2001-02 President Cup Preliminaries Roundup

■Preliminaries Team-by-Team Game Log
Yulon
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 W 1-0 Yulon 78-72 Yitong
11/20 W 2-0 Yulon 74-68 Taiwan Beer
11/25 W 3-0 Yulon 91-65 Military
12/02 W 4-0 Yulon 70-63 Bank of Taiwan
12/04 W 5-0 Yulon 79-58 Jutai Tech
12/05 L 5-1 Dacin 80-68 Yulon
12/06 W 6-1 Yulon 72-54 BCC Mars
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 7-1 Yulon 97-81 Dacin
12/10 W 8-1 Yulon 82-75 Yi-tong
12/11 W 9-1 Yulon 100-79 Military
12/12 L 9-2 Bank of Taiwan 80-68 Yulon
12/13 W 10-2 Yulon 97-56 Taiwan Beer
12/24 W 11-2 Yulon 82-78 BCC Mars
12/27 W 12-2 Yulon 97-95 Jutai Tech


BCC Mars
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 W 1-0 Mars 78-58 Taiwan Beer
11/20 L 1-1 Yi-tong 75-65 Mars
11/25 W 2-1 Mars 83-67 Bank of Taiwan
12/02 W 3-1 Mars 78-73 Military
12/04 W 4-1 Mars 74-68 Dacin
12/05 L 4-2 Jutai Tech 82-72 Mars
12/06 L 4-3 Yulon 72-54 Mars
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 4-4 Military 78-73 Mars
12/10 W 5-4 Mars 82-71 Bank of Taiwan
12/11 W 6-4 Mars 90-87 Dacin
12/12 W 7-4 Mars 66-45 Yi-tong
12/13 W 8-4 Mars 79-76 Jutai Tech
12/24 L 8-5 Yulon 82-78 Mars
12/26 W 9-5 Mars 77-54 Taiwan Beer


Jutai Tech
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 W 1-0 Jutai 75-63 Bank of Taiwan
11/22 W 2-0 Jutai 72-61 Military
11/25 W 3-0 Jutai 77-71 Yi-tong
12/02 L 3-1 Taiwan Beer 62-54 Jutai
12/04 L 3-2 Yulon 79-58 Jutai
12/05 W 4-2 Jutai 82-72 Mars
12/06 W 5-2 Jutai 92-78 Dacin
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 6-2 Jutai 96-84 Yi-tong
12/10 L 6-3 Dacin 103-100 Jutai
12/11 L 6-4 Bank of Taiwan 103-100 Jutai
12/12 W 7-4 Jutai 76-66 Military
12/13 L 7-5 Mars 79-76 Jutai
12/25 W 8-5 Jutai 87-82 Taiwan Beer
12/27 L 8-6 Yulon 97-95 Jutai


Bank of Taiwan(BOT)
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 L 0-1 Jutai 75-63 BOT
11/22 L 0-2 Dacin 87-68 BOT
11/25 L 0-3 Mars 83-67 BOT
12/02 L 0-4 Yulon 70-63 BOT
12/03 W 1-4 BOT 75-62 Taiwan Beer
12/05 W 2-4 BOT 97-74 Yi-tong
12/06 W 3-4 BOT 94-73 Military
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 3-5 Taiwan Beer 83-70 BOT
12/10 L 3-6 Mars 82-71 BOT
12/11 W 4-6 BOT 103-100 Jutai
12/12 W 5-6 BOT 80-68 Yulon
12/13 L 5-7 Dacin 81-62 BOT
12/24 W 6-7 BOT 82-75 Yi-tong
12/26 L 6-8 Military 87-82 BOT


Taiwan Beer
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 L 0-1 Mars 78-58 Taiwan Beer
11/20 L 0-2 Yulon 74-68 Taiwan Beer
11/25 W 1-2 Taiwan Beer 90-80 Dacin
12/02 W 2-2 Taiwan Beer 62-54 Jutai
12/03 L 2-3 Bank of Taiwan 75-62 Taiwan Beer
12/05 W 3-3 Taiwan Beer 83-69 Military
12/06 W 4-3 Taiwan Beer 88-65 Yi-tong
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 5-3 Taiwan Beer 83-70 Bank of Taiwan
12/10 L 5-4 Military 77-66 Taiwan Beer
12/11 W 6-4 Taiwan Beer 76-61 Yi-tong
12/12 W 7-4 Taiwan Beer 84-81 Dacin
12/13 L 7-5 Yulon 97-56 Taiwan Beer
12/25 L 7-6 Jutai Tech87-82 Taiwan Beer
12/26 L 7-7 Mars 77-54 Taiwan Beer


Military
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 W 1-0 Military 95-89 Dacin
11/22 L 1-1 Jutai 72-61 Military
11/25 L 1-2 Yulon 91-65 Military
12/02 L 1-3 Mars 78-72 Military
12/03 W 2-3 Military 76-60 Yi-tong
12/05 L 2-4 Taiwan Beer 83-69 Military
12/06 L 2-5 Bank of Taiwan 94-73 Military
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 3-5 Military 78-73 Mars
12/10 W 4-5 Military 77-66 Taiwan Beer
12/11 L 4-6 Yulon 100-79 Military
12/12 L 4-7 Jutai 76-66 Military
12/13 L 4-8 Yi-tong 58-55 Military
12/25 L 4-9 Dacin 85-71 Military
12/26 W 5-9 Miliatry 87-82 Bank of Taiwan


Dacin Construction
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 L 0-1 Military 95-89 Dacin
11/22 W 1-1 Dacin 87-68 Bank of Taiwan
11/25 L 1-2 Taiwan Beer 90-80 Dacin
12/02 L 1-3 Yi-tong 81-74 Dacin
12/04 L 1-4 Mars 74-68 Dacin
12/05 W 2-4 Dacin 80-68 Yulon
12/06 L 2-5 Jutai 92-78 Dacin
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 2-6 Yulon 97-81 Dacin
12/10 W 3-6 Dacin 103-100 Jutai Tech
12/11 L 3-7 Mars 90-87 Dacin
12/12 L 3-8 Taiwan Beer 84-81 Dacin
12/13 W 4-8 Dacin 81-62 Bank of Taiwan
12/25 W 5-8 Dacin 85-71 Military
12/27 W 6-8 Dacin 77-54 Yi-tong


Yi-tong Trust Agency
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 L 0-1 Yulon 78-72 Yi-tong
11/20 W 1-1Yi-tong 75-65 Mars
11/25 L 1-2 Jutai 77-71 Yi-tong
12/02 W 2-2 Yi-tong 81-74 Dacin
12/03 L 2-3 Military 76-60 Yi-tong
12/05 L 2-4 Bank of Taiwn 97-74 Yi-tong
12/06 L 2-5 Taiwan Beer 88-65 Yi-tong
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 2-6 Jutai 96-84 Yi-tong
12/10 L 2-7 Yulon 82-75 Yi-tong
12/11 L 2-8 Taiwan Beer 76-61 Yi-tong
12/12 L 2-9 Mars 66-45 Yi-tong
12/13 W 3-9 Yi-tong 58-55 Military
12/24 L 3-10 Bank of Taiwan 84-75 Yi-tong
12/27 L 3-11 Dacin 77-54 Yi-tong

