New-look Dragons target winning the ABL

KUALA LUMPUR: Westport Malaysia Dragons are breathing fire in anticipation of the new Asean Basketball League season which starts next month. They are hoping that the Year of the Golden Dragon will be a fortuitous one.

B. Guganeswaran will be leading the Dragons in the eight-team league which will feature three newcomers - Bangkok Cobras (Thailand), San Miguel Beermen (Philippines) and Saigon Heat (Vietnam).

The others teams are Air Asia Philippine Patriots, Chang Thailand Slammers, Indonesia Warriors and Singapore Slingers.

The Brunei Barracudas have pulled out due to sponsorship issues.

“We are eager to get going. Having an eight-team tournament means more playing time this season,” said Guganeswaran.

“The inclusion of veteran K. Satyaseelan brings more experience while youngsters like Kuek Tian Yuan and Kwaan Yoong Jing will provide the energy and zest,” said the 29-year-old who is in his second season with the Dragons.

The Dragons have also recruited four foreign players to mount a serious challenge for honours. They are Americans Tiras Wade and Brian Williams, and Filipinos Nic Belasco and Chris Pacana.

“Our target is to reach the final. We hope the new boys will fit in so that we can make an immediate impact,” said Guganeswaran.

The Dragons clearly aim to win the championship for the first time since joining the league in 2009. They hope to be third time lucky after coming close in the last two seasons.

“The teams from the Philippines and Thailand are tough. The Indonesian team are also spending a lot of money but we have improved tremendously in the last two years,” said Datuk Dani Daim, co-founder and president of the Westport Malaysia Dragons.

“We want to win the title badly. Perhaps, the Year of Dragon will prove to be lucky for us.”

The Dragons start their campaign against the San Miguel Beermen on Jan 15 at their home court, MABA Stadium.