECHAI Kannat G 1.80/5'11"
12 KRUATIWA Ratdech F 1.90/6'3"
13 PIROON Piyapong F 1.89/6'2"
14 SILLAPAPIPAT Jakkrapan C 1.95/6'5"
15 KAEDUM Chaiwat C 1.
THAILAND
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in 4 SANTHIYAKUL Piya G 1.79/5'10" 5 JANTUMA Mana G 1.85/6'1" 6 PINITPATCHARALERT Sopon G 1.82/6'0" 7 RAI Dilip C 2.03/6'8" 8 VIVATTANAPONGPETCH Nontapob C 1.86/6'1" 9 SOONTREEYAPAS Chainarong F 1.81/5'11" 10 JANTHARANIYOM Pramoch F 1.92/6'4" 11 SAMOECHAI Kannat G 1.80/5'11" 12 KRUATIWA Ratdech F 1.90/6'3" 13 PIROON Piyapong F 1.89/6'2" 14 SILLAPAPIPAT Jakkrapan C 1.95/6'5" 15 KAEDUM Chaiwat C 1.95/6'5"
Team Average 1.88/6'2" 0.0
Coach MIN Zhxa Xuan
Assistant Coach MAWINTORN Suntarapong
Assistant Coach WONGMEPAN Chaiyanan
Team uniform colour: Light: WHITE Dark: YELLOW/RED
Legend: C Centre F Forward G Guard Pos Playing Position
PHILIPPINES
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in 4 VERGARA Al G 1.73/5'8" 5 BAUTISTA Boyet G 1.73/5'8" 6 CHAN Jeffrei F 1.91/6'3" 7 BELGA Beau M. C 1.98/6'6" 8 RODRIGUEZ Frederick C 1.95/6'5" 9 TAN Eugene G 1.86/6'1" 10 ALONZO Richard F 1.91/6'3" 11 WILLIAM Jayson G 1.80/5'11" 12 FERNANDEZ Jonathan G 1.85/6'1" 13 NORWOOD Gabriel D. F 1.82/6'0" 14 CRUZ Jervy C 1.93/6'4" 15 SALANSANG Allan (C) F 1.96/6'5"
Team Average 1.87/6'2" 0.0
Coach BACULI JR Edmundo
Assistant Coach ALAS Francisco
Team uniform colour: Light: WHITE Dark: BLUE
Legend: (C) Captain C Centre F Forward G Guard Pos Playing Position
CAMBODIA
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in 4 UNG Samon G 1.70/5'7" 5 TAING Pengkuy G 1.73/5'8" 6 LIM Sokha F 1.78/5'10" 7 MONH Puthrothna G 1.80/5'11" 8 KIM Vengnguon C 1.80/5'11" 9 PHENG Darath F 1.79/5'10" 10 SOPEEN Toun F/G 1.80/5'11" 11 SENG Ratana F 1.80/5'11" 12 ENG Eavhai G 1.71/5'7" 13 SO Vanpanha G 1.77/5'10" 14 SOK Tour C 1.79/5'10" 15 KIM Ran C 1.80/5'11"
Team Average 1.77/5'10" 0.0
Coach ABYOMI Koledoye
Assistant Coach SYNGHARITH Lor
Team uniform colour: Light: BLUE
Legend: C Centre F Forward G Guard Pos Playing Position
INDONESIA
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in 4 COKORDA Raka C 2.02/6'8" 5 POEDJAKESUMA Andi F 1.87/6'2" 6 JULIUS ACHMAD Faisal G 1.80/5'11" 7 PRIHANTONO Amin G 1.88/6'2" 8 EKAYANA Andrie G 1.81/5'11" 9 SONDAKH Youbel F 1.88/6'2" 10 WUYSANG Mario G 1.76/5'9" 11 TIARA Andre F 1.90/6'3" 12 ISMAN Thoyib C 2.03/6'8" 13 GUNAWAN Rony C 1.94/6'4" 14 SITUMORANG Welyanson F 1.88/6'2" 15 WIDAYAT JATI Wahyu F 1.89/6'2"
Team Average 1.89/6'2" 0.0
Coach GIDEON RORING Fictor
Assistant Coach HADINOTO Raoul Miguel Assistant Coach WINAR Johannis
Team uniform colour: Light: WHITE Dark: RED
Legend: C Centre F Forward G Guard Pos Playing Position
MALAYSIA
No./Name/Pos/Height-m/ft in 4 SOO Eng Heng G 1.82/6'0" 5 LAU Bik Ing G 1.80/5'11" 6 CHEONG Yow Keen G 1.77/5'10" 7 MOHD YUSOFF Abdul Kader F 1.83/6'0" 8 TAN Kian Hoong G 1.89/6'2" 9 KUPPUSAMY Satyaseelan F 1.83/6'0" 10 ANG Tun Kaw C 1.93/6'4" 11 CHOW Kin Hoong F 1.89/6'2" 12 LOH Hoo Won C 1.92/6'4" 13 KOO Chen Jye F 1.88/6'2" 14 KOH Way Tek C 1.90/6'3" 15 CHEE Li Wei C 1.97/6'6"
Team Average 1.87/6'2" 0.0
Coach SIN HENG Sim
Assistant Coach CHOON YEAN Teh