■Preliminaries Final Standings
1. Yulon 12-2
2. BCC Mars 9-5
3. Jutai Tech 8-6
4. Taiwan Beer 7-7
5. Dacin Construction 6-8
6. Bank of Taiwan 6-8
7. Military 5-9
8. Yi-tong Trust 3-11

■2nd Round Matchup(Best-of-Three)
(1) Yulon - (8) Yi-tong
(4) Taiwan Beer - (5) Dacin Construction

(2) BCC Mars - (7) Military
(3) Jutai Tech - (6) Bank of Taiwan

2001 President Cup Team-by-Team Game Log

Yulon
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 W 1-0 Yulon 78-72 Yitong
11/20 W 2-0 Yulon 74-68 Taiwan Beer
11/25 W 3-0 Yulon 91-65 Military
12/02 W 4-0 Yulon 70-63 Bank of Taiwan
12/04 W 5-0 Yulon 79-58 Jutai Tech
12/05 L 5-1 Dacin 80-68 Yulon
12/06 W 6-1 Yulon 72-54 BCC Mars
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 7-1 Yulon 97-81 Dacin
12/10 W 8-1 Yulon 82-75 Yi-tong
12/11 W 9-1 Yulon 100-79 Military
12/12 L 9-2 Bank of Taiwan 80-68 Yulon
12/13 W 10-2 Yulon 97-56 Taiwan Beer
12/24 vs. BCC Mars
12/27 vs. Jutai Tech


BCC Mars
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 W 1-0 Mars 78-58 Taiwan Beer
11/20 L 1-1 Yi-tong 75-65 Mars
11/25 W 2-1 Mars 83-67 Bank of Taiwan
12/02 W 3-1 Mars 78-73 Military
12/04 W 4-1 Mars 74-68 Dacin
12/05 L 4-2 Jutai Tech 82-72 Mars
12/06 L 4-3 Yulon 72-54 Mars
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 4-4 Military 78-73 Mars
12/10 W 5-4 Mars 82-71 Bank of Taiwan
12/11 W 6-4 Mars 90-87 Dacin
12/12 W 7-4 Mars 66-45 Yi-tong
12/13 W 8-4 Mars 79-76 Jutai Tech
12/24 vs. Yulon
12/26 vs. Taiwan Beer


Jutai Tech
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 W 1-0 Jutai 75-63 Bank of Taiwan
11/22 W 2-0 Jutai 72-61 Military
11/25 W 3-0 Jutai 77-71 Yi-tong
12/02 L 3-1 Taiwan Beer 62-54 Jutai
12/04 L 3-2 Yulon 79-58 Jutai
12/05 W 4-2 Jutai 82-72 Mars
12/06 W 5-2 Jutai 92-78 Dacin
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 6-2 Jutai 96-84 Yi-tong
12/10 L 6-3 Dacin 103-100 Jutai
12/11 L 6-4 Bank of Taiwan 103-100 Jutai
12/12 W 7-4 Jutai 76-66 Military
12/13 L 7-5 Mars 79-76 Jutai
12/25 vs. Taiwan Beer
12/27 vs. Yulon


Bank of Taiwan(BOT)
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 L 0-1 Jutai 75-63 BOT
11/22 L 0-2 Dacin 87-68 BOT
11/25 L 0-3 Mars 83-67 BOT
12/02 L 0-4 Yulon 70-63 BOT
12/03 W 1-4 BOT 75-62 Taiwan Beer
12/05 W 2-4 BOT 97-74 Yi-tong
12/06 W 3-4 BOT 94-73 Military
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 3-5 Taiwan Beer 83-70 BOT
12/10 L 3-6 Mars 82-71 BOT
12/11 W 4-6 BOT 103-100 Jutai
12/12 W 5-6 BOT 80-68 Yulon
12/13 L 5-7 Dacin 81-62 BOT
12/24 vs. Yulon
12/26 vs. Military


Taiwan Beer
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 L 0-1 Mars 78-58 Taiwan Beer
11/20 L 0-2 Yulon 74-68 Taiwan Beer
11/25 W 1-2 Taiwan Beer 90-80 Dacin
12/02 W 2-2 Taiwan Beer 62-54 Jutai
12/03 L 2-3 Bank of Taiwan 75-62 Taiwan Beer
12/05 W 3-3 Taiwan Beer 83-69 Military
12/06 W 4-3 Taiwan Beer 88-65 Yi-tong
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 5-3 Taiwan Beer 83-70 Bank of Taiwan
12/10 L 5-4 Military 77-66 Taiwan Beer
12/11 W 6-4 Taiwan Beer 76-61 Yi-tong
12/12 W 7-4 Taiwan Beer 84-81 Dacin
12/13 L 7-5 Yulon 97-56 Taiwan Beer
12/25 vs. Jutai Tech
12/26 vs. Mars


Military
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 W 1-0 Military 95-89 Dacin
11/22 L 1-1 Jutai 72-61 Military
11/25 L 1-2 Yulon 91-65 Military
12/02 L 1-3 Mars 78-72 Military
12/03 W 2-3 Military 76-60 Yi-tong
12/05 L 2-4 Taiwan Beer 83-69 Military
12/06 L 2-5 Bank of Taiwan 94-73 Military
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 W 3-5 Military 78-73 Mars
12/10 W 4-5 Military 77-66 Taiwan Beer
12/11 L 4-6 Yulon 100-79 Military
12/12 L 4-7 Jutai 76-66 Military
12/13 L 4-8 Yi-tong 58-55 Military
12/25 vs. Dacin
12/26 vs. Bank of Taiwan


Dacin Construction
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/21 L 0-1 Military 95-89 Dacin
11/22 W 1-1 Dacin 87-68 Bank of Taiwan
11/25 L 1-2 Taiwan Beer 90-80 Dacin
12/02 L 1-3 Yi-tong 81-74 Dacin
12/04 L 1-4 Mars 74-68 Dacin
12/05 W 2-4 Dacin 80-68 Yulon
12/06 L 2-5 Jutai 92-78 Dacin
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 2-6 Yulon 97-81 Dacin
12/10 W 3-6 Dacin 103-100 Jutai Tech
12/11 L 3-7 Mars 90-87 Dacin
12/12 L 3-8 Taiwan Beer 84-81 Dacin
12/13 W 4-8 Dacin 81-62 Bank of Taiwan
12/25 vs. Military
12/27 vs. Yi-tong


Yi-tong Trust Agency
Date, W/L, W-L, Score
----- 1st Leg -----
11/19 L 0-1 Yulon 78-72 Yi-tong
11/20 W 1-1Yi-tong 75-65 Mars
11/25 L 1-2 Jutai 77-71 Yi-tong
12/02 W 2-2 Yi-tong 81-74 Dacin
12/03 L 2-3 Military 76-60 Yi-tong
12/05 L 2-4 Bank of Taiwn 97-74 Yi-tong
12/06 L 2-5 Taiwan Beer 88-65 Yi-tong
----- 2nd Leg -----
12/07 L 2-6 Jutai 96-84 Yi-tong
12/10 L 2-7 Yulon 82-75 Yi-tong
12/11 L 2-8 Taiwan Beer 76-61 Yi-tong
12/12 L 2-9 Mars 66-45 Yi-tong
12/13 W 3-9 Yi-tong 58-55 Military
12/24 vs. Bank of Taiwan
12/27 vs. Dacin

Status of Taiwanese Basketball

Since the professional league CBA (Chinese Basketball Alliance) folded in March 1999, Taiwan is left without any pro basketball. Remaining franchises DROPPED BACK to the amateur ranks and re-joined the A-League (Amateur League), which is under the administration of the CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association).

