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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.

The schedule is finally out for the KLNC 2010!  Download the full schedule below:

DOWNLOAD KLNC 2010 MATCH SCHEDULE

Here are the games for Week 1 of the KLNC 2010 which will be played on Saturday 6 March & Sunday 7 March 2010. All games are played in the MABA Stadium, Jalan Hang Jebat Kuala Lumpur.

6th March Saturday

2.00pm: J3 (A) vs Phantoms A
3.30pm: Swoosh 2 vs Phantoms B
5.00pm: Soul Speed vs J3 (B)
6.30pm: Swoosh 3 vs Prinze
8.00pm: Malaya Titans vs KPTM
9.30pm: Snipers vs Cocoro

Sunday, 7th March 2010

10.00am: Zero vs Hurricanes
11.30am: Venom vs Soul Speed
1.00pm: Arions vs Pegasus

2.30pm: Opening Ceremony – All teams must be present with at least 10 persons in the line up

3.30pm: Phantoms A vs Cocoro
5.00pm: SDAR vs Cons
6.30pm: Scorekeys vs Swoosh 3
8.00pm: Phoenix vs Swoosh 1
9.30pm: UiTM Perak vs Swoosh 2

Teams mentioned first are the home team, and will be wearing a light colored/white jersey.

The Non Chinese Basketball League 2009 (NCBL 09) season is set! The first game of the season will be played on 17 May 2009.

This season will feature the introduction of a 2 division format. With the increasing number of teams participating (26 teams this year compared to 16 last year), it is only viable that the league is split into 2 divisions.

Division 1 consists of 10 teams with a track record  in the Non Chinese Basketball League history, while Division 2 is split into 2 groups of 8 (16 teams total).

The venue for the tournament has not been confirmed yet as there is pending sponsorship deal from a well known public listed company. If the deal goes through, the league may be played at the MABA Stadium for the whole season

Here’s the breakdown of the Divisions:

DIVISION 1

The top 10 teams who have participated in the NCBL before. Division 1 consists of the following teams:

1. Swoosh (Reigning Champion)
2. Pegasus
3. Phantoms
4. Flames
5. Cocoro
6. Cons
7. Scorekeys
8. UBSA
9. Lycans
10. Prinze

The top 4 teams will advance to the Semi-Final stage, and winner of each semis will play the Championship Game.

The bottom 3 teams will be relegated to Division 2 next season (NCBL 2010).

I can’t confirm the total prize for the winners, but the Champion will receive RM5000 cash. That’s alotta money!

DIVISION 2

16 teams are split into 2 groups of 8. Here is the breakdown:

Group A

1. Archers
2. Zero
3. Griffin
4. Snipers
5. Swoosh II
6. Amfabia Froggers
7. Benchwarmers
8. Army

Group B

1. Phoenix
2. KPTM
3. Arion
4. Ying Hong
5. Rebound
6. Malaya Titan
7. Titans
8. Hurricanes

The top 4 teams from each group (total of 8 teams) will advance to the Quarter Final stage, which is in a round robin format.

The top 3 teams from Division 2 (Champion, 1st and 2nd Runner up) will be promoted to Division 1 next season.

As for the prizes for Division 2, the Champion will receive RM1500 cash. However, there has been talks on the increase of this prize money.

Looking forward to a glorious 2009 season! NCBL has grown length & breadth since its humble beginnings in 2006, and this 4th edition of the tournament WILL spring some surprises and higher expectations. Good Luck for all the teams!