Matrix coach sees class in new import Williams

PETALING JAYA: NS Matrix coach Jeff Viernes is hoping that a reshuffle in the players line-up will lead to another clean sweep in the third leg of the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Matrix have recruited another American, Isaiah Williams, for their import cast, joining Tevin Glass and Amir Williams, while local players Anthony Liew Wen Qian, Liew Wei Yuong and Lim Chee Wei will replace Heng Yee Tong, John Wong and Teo Kok Hou.

For the first leg, Matrix roped in three imports – Henry Iloka of Nigeria, Glass and Amir – but they had a slow start at the Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Arena.

Matrix suffered two narrow losses, to hosts Singapore Slingers 82-84 and Vietnam’s Saigon Heat 84-88, before rebounding strongly to beat Black Macau Bears 73-54 and Zamboanga Valientes of the Philippines 86-82.

Matrix then lost the services of Iloka, due to a visa issue, in the second leg and Viernes brought in Singapore’s Jonathan Wong to fill the void.

Matrix made a clean sweep of all four matches by defeating hosts Louvre Surabaya 104-67, Valientes 98-88, Slingers 88-79 and Hong Kong Eastern 75-50 at the Hi-Test Arena in Batam, Indonesia.

Viernes admitted that he did not have much information about Williams, but decided to bring him in based on Glass’ recommendation.

“We’re still trying to improve our roster and our management is fully supportive of bringing in another world import,” said Viernes.

“Glass knows Isaiah and has played with him, so he provided me with some information.

“I didn’t know much about Isaiah but when he arrived at team training, I saw the leadership quality that I was looking for in him, and he’s got the game. He can shoot, facilitate and defend well.

“We hope that Isaiah can provide great assistance to us, especially in leading our team to victory.”

Matrix will open their third leg campaign against Surabaya at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Viernes believes that the support of home fans will spur his charges to maintain their fine form and continue their giant-killing run.

“With the help and support of our local fans here, it is more likely that we can continue our winning streak,” he said.

Matrix are currently second in the standings behind HK Eastern.