Among the six pro teams, Luckipar Panthers and Hong-fu Rams closed business. Three-time champion Hong-kuo Elephants was sold to SINA.com president Daniel Jiang (Jiang Fong-nian) and changed its name to SINA. BCC Mars, Dacin Construction and Yulon Dinos keep their names under the A-League, but the team budget is way down than the CBA days. Players are forced to take pay cut in order to keep playing.

SINA relocates to Suchou, China and joins the Chinese CBA (Chinese basketball Association) afterwards. SINA owner Jiang was apparently disappointed at the Taiwanese basketball scene, prompting his decision to move the team to China.

After adding the pro teams, the number of A-League teams reaches to an all-time high. CTBA decided to split the league into two divisions - Division A1 and Division A2 (There's no Division B, though), according to the competition level. In 2001-02 season, there are 8 Div-A1 teams and 7 Div-A2 teams.

The A-League season is consisted of two stages - The President Cup and the regular season. Traditionally the President Cup starts in the end of the year. Usually it's in October or November. Competition format varies from year to year. The regular season starts after the Chinese New Year (Early February). Format also varies.

Different from the NBA rule-CBA, A-League uses international rule that has trapezoid paint and allows any form of defense.

Under this system, there will be no ANNUAL champion crowned. The two stages do have their own champions, MVPs, and stats leaders, but the stats are not combined so you won't see any PLAYER OF THE YEAR or 01-02 Scoring Leader stuff. Stats-keeping is lousy in the A-League. The league and teams don't have their own web sites, so don't bother looking for them.

Due to the shortage of player supply and quality players, most A-League players are still college students. That's why you can always see some wild games going on. A-League teams are not allowed to sign high school kids.

There have been rumors saying that the pro league will be back. But I don't see any sign that the pro league resurfacing. Economics are way down in Taiwan. Major corporates that support local basketball no longer want to invest money on basketball teams, mostly because basketball teams don't bring them any profit. It's believed there will be more teams folding in the coming year.

The weird part of the story is that high school basketball becomes one of the most popular sports here, drawing better TV ratings than any hoop events other than the annual Jones Cup Tournament. Current young stars Chen Hsin-an and Tien Lei both became household names in HBL (High School Basketball League), which is sponsored by NIKE Taiwan. Crowds packed almost every game, especially the HBL playoff games.

How to transplant the experience of the success of high school ball to the amateur ranks will be one of the biggest tasks for the newly elected CTBA president Wang Jen-da, who is also the owner of Dacin Construction. However, history tells us the future doesn't look bright.

On the national team side, CTBA decided to drop veterans and opted for young bloods in the new century. The Year 2001-edition Taiwan NT has a 33-year-old head coach Lee Yun-kwang, who previously has no head-coaching experience in any level, and four Under-18 high school kids, with the record-low average age. The reconstruction plan receives mixed results. Taiwan NT surprised everyone to grab silver medal in Osaka's East Asia Games (EAG) but fell to all-time worst 7th place finish in the following Asian Championship.

In all, Taiwanese basketball is at a crossroad. To find back the old glory and passion, Taiwanese basketball has a long way to go. It takes organizational works and hard work of teams, coaches and players to pull Taiwanese basketball up from the bottom.

Yulon No.1 in First Leg

Yulon beat BCC Mars 72-54 to finish on top of the standing in the first leg of the 2001 President Cup with 6-1. In the final game of the first leg, Yulon led by as many as 20 points. Bank of Taiwan became the most surprising team of the first leg when they win three straight after a 4-game losing streak.

■First Leg Standing
Yulon 6-1
Jutai Tech 5-2
BCC Mars 4-3
Taiwan Beer 4-3
Bank of Taiwan 3-4
Military 2-5
Yi-tong Trust Agency 2-5
Dacin Construction 2-5
(Thru December 7)

Complete Roster of 2001 A-League President Cup Division I Teams

Note: Name, DOB, Position, Height(cm), Weight(kg)

Military
Huang Shin-ming 1975/3/10 F/C 191 81
Lin Jia-yi 1976/1/22 F 185 83
Wang Yi-jen 1974/10/18 F/C 194 90
Ju Yong-hong 1976/11/19 F/C 193 95
Chen Chi-chun 1977/3/2 G/F 181 74
Yen Shin-shu 1976/9/8 G/F 182 74
Hong Chan-chin 1975/11/26 F 190 100
Chen Jien-shun 1970/12/23 F 195 95
Lee Yung-shian 1971/9/22 F 190 -
Liu Shuan-yu 1977/4/11 G 176 68

Head Coach: Lee Chin-chi

==

BCC Mars
San Mao-sun 1967/11/19 F 194 90
Lin Jia-huang 1965/9/20 G 186 85
Lin Shin-hwa 1975/9/20 C 198 100
Lee Chi-yi 1978/10/27 F/C 198 90
Yang Che-yi 1978/10/20 F 193 87
Chen Huei 1978/4/15 G 185 89
Lin Jen-da 1976/10/2 F 195 72
Song Jay 1972/2/8 F 193 90
Chen Che-ming 1974/10/26 C 202 95
Lee Chi-shun 1983/5/24 G 177 73
Huang Chen-jing 1978/11/21 - 190 87
Cheng Un-jay 1979/3/19 - 200 87
Chun Sho-din 1982/9/5 - 188 75

Head Coach: Chun Chi-mun
Coach: Chou Hai-jung

==

Dacin Construction
Tien Lei 1983/06/01 F 202 86
Fan Gun-shiang 1980/6/22 G 165 65
Huang Chi-chun 1982/4/23 G 180 75
Chu Chi-chin 1969/7/18 C 198 103
Cheng Chan-jun 1980/10/11 G 175 69
Chang Chi-feng 1981/10/11 F/G 183 83
Chang Ho-song 1981/8/11 G 185 77
Jian Chen-che 1982/8/25 F 193 85
Lee Fong-yong 1980/12/15 F 197 89
Cheng Chi-lung 1969/8/29 F 192 88
Lin Jun-min 1980/1/11 G 178 72
Hsu Chi-chao 1974/1/5 G 190 83

Head Coach: Liu Jia-fa
Consultant: Gu Ji-hsiung
==

Jutai Technology
Wu Yong-jen 1982/9/22 G 176 70
Wu Jen-jay 1978/9/17 G 182 76
Wu Chen-dao 1978/3/23 F 184 75
Yang Yu-min 1979/10/22 G 180 72
Chen Jian-ting 1979/1/14 F 189 84
O-Yang Jin-hen 1979/10/28 G 191 89
Lin Che-wei 1980/1/29 F 195 92
Shan Wei-fan 1978/3/9 F 195 93
Hsu Chen-wen 1983/4/6 C 197 108
Ha Hsiao-yuan 1981/5/15 C 200 105
Liao Wei-chen 1975/2/23 C 197 105

