John comes forward to play two positions, but he’s not fretting

Let’s do this: John Wong wants his teammates to step up in the absence of injured Amir Williams.

PETALING JAYA: Juggling between two positions may be challenging, but John Wong of NS Matrix has vowed to give equal effort in both roles in the fourth circuit of the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The 26-year-old John has been tasked to play small and power forward duties.

It will be John’s second assignment with the team having made his first appearance in the second leg in Batam last month.

John has been called up to play again as replacement for Liew Wei Yuong.

Small forward is responsible for scoring point and defending, while power forward moves quick on rebounds and defend taller players.

“I’m quite nervous because they (Matrix) have more game plans in this circuit and my position changes depending on the plan,” said John.

“I’m still new in the team and unfamiliar with the strategies, so I have to memorise my positions.

“It can get tricky but I will follow our coach’s (Jeff Viernes) advice and go all out,” said John.

John has also challenged the local players to step up in the absence of naturalised player Amir Williams, who is out due to injuries.

“Coach (Jeff) mentioned that he’ll be using more local players as Williams is not here. We’re weaker in the low post area because our players are not tall enough,” he said.

“So, when it comes to defence and rebounds, we need to be united, faster and more aggressive.”

Matrix face Macau Black Bears in the opening match and will meet Bangkok Tigers next at the Nguyen Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh.