Dragons ready, but not complacent as semis approach

Despite their obvious advantage in height and experience, the ABA Dragons are expecting a tough series versus the Yuetai Mekongers. The two teams are set to collide this weekend in the semi-finals of the Cambodian Basketball League (CBL). The Extra Joss Fighters and Master Tapsi are battling for the other finals seat. The semi-finals are a best-of-three affair. The Dragons boast of several six-footers and many veteran players. But playing coach Colin Hodgkins said the Mekongers are tough opponents that should not be taken lightly. 'We have no intention of underestimating Yuetai, given that the teams split their two regular season matchups,' he said. The Dragons sideswiped the Mekongers, 77-69, in August, before the Mekongers evened the tally two months later by routing the Dragons, 92-65. The Mekongers, according to Hodgkins, have several clear advantages over them. 'They are the younger and faster team. But we have tough, veteran players like Mike Tuon and Curran Hendry, who get physical and can finish easily down low,' he said. In addition to Tuon and Hendry, the Dragons also have the sweet-shooting duo of Jeff Kane and Nebojsa Trajkovic. The Mekongers, meanwhile, include several national team players like Chin Sophara and Ollie Morton, who can be relied upon to deliver on both ends of the floor. These players also have the experience to go toe-to-toe with the Dragons, having represented Cambodia in the Southeast Asian Games and other international basketball competitions. 'I expect two or three hard-fought, close games,' Hodgkins stressed. Starting point guard Eugenio Falcomer was in Kampot province over the recent holidays, but was all the while focused on his team's upcoming semi-final series. 'I meditated a lot while I was away, and my mind always returned to the same image: our team holding the CBL trophy,' he said. Despite his other commitments, key Dragons reserve Quentin Pelletier made sure he is available and ready for the playoffs. Pelletier, it was noted, returned to France midway through the 2020 season. However, he made returning in time for the playoffs a personal priority. 'I knew I had to get back to Cambodia for two reasons. The first is to propose to my girlfriend. The second is to beat Yuetai. I see these goals as similarly important,' he declared. Game 1 of the ABA versus Yuetai series will be held on January 10 at the National Training Center gym in Phnom Penh. It will start at 2pm, followed by the 4pm game between the Fighters and Master Tapsi.
Courtesy of: khmertimeskh.com