Head Coach: Liu Hwa-lin
Coach: Chen Jin-hsiung
Consultant: Hu Tsai-lin

==

Bank of Taiwan
Hsu Hao-cheng 1982/9/14 G 176 78
Chien Ming-fu 1979/6/22 G 165 73
Lin Yu-shu 1976/1/28 F 194 93
Lin Ming-shien 1975/10/6 G 184 78
Lin Chun-feng 1979/5/4 F 187 83
Shiao Wei-jay 1975/6/5 F 187 83
Lo Da-wei 1976/11/4 F 193 85
Hsu Jia-duan 1982/10/5 F 184 78
Chen Shen-ya 1983/4/20 F 187 75
Lin Jie-ho 1982/11/7 C 192 88
Ho Sho-jen 1983/2/15 F 195 87
Chou Ben-tang 1978/9/16 C 200 92

Head Coach: Tien Shi-ho
Coach: Lai Lian-chun, Wei Chen-ming

==

Taiwan Beer
Chen Wen-chun 1970/2/12 F 188 75
Yang Chi-hao 1974/8/31 G 175 72
Lin Chi-jay 1982/6/11 F 192 90
Chen Hun-ter 1974/9/23 F 178 70
Lin Jian-hong 1977/1/30 G 178 80
Chang Shien-ming 1976/4/27 F 184 78
Wen Tong 1967/12/1 C 191 86
Wang Jia-mou 1976/3/1 F 190 82
Lin Jia-shen 1973/4/20 C 188 86
Yo Yu-lun 1980/1/2 G 176 69
Yang Chun-tang 1980/5/14 C 186 80
Wu Yang-huei 1981/12/21 C 192 85
Sun Kuo-chan 1972/11/8 C 195 90
Lo Chen-kun 1981/5/7 C 197 87

Head Coach: Tsan Jia-shang
Coach: Liao Kun-long, Fu Min-jen

==

Yi-tong Trust Agency
Lai Shin-hong 1974/7/22 G 181 78
Hsu Che-shin 1982/6/4 G 176 70
Shin Jin-jan 1979/9/12 F 190 80
Lin Jian-jun 1974/3/10 F 187 80
Chiu Der-chi 1970/5/25 F 187 87
Hu Yu-wei 1983/3/13 - 188 85
Lin Che-li 1981/1/5 F - -
Huang Fong-min 1980/10/11 F 190 83
Chen Jia-wei - - - -
Tan Bo-chang 1980/2/28 C 203 108
Ger Jia-shian 1979/12/26 C 205 85
Ker Hong-yao - F 192 89
Wu Yi-min - C 197 -
Fan Yong-shen 1981/6/5 C - -
Wei Chin-cho 1980/11/13 - 193 84
Hsiung Chun-dao 1982/3/21 - - -
Shen Jun-che 1983/4/4 - - -
Huang Jia-hong 1982/12/11 - - -

Head Coach: Shi Ter-jun
Coach: Huang Min-kung, Lee Yun-shiang

==

Yulon
Chen Hsin-an 1980/7/1 F 196 90
Chou Hong-yu 1976/6/15 F 195 90
Lin Jian-ping 1969/3/7 G 170 71
Chao Jia-chun 1982/1/12 PG 185 77
Chiu Chi-yi 1975/10/6 G 182 72
Yang Kai-yuan 1979/8/9 F 197 75
Chiu Chun-chi 1968/9/21 F 197 90
Wei Yong-tai 1978/10/23 F 193 93
Kuo Tien-lung 1974/12/13 G 187 82
Hong Chi-chao 1982/1/12 G 187 78
Wu Chi-wei 1976/7/31 C 202 94
Tsai Fu-tsai 1965/9/21 G 186 92

Head Coach: Chien Yi-fei
Coach: Lee Yun-kwang, Lin Chen-ming

SINA Prepares for China Debut

SINA Lions basketball team, the first team from Taiwan to join the Chinese CBA league, begins their pre-season training camp in Suchou, China on October 8th. SINA president Daniel Jiang sets his goal high, wishing his team finish in the top 3 in the league.

Two days after arriving in Suchou, SINA starts their two-a-day practices on October 8th under head coach Chiu Da-tsun. Guest coach Don Casey, who coached NBA's New Jersey Nets and specializes in various zone defenses, will join the team on October 15th. Chiu says he prefers a fast-tempo offense and trapping defense, utilizing SINA's advantage in quickness to compensate their lack of height.

■SINA Roster
Head Coach - Chiu Da-tsun

Taiwanese Players
Center - Liu Yi-shian(200cm), Lai Kuo-hong(197cm)

Forward - Huang Chun-hsiung(200cm), Chang Ya-tang(190cm), Hsu Yong-yi(190cm), Hsiung Jen-jen(190cm)

Guard - Chou Jun-san(175cm), Lo Shin-liang(180cm), Chun Wei-kuo(176cm)

Chinese Players - Chang Kuo-dong, (To be decided)
Import Players - Andre Owens(200cm), Eric Taylor(204cm)

■SINA 01-02 Schedule
(H) - home game

Dec.8 SINA - Beijing(H)
Dec.12 Liaoning - SINA
Dec.16 Jilin - SINA
Dec.19 SINA-Guangdong(H)
Dec.23 SINA-Shenzen(H)
Dec.26 Shanshi - SINA
Dec.29 SINA - Shanghai(H)
Jan.2 Jiangsu - SINA
Jan.6 Shangdong - SINA
Jan.13 SINA - Zhejiang(H)
Jan.16 SINA - Bayi(H)
Jan.20 Aoshen - SINA
Jan.24 Beijing - SINA
Jan.27 SINA - Liaoning(H)
Jan 30 SINA - Jilin(H)
Feb.3 Guangdong - SINA
Feb.6 Shenzen - SINA
Feb.10 SINA - Shanshi(H)
Feb.20 Shanghai - SINA
Feb.23 SINA - Jiangsu(H)
Feb.27 SINA - Shandong(H)
Mar.6 Zhejiang - SINA
Mar.10 Bayi - SINA
Mar.13 SINA - Aoshen(H)

SINA Lions 2001-02 Imports

Andre Owens 200cm/95kg, 1971
Team player, great in defense, athletic and physical, can play the 1/2/3. Too unselfish at times.Transferred from Lousiana State to Oklahoma State in college. When playing for LSU in 1993 he started 14 games at the point guard, 10 games at the shooting guard and 2 at the small forward spot which is an indication of how all round Owens game is. Will play all three positions,very quick feet,get him free often,excellent going to the hoop or from three.

93-94: LSU (NCAA)
94-95: Oklahoma St. (NCAA): 7.6ppg, 3.4rpg
95-96: Oklahoma St. (NCAA) Big8 2nd Team -Pre96
96: Gaiteros (VEN) - URU
96-97: Ortakoy (TUR): was released during the season by Ortakoy (TUR) and signed with Deportivo Roca (ARG)
97-98: Villeurbanne (FRA): 35,000FF/month, injured in Nov.'97, did not play till Apr.'98 : 11.7ppg, 4.2rpg
98-99: Chalon (FRA): 4.3apg, 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg
99-00: Chalon (FRA): in Aug.'99 underwent shoulder surgery and did not play for 2 months


Eric Taylor 204cm/109kg, 1976
Made a name for himself at St. Francis (PA) for his remarkable rebounding ability. Finishing second in the country in rebounding, Taylor is somewhat of a specialist, though he can score a bit too.

