NCBasketball.net

A while back (more like a few days ago), I made a very bold claim in response to a blog post on Mislan’s PemainBolaKeranjang Blog and it read:

Phoenix listed as Young Guns?
Phoenix listed in the same group group as with Archers, Benchwarmers, J3, Prinze, Swoosh 3, UBSA? … oh boy.. you will be surprised..

Mark my words – they will be in the Finals…

Of course, everybody thought I was nuts. I was putting my “reputation” on the line for a young and inexperienced NCBL Division 2 (saje) Champion.

Sunday night, 7 March, Phoenix vs Swoosh I. KLNC 2010 grouping game in MABA. An early indication that could save or destroy my reputation.

The crowd was pleased alright.

Final score: Phoenix 56, Swoosh I 59

My response..

I TOLD YOU SO!

Sure, Swoosh I won the game. No disputes there. But if you watched the game, Phoenix has what it takes to be a Championship contender.

So start following the Setiawangsa Phoenix. Watch their games. Buy their merchandise

Let’s have a look at why I’m saying Phoenix is a Championship Contender:

1) A Winning Coach

Mr. Badrul Hisham can say “been there, done that”. His coaching resume would include these accomplishments:

• 2005 (Pegasus)
  Runner-up Selangor MB Cup
• 2006 (Pegasus)
  Runner-up MB Cup
  Champion NCBL
• 2006 (Pegasus)
  Champion MB Cup
  Champion NCBL
• 2008 (Pegasus)
  Runner-up NCBL
• 2009 (Phoenix)
  Champion NCBL Division II
• 2009 (Kuala Lumpur Non-Chinese Team)
  Runner-Up MABA Petronas Cup

If the NC Community has a Hall of Fame, Coach Sham should be one of the inductees.

2) Young yet Experienced Players

Yes, they are young. By default, young = no experience. WRONG!

While most (if not all) of the players are younger than 25 yrs old, they have tons of experience individually. Their stars – Belle, Gun-D & Fendi has featured in many tournaments prior to 2009. Petronas Cup, MASUM and others, they’ve been there. So they’re no pushovers, at least in terms of individual development.

Last but Not Least…

3) Homecourt Competition is Good

Ask the boys and they will tell you playing Big Brother in Setiawangsa has helped. Who is the Big Brother you ask..

Who else? Pegasus lah!

There you go. That’s why I say Phoenix is damn-Good, and they’re a team to watch for KLNC 2010.