Ex-national skipper Wen Keong to play for PRG Eagles

KUALA LUMPUR: Cager Tong Wen Keong (pic) has defied all odds to make the PRG Eagles squad to play in the Malaysia Pro League (MPL).

The 25-year-old point guard was one of Malaysia’s brightest prospects, playing for Westports Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) in 2015. He was also the national team captain for the 2015 Singapore SEA Games.

But his career was cut short in a fatal car accident on Oct 11 the same year. The 1.80m tall Wen Keong survived the accident which claimed two lives. But he suffered a serious left elbow fracture and was told by doctors he would not be able to compete at the highest level again.

Now two years later, the Johor-born Wen Keong is back on court and ready to impress in the inaugural MPL which tips off on Friday.

“It was not easy to make a comeback. My teammates were training every day and I could only watch from the sidelines. It was really painful,” admitted Wen Keong.

“I wanted to be back on court so bad but my elbow injury was quite serious. I couldn’t take any chances. But I diligently went through the physiotherapy sessions and managed to play again.

“I’m really excited to be back. And I’m really grateful to the Eagles and the coaches for giving me another chance. I’m not sure if I can ever reach my previous best but I definitely want to help the team as best as I can,” added Wen Keong who is also the Eagles’ assistant team manager.

There are six teams competing in the one-month MPL. Besides the Eagles, the others are KL Dragons Basketball Academy, Farmco TouchUp, Penang Stallions, Verve Club and King Pinas Asia.

The Dragons will take on Farmco in the opening match at the Maba Stadium on Friday.

“This is the inaugural league so there will definitely be some shortcomings. But we hope to keep improving and get the league properly running next year,” said MPL commissioner Sim Sin Heng at the launch of the league yesterday.