94-95: St.Francis, PA (NCAA): 7.9ppg, 6.3rpg Northeastern Conference All-Newcomer Team 1995.
95-96: St.Francis, PA (NCAA): 8ppg, 6.6rpg
96-97: St.Francis, PA (NCAA): 14.6ppg, RebNCAA-6(11.3) First Team All-NEC 1997
97-98: St.Francis, PA (NCAA):17.6ppg, RebNCAA-2(11.9) First Team All-NEC 1998
98: Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
98-99: Gravelines (FRA): was released in Aug.'98 and signed the same month by Maurienne (FRA2): 11games: 9.1ppg, 7.8rpg, in Nov.'98 got injured
99-00: Nov. '99 Training Camp with Cincinnati S. (IBL)
99-00: Independiente (ARG), in Nov.'99 signed by Cincinnati S. (IBL)

(Thanks to Massimo Bertele)

SINA Pulls Out of Taiwan

"SINA basketball team and ESV will pull out of Taiwan immediately. And for the foreseeable future, SINA will no longer be a member of the Taiwanese basketball family", SINA basketball team and E-ternational Sports Ventures President Daniel Jiang announced last Friday (Sep. 28) after the negotiation involving team name dispute with NSC (National Sports Council) and CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association) fell through. It's certain that SINA will head for China's CBA no matter what happens.

Due to the special political situation between Taiwan and China, NSC and CTBA opposed SINA's intention to join the CBA under the name of "Taiwan-Suchou SINA Lions Basketball Team". According to the "China-Taiwan Citizens Relations Act", SINA players will face a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 NTD (3125 to 15625 USD) per day, if they actually join the Chinese league. However, Daniel Jiang insists SINA breaks no rule in joining the Chinese league.

NSC and CTBA claim that SINA can play in the Chinese league, as long as they don't put "Taiwan" in their team name. If they do, it will assure everyone that Taiwan is a province of China, which is against the Taiwanese government policy and Taiwanese Constitution.

It's believed that SINA use the name in exchange of Chinese basketball authorities' special treatment: directly join the Division I-A in their first year. Under the Chinese basketball format, a basketball team will have to finish in the top 2 in Division B before they can be promoted to Division I-B. After that, they will have to finish in the top 2 before advancing to Division I-A, which has 12 teams before SINA's arrival.

NSC, the highest governing body of national sports affairs, says that it will keep the dialogue and negotiation with SINA to look for a more appropriate team name and a solution that keeps both sides happy. NSC insists that it is not against SINA joining the Chinese league. But the key point is the appropriate team name.

SINA is the first sports team that joins a Chinese sports organization. Before that, Taiwanese basketball players like Cheng Chih-lung and Chu Chih-chin played for different Chinese basketball teams as individual. Their applications were all approved by the CTBA.

SINA Officially Join CBA

The day finally came. Xin Lan-chen, president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced yesterday SINA basketball team from Taiwan officially join the CBA, which now has 13 teams, starting from 2001-02 season. It marks the first time of any Taiwanese sports team entering a Chinese organization.

SINA will play under the new team name of "Taiwan-Suchou SINA Lions" and based in Suchou, a southeastern city in China. SINA is allowed to submit a 17-man roster, five more than other teams, and have two TRANSFER PLAYERS (from other teams) because of their first-year status, the league office says.

SINA basketball team and SINA.com president Daniel Jiang is optimistic about the future of SINA in the Chinese league. "From my observation, I believe SINA is better than most Chinese teams - skillwise. Obviously we are relatively undersized compared to other teams, but I still believe we can finish in the top six in the league", Jiang says.

The acceptance brings a sigh of relief from ESV CEO Daniel Tu. "During the negotiation, both sides agreed to be low-key and keep any inside track from leaking out. We don't want to make this a political matter between China and Taiwan. This is a strictly sports business operation and has nothing to do with politics", says Tu. ESV - E-ternational Sports Venture - is a company founded by Daniel Jiang which owns the SINA team and invest in other sports business, like Asian Basketball Association.

Tu stresses that SINA decides to join the CBA because of the downfall of sports business in Taiwan. Hs says' "All we want to do is give the players a stage to showcase their skills. We are also confident that SINA will make the CBA even more entertaining and exciting."

Led by Lo Shin-liang and Huang Chung-hsiung, two of the biggest names in Taiwanese basketball, SINA will arrive in Suchou on October 5th and start pre-season training camp on October 8th. The 2001-02 CBA season will tip-off on December 8th.

SINA is consisted of players mostly from Hong-kuo Elephant, the three-time champion of Taiwan's defuncted CBA (Chinese Basketball Alliance). Daniel Jiang took over the team after Hong-kuo Corp. decided to release the entire team due to financial crisis.

ESV will still field a SINA team in Taiwan's A-League. The team is consisted of mostly younger players and will be coached by team consultant Hu Tsai-lin. Taiwan-Suchou SINA Lions will be coached by Chiu Da-tsun, head coach of the original Hong-kuo and later SINA team.

Wrapup: ABA2001 Taipei

■GAME SUMMARY
9/12
Beijing Shogang 75-71 Yulon Dinos
BEI - Menk Bateer 26p (4 3PT), 9rb, 3blk (20min)
YUL - Chen Hsin-an 21p ; Chao Jia-chun 13p ; Chiu Tsung-chih 13p

Dacin Construction 75-69 Shanghai Sharks
DAC - Tien Lei 22p, 9rb, 3a, 3s, 4blk ; Huang Chih-chun 17p
SHA - Jia Xiao-zhong 25p, 15rb ; Liu Wei 16p

9/13
Yulon Dinos 81-76 Dacin Construction
YUL - Chen Hsin-an 18p, 8rb, 7a, 2s ; Chou Hong-yu 17p (8-10 FG), 6rb ; Wei Yong-tai 16p ; Chao Jia-chun 14p, 4a
DAC - Chang Chih-feng 27p (5-10 3PT), 4rb, 7s ; Huang Chih-chun 16p ; Tien Lei 14p, 4rb, 3a, 3s, 2blk

Beijing Shogang 85-74 Shanghai Sharks
BEI - Jiao Jian 27p, 9rb, 3s ; Chen Lei 25p, 8rb ; Menk Bateer 6p, 5rb (10min)
SHA - Jia Xiao-zhong 16p, 7rb, 4a ; Liu Wei 14p, 6rb, 6a ; Ger Min-hui 14p

9/14
Yulon Dinos 94-79 Shanghai Sharks
YUL - Chen Hsin-an 24p ; Wei Yong-tai 18p ; Chao Jia-chun 16p ; Chiu Tsung-chih 8p, 8rb, 2blk
SHA - Hai Rui 17p ; Jia Xiao-zhong 12p, 6rb

Dacin Construction 83-69 Beijing Shogang
DAC - Chang Chih-feng 23p (5 3PT) ; Lee Feng-yung 17p, 8rb ; Tien Lei 16p, 10rb ; Huang Chih-chun 8p, 6rb, 8a, 4s ; Shan Wei-fan 14p
BEI - Jiao Jian 28p, 12rb ; Menk Bateer 11p, 10rb

■STANDINGS
Dacin 2-1 ; Yulon 2-1 ; Beijing 2-1 ; Shanghai 0-3

■OTHER RESULTS (Games in Guangdong, China)
9/12
Isuzu Gigacats 76-75 Guangdong Tigers
Samsung Thunders 98-67 Hong Kong YungLung

9/13
Samsung Thunders 75-70 Isuzu Gigacats
Guangdong 98-73 Hong Kong YungLung

9/14
Samsung Thunders 81-79 Guangdong Tigers
Isuzu Gigacats - Hong Kong YungLung (score not available)

ABA 2001 Team Rosters

Note - ASPAC of Indonesia and YungLung of Hong Kong rosters not available.