Team uniform colour: Light: WHITE Dark: BLACK
Legend: C Centre F Forward G Guard Pos Playing Position
Indonesia and Thailand - forces to recon with in SEA Games
Philippine national team assistant coaches Louie Alas said upon returning from Johor Baru, Malaysia where they scouted Malaysian national team was told by the Malaysian national team coach Sim Sin Heng that the 2007 FIBA-Asia 12th placer Indonesian national team are now training in Chinese Taipei.
Philippine national team assistant coaches Louie Alas said upon returning from Johor Baru, Malaysia where they scouted Malaysian national team was told by the Malaysian national team coach Sim Sin Heng that the 2007 FIBA-Asia 12th placer Indonesian national team are now training in Chinese Taipei.
Indonesia national team, which is forefronted by the best point guard in Southeast Asia (excluding the Philippines) and former US NCAA standout Mario Wuysang, played a very decent performance in the last Asian Championship in Japan placing even higher than strong Middle East and East Asian basketball countries like Kuwait, UAE, Hong Kong and even India. That should make them a force to reckon with.
Aside from the Philippines vs Indonesia tussle, a classic match up will also going to occur in the coming Southeast Asian Games for sure as the Indonesian top point guard Wuysang, who averaged a very decent 15 points per game in the last Asian Championship, will be pitted against Philippine Basketball League back-to-MVP Jason Castro, who is also being eyed by Australian National Basketball League's Singapore Slingers.
The Thais, for their part, are reportedly tapping three Thai-Americans to backstop their SEA Games campaign.
The Thailand national team can also be remembered as the team that gave FIBA-Asia bound Team Pilipinas a scare in the last SEABA Championship. Thailand national team on that said game even led the Team Pilipinas in the first quarter 24-23 before collapsing to a 76-96 final score. Thai star Piyapong Piroon led the Thais during that game.
The Thailand five also managed to beat the Philippine's NBC-Selection Team, which was consisted of former PBA players and amateurs, 82-73 in the recently concluded Chief Minister International Basketball Tournament in Malaysia.
China Tianjin booked their ticket to today's final of the inaugural Penang Chief Minister Cup - Asian Basketball Invitation Tournament at the Han Chiang Indoor Stadium in George Town.
China Tianjin routed Southeast Asian Games-bound Thailand National Team 84-68 to set up a showdown with Iran for the championship title.
China Tianjin booked their ticket to today's final of the inaugural Penang Chief Minister Cup - Asian Basketball Invitation Tournament at the Han Chiang Indoor Stadium in George Town.
China Tianjin routed Southeast Asian Games-bound Thailand National Team 84-68 to set up a showdown with Iran for the championship title.
In another semi-final match, the Iranians defeated Penang Malaysia - who against all odds, qualified for the semi-finals - 83-71 in a closely contested semi-final clash yesterday.
RESULTS - (semifinals): Iran 83 Penang-Malaysia NT 71; China 84 Thailand 68