■SAMSUNG THUNDERS
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Park Sung-bae 1973/10/29 G 180 82
Kang Gyoung-soo 1968/8/1 F 191 82
Kim Hee-sun 1973/6/29 G 187 91
Joo Hee-jung 1977/2/4 G 180 80
Woo Ji-won 1972/10/21 F 190 92
Roh Ki-suk 1972/9/18 F 187 91
Lee Kyu-sup 1977/11/13 F 198 100
Lee Jung-rae 1977/11/28 G 185 84
Park Sang-kwan 1969/11/10 C 200 105
Lee Chang-soo 1969/7/20 F/C 196 98
Artemus McClary 1973/12/18 F 192 100
Mustapha Hoff 1972/2/25 C 200 107
Head Coach - Kim Dong-kwang
Assistant Coach - An Joom-ho, Lee Min-hyung

■ISUZU GIGACATS
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Kenichi Sako 1970/7/17 G 179 82
Kiyofumi Shioya 1970/7/31 C/F 200 105
Daisuke Hanaoka 1975/7/12 G 183 80
Makoto Hasegawa 1971/4/2 G 185 85
Tstsuya Miyanokoshi 1974/4/24 G/F 188 90
Lucius Davis 1970/7/20 C/F 200 100
Daisuke Ide 1976/10/11 F 197 90
Casey Calvary 1979/4/27 C 203 105
Satoshi Sakumoto 1972/4/28 G/F 190 83
Tadaharu Ogawa 1969/12/20 F 194 94
Walter Matsushima 1975/10/13 F 200 100
Michael Takahashi 1974/9/5 F 198 82
Toru Sasaki 1970/6/23 G/F 195 96
Head Coach - Kohama Mototaka
Coach - Tom Wisman
Assistant Coach - Kato Yasuhiro


■SHANGHAI SHARKS
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Liu Peng 1977/2/15 G 185 80
Hai Rui 1980/2/22 F 195 90
Chang Wen-Chi 1972/12/20 F 202 100
Jia Xiao-Zhong 1977/3/19 C 205 95
Liu Wei 1980/1/15 G 188 88
Ger Min-Hui 1982/1/26 F 196 83
Wang Si-Zhang 1981/7/5 F 194 82
Du Hua-Guang 1978/12/19 C 198 95
Yao Ming 1980/9/12 C 225 107
Wang Li-Gang 1983/2/15 C 203 89
Head Coach - Lee Cho-ping
Assistant Coach - Wang Chun


■GUANGDONG TIGERS
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Du Feng 1981/7/30 C 202 90
Chang Bo-Yu 1982/8/14 C 201 100
Shan Tao 1970/5/31 C 215 110
Liang Wei 1980/10/18 G 188 85
Ju Fang-Yu 1983/1/5 F 200 95
Chen Duan 1981/5/2 F 194 90
Lin Li 1980/10/7 G 184 75
Lee Chun 1972/2/14 G 180 75
Song Xi 1976/8/2 F 194 80
Huang Yong 1978/3/2 F 198 95
Wang Shi-Peng 1983/1/26 F 198 90
Chang Yong-Gang 1980/6/20 F 188 90
Head Coach - Lee Chun-jiang
Coach - Guan Der-yo, Lin Yao-sun


■BEIJING SHOGANG
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Jiang Chao 1978/12/3 F 195 90
An Hong-Le 1982/4/23 F 195 90
Levan S. Alston 1973/6/13 G 194 92
Chang Jing-Dong 1971/4/12 F 190 85
Jiao Jian 1980/2/6 F 200 95
Menk Bateer 1975/11/20 C 210 110
Chen Lei 1983/1/14 F 195 90
Song Yuan-Shan 1980/3/29 F 200 92
Lee Xiang 1983/8/30 C 202 101
Head Coach - Min Lu-lei
Coach - Hsu Li-min


■YULON DINOS
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Chen Hsin-An 1980/7/1 F 196 90
Chou Hong-Yu 1976/6/15 F 195 90
Lin Jian-Ping 1969/3/7 G 170 71
Chen Chih-Chung 1977/3/2 G 183 75
Huang Pao-Tze 1976/9/18 G 180 68
Chao Jia-Chung 1982/1/12 PG 185 77
Chiu Chi-Yi 1975/10/6 G 182 72
Yang Yung-Kai 1979/8/9 F 197 75
Chiu Tsung-Chih 1968/9/21 F 197 90
Wei Yung-Tai 1978/10/23 F 193 93
Kuo Tien-Lung 1974/12/13 G 187 82
Wu Chih-Wei 1976/7/31 C 202 94
Head Coach - Chien Yi-fei
Assistant Coach - Lin Jen-min, Lee Yun-kwang

■DACIN CONSTRUCTION
NAME, DOB, POS., HT, WT
Tien Lei 1983/06/01 F 202 86
Fang Keng-Xiang 1980/6/22 G 165 65
Huang Chih-Chun 1982/4/23 G 180 75
Chu Chih-Ching 1969/7/18 C 198 103
Cheng Chang-Chun 1980/10/11 G 175 69
Chang Chih-Feng 1981/10/11 F/G 183 83
Chang Ho-Song 1981/8/11 G 185 77
Jiang Jeng-Tse 1982/8/25 F 193 85
Lee Feng-Yung 1980/12/15 F 197 89
Cheng Chih-Lung 1969/8/29 F 192 88 (Will not play)
Shan Wei-Fan 1978/9/3 F 195 90
Liao Wei-Chen 1975/2/23 C.F 197 100
Lee Yen-Chih 1981/1/21 C/F 194 105
Lin Chung-Min 1980/1/11 G 178 72
Hsu Chih-Chao 1974/1/5 G 190 83
Head Coach - Liu Jia-fa

Asia: ABA 2001 Season Complete Schedule

9/12
Guangdong vs. Isuzu (Guangdong)
Samsung vs. HK YungLung (Guangdong)
Dacin vs. Shanghai (Taipei)
Yulon vs. Beijing Shogang (Taipei)

9/13
Samsung vs. Isuzu (Guangdong)
Guangdong vs. HK YungLung (Guangdong)
Beijing Shogang vs. Shanghai (Taipei)
Dacin vs. Yulon (Taipei)

9/14
HK YungLung vs. Isuzu (Guangdong)
Guangdong vs. Samsung (Guangdong)
Shanghai vs. Yulon (Taipei)
Dacin vs. Beijing Shogang (Taipei)

9/16
Guangdong vs. Yulon (Macao)
ASPAC vs. HK YungLung (Macao)

9/17
Samsung vs. Shanghai (Shanghai)
Beijing Shogang vs. Isuzu (Suzou, China)
HK YungLung vs. Yulon (Macao)
ASPAC vs. Guangdong (Macao)

9/18
Isuzu vs. Shanghai (Shanghai)
Beijing Shogang vs. Samsung (Suzou)

9/20
Samsung vs. ASPAC (Hangzou, China)
Isuzu vs. Yulon (Hangzou)
Shanghai vs. Gunagdong (Shanghai)
HK YungLung vs. Beijing Shogang (Shanghai)

9/21
Isuzu vs. ASPAC (Hangzou)
Yulon vs. Samsung (Hangzou)
Guangdong vs. Deijing Shogang (Shanghai)
HK YungLung vs. Shanghai (Shanghai)

9/23
Final #1: Season Champ vs. Runner-up (Shanghai)

9/24
Final #2: Season Champ vs. Runner-up (Shanghai)

9/26
Final #3: Season Champ vs. Runner-up (Shanghai)

Asia: ABA 2001 Season Facts

■Time: September 12 - 26

■Place: Taipei, Shanghai, Macao, Hangzou, Suzou, Guangdong

■Teams (9):
Shanghai Sharks, Beijing Shogang, Guangdong Tigers, Yulon, Dacin Construction, ASPAC, Hong Kong YungLung, Samsung Thunders, Isuzu Gigacats

■Format:
A 3-game final series between regular season champ and runner-upwill be held in Shnaghai after the 28-game regular season.

■Team Brief:

* Shanghai Sharks, CBA, China - Runner-ups in 2000-01 and 1999-00 CBA season.
* Beijing Shogang, CBA, China - 2000-01 3rd place in CBA.
* Guangdong Tigers, CBA, China - 2000-01 6th place in CBA.
* Isuzu Gigacats, JBL, Japan - 6-time JBL champions, including 1988, 1995-98 and 2000.
* Samsung Thunders, KBL, South Korea - 2000-01 KBL champion.
* Yulon, A-League, Taiwan - 2000 and 2001 A-League champion...2000 CBA Millennium Series champ...CBA (now defuncted) 1994-95 champion.
* Dacin Construction, A-League, Taiwan - 2001 4th place in A-League.

19th Asian Basketball Championship for Women Fact

■Date: 4th to 11th October 2001
■Place: Bangkok, Thailand

■The Participants:
Level I - Korea, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea and Thailand
Level II – Malaysia, Hong Kong, Jordan and Kazakhstan.

Level I's top three finishers of the 19th Asian Basketball Championship for Women will qualify to participate in the 14th World Basketball Championship for Women, which will be held in various key cities of China including Suzhou, Chuangshu, Huaiyin and Nanjing from September 14 to 25, 2002.

ABC secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock will confirm all participants at a Press Conference to be held September 4 at he Sky Ballroom of the Maxx Hotel.

■Format:
Beginning at the 16th Championship, which was also held in Shizuoka, Japan in 1995, the participants had been divided into Level I, which consisted of the teams of China, Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. All the other teams competed in Level II.

The teams in Level I will play one Preliminary Round. The four best-placed teams in this round will qualify into the Semi Finals.

The Semi Finals shall consist of matches between the first and fourth placed teams; and second and third placed teams. The winners and the losers of the Semi Finals will play each other in the Finals for classification from 1st to 4th place.

The standings of the other teams in the Preliminary Round shall be their final standings in the championship. The remaining 5 teams in Level II will play one round. FIBA rules on classification of teams shall apply.

For all subsequent Championships for Women, the teams and the number of teams to be qualified into Level I of the next championship shall be determined by the Women's Commission, using as a basis, their performance at the current championship.

■Results of the 1999 ABC for Women:
Level I: 1st-Korea, 2nd-Japan, 3rd-Chinese Taipei, 4th-China, 5th-Thailand
Level II: 1st-DPR Korea, 2nd-Malaysia, 3rd-Hong Kong, China, 4th-Sri Lanka

Final Day: Taiwan Wins First Ever Jones Cup Title

After a 24-year wait, Taiwan finally wins its first ever Jones Cup title when they defeat South Korea 69-58 in the final game yesterday. Lin Jia-huang, who has been a backup SG before starting in the game, again surprised everyone with an 18-point performance.

In a game that drew almost 10,000 fans - I guess it's the best single-game attendance record in 15 years - and the deafening sound flying all game long, Taiwan NT successfully defended Korea's three-point shooting and pulled ahead after a slow start, leading 34-24 in halftime.

South Korea tried to rally in the second half, but after the third consecutive offensive foul calls, Koreans realized they had no hope against the home court advantage. Korean coach Choo Il-seung pulled his starters out of the game in the last 6 minutes and had virtually given up the game.

Ditto the wild celebration after the game, officiating that favors the home team drew criticism. In fact, it's been the talk of the tournament.

In the third-place game, Russia put five players in double-digit while making 14 three-pointers in the game and defeated Philippines 81-71. Andrei Endropov led Russia with 16 points on four three-pointers. Philippines totally relied on its two imports Christopher Clay and Jeffrey Flowers, who scored 33 and 18 points respectively.

Honduras edged Canada 70-67 in the fifth-place game. Francisco Trochez, who scored 23 points, secured the win when he sinked a game-clinching three-pointer and was fouled.

Taiwan's previous best finish in the Jones Cup is runner-up, when they lost to - guess who - South Korea NT in 1999 Jones Cup final.



■GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 69-58 South Korea (Half 34-24)
TW - Lin Jia-huang 18p (4-10 3PT) ; Chen Chih-chung 13p, 6rb, 3a ; Tien Lei 9p, 6rb ; Chou Hong-yu 8p, 7rb ; Shan Wei-fan 8p, 7rb ; Chen Hsin-an 2p, 6a
SK - Son Gyu-wan 10p ; Yoon Young-pil 10p

Russia 81-71 Philippines
RUS - Andrei Endropov 16p (4-10 3PT), 4a, 4s ; Alexandre Chernov 10p, 5a ; Vladimir Pevnev 12p ; Evgeni Shatokhin 11p, 7rb
PHI - Christopher Clay 33p, 6rb, 4a ; Jeffrey Flowers 18p, 9rb ; Ranidel De Ocampo 4p, 14rb

Honduras 70-67 Canada
HON - Francisco Trochez 23p ; Pedro Ferron 20p, 8rb ; William Waterhouse 11p, 10rb
CAN - Keith Bustard 18p ; Josh Payne 12p

■FINAL STANDING
1. Taiwan 7-0
2. South Korea 6-1
3. Russia 5-2
4. Philippines 4-3
5. Honduras 3-4
6. Canada 2-5
7. Mongolia 1-6
8. South Africa 0-7

Chen Chih-chung Named Tourney MVP

Taiwan NT starting PG Chen Chih-chung, who has 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the final game, was named the tournament MVP after helping Taiwan to its first Jones Cup title. Chen averages 9.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals in the tournament.

Philippines' Christopher Clay, the most popular player in the tournament, averages 24.7 points and leads all scorers in Jones Cup for the second consecutive year. Jeffrey Flowers, also from Philippines, lead the rebounding with 9.3 per game.

All-Star team is not selected in this year's Jones Cup.

2001 Jones Cup Notable Player Stats

■Taiwan Player Stats (7 games)
Yang Yu-min 15.7p, 2.3rb, 2.6a
Lin Jia-huang 11.6p, 42.8% 3PT
Tien Lei 11.3p, 4.0rb, 1.6s
Chen Hsin-an 11.0p, 1.7rb, 2.3a
Chen Chih-chung 9.6p, 3.5rb, 4.0a, 1.1s
Chou Hong-yu 7.0p, 4.0rb
Yen Shin-shu 2.3p, 3.0a


■Notable player stats (7 games)
Yoon Young-pil (KOR) 14.1p
Jin Yeung-suk (KOR) 13.3p, 41% 3PT
Son Gyu-wan (KOR) 14.7p, 43.5% 3PT

Chris Clay (PHI) 24.7p, 4.6rb, 4.5a, 42% 3PT
Jeffrey Flowers (PHI) 19.3p, 9.3rb, 1.4blk
Ranidel De Ocampo (PHI) 10.4p, 9.1rb

Pedro Ferron (HON) 21.7p, 9rb
Francisco Trochez (HON) 16.0p, 3.7rb, 2.6a
Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa (MGL) 22.7p, 9.0rb, 3.9a, 2.1s
Thuso Moiloa (S.Africa) 13p, 7.9rb
Sandy Bisaro (CAN) 12.6p, 7.1rb
Keith Bustard (CAN) 12.1p, 5.3rb

Day 8: Korea Upset Russia ; Advance to Final

Three games with thrilling finish yesterday staged the most exciting day of the tournament so far, although home team Taiwan had an off day. With the upset win over Russia, South Korea, which tied with Taiwan at 6-0, will look for their second Jones Cup title in today's last game vs. Taiwan.

Trailing 39-40 at halftime and as many as 14 points, Korean coach Choo Il-seung ordered a box-and-one defense to lock up Russian veteran PG Alexandre Chernov and pulled out an unbelievable comeback. Russia, whose offense focuses on three-point shooting, lost its second consecutive game while holding 10-plus leads in the second half of both games.

Oscar Simon made a key three-pointer with 50 seconds left to secure Philippines' 90-85 win over Honduras. Philippines tied with Russia at 4-2 and will meet today for the third place.

Mongolia received 29 points and 14 rebounds from 193cm star forward Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa to beat South Africa 93-87 for its first win. Mongolia finished all games and ranked 7th in the tournament. South Africa lost all seven games and finished last at 8th.


■GAME SUMMARY
South Korea 83-80 Russia
SK - Jin Kyung-suk 20p ; Yoon Young-pil 19p ; Kim Kyung-rok 16p
RUS - Andrei Olbreht 18p, 4a ; Alexandre Chernov 16p, 4a ; Evgeni Shatokhin 16p

Philippines 90-85 Honduras
PHI - Christopher Clay 24p ; Jeffrey Flowers 29p, 12rb
HON - Pedro Ferron 27p, 17rb

Mongolia 93-87 South Africa
MGL - Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa 29p, 14rb ; Dorjgotov Purevdorj 20p
SA - Thuso Moiloa 24p, 11rb ; Mariusz Mlodzinski 13p

■STANDING
Taiwan 6-0
South Korea 6-0
Russia 4-2
Philippines 4-2
Honduras 2-4
Canada 2-4
Mongolia 1-6
South Africa 0-7

Day 7: Taiwan NT Upset Russia

Led by Lin Jia-huang and Chen Hsin-an, Taiwan NT made 9 of 19 three-point shots to overcome a 10-point halftime deficit and upset Russia 87-77 yesterday. Russia suffers its first loss in the tournament.

Taiwan stays undefeated and waits for the results of South Korea-Russia game today. If Korea defeats Russia, Taiwan will battle with South Korea for the tournament championship in tomorrow tournament finale. If Russia defeats Korea and Korea lose again to Taiwan tomorrow, three teams tie at 6-1. The tiebreaker will be the scored/scored against ratio.


■GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 87-77 Russia (Half 40-50)
TW - Lin Jia-huang 17p ; Chen Hsin-an 17p ; Tien Lei 14p ; Yang Yu-min 10p
RUS - Alexandre Chernov 16p, 5rb, 5a ; Vladimir Pevnev 15p, 11rb ; Andrei Olbreht 11p ; Konstantin Guerassimov 12p

Honduras 92-81 Mongolia
HON - Carlos Ruiz 10p, 13rb(9 ORB) ; Francisco Trochez 19p ; Harry Milson 13p ; Selvin Connor 13p
MGL - Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa 27p, 6rb, 8a, 4s

Canada 85-60 South Africa
CAN - Sandy Bisaro 21p, 13rb, 3blk ; Orlando Ferguson 16p ; Etienne Orr-Ewing 14p, 11rb ; Josh Payne 16p
SA - Thuso Moiloa 12p, 5rb

■STANDING
Taiwan 6-0
South Korea 5-0
Russia 4-1
Philippines 3-2
Honduras 2-3
Canada 2-4
Mongolia 0-6
South Africa 0-6

Day 6: Yang and Chen Lead Taiwan Past Honduras

Yang Yu-min and Chen Hsin-an staged an unbelievable three-point exhibition by scored 30 and 28 points respectively to lead Taiwan past Honduras 90-77 yesterday. South Korea edged Philippines 97-88 in a temper-flying battle. South Korea and Taiwan are both 5-0.

In spite of their height disadvantage, Taiwan NT makes up with a swift passing and hot outside shooting by making 15 of 32 three-point attempts, including Yang Yu-min's 7 of 14 and Chen's 6 of 8. Taiwan NT dished out 25 assists in the game and found their shooters time and time again, finally opened up the game in the second half, when they outscored Honduras 53-38 and change the momentum.

In the previous game, which almost resulted in a brawl on several occasions, South Korea overcame an 11-point first half deficit and beat Philippines by 9. Swingman Jin Kyung-suk scored 27 points and limited Philippines top scorer Christopher Clay to ONLY 21 points. Temper flied in the game for both teams. There are flying-elbows, flagrant fouls, face-to-face confrontations everywhere, mostly because the referees failed to control the game from the start and let both team get away with too many cheap-shots.

▓GAME SUMMARY
Canada 97-64 Mongolia
CAN - Nathan Ashmead 19p, 8rb ; Shaun Doherty 13p, 4a ; Sandy Bisaro 12p, 6rb
MGL - Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa 31p, 7rb ; Otgonbayar Maghaidorj 15p

South Korea 97-88 Philippines
KOR - Jin Kyung-suk 27p(7-12 3PT) ; Yoon Young-pil 27p ; Son Gyu-wan 10p ; Hwang Sung-in 9p, 7a
PHI - Jeffrey Flowers 27p, 8rb ; Christopher Clay 21p, 7a ; Ranidel De Ocampo 10p, 6rb

Taiwan 90-77 Honduras
TW - Yang Yu-min 30p(7-14 3PT), 4a ; Chen Hsin-an 28p(6-8 3PT), 4a ; Chen Chih-chung 12p, 8a, 3s ; Yen Shin-shu 5a
HON - Francisco Trochez 19p ; Pedro Ferron 19p, 11rb ; Cesar Estlign 16p, 5rb, 3a, 5s

▓STANDING
Taiwan 5-0
South Korea 5-0
Russia 4-0
Philippines 3-2
Honduras 1-3
Canada 1-4
Mongolia 0-5
South Africa 0-5

Day 5: Taiwan, Korea and Russia Undefeated

Son Gyu-wan sinked 11 three-pointers on his way to 37 points and tie the all-time Jones Cup record in 3PT-made as South Korea pounded Canada 92-65 to its fourth straight victory. Russia, which beat Mongolia 103-73, South Korea and host team Taiwan are all 4-0 and the only undefeated teams.

Christopher Clay of Philippines celebrated his 29-year-old birthday by scoring 22 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Philippines beat South Africa 95-67 and is one step behind the leading group with a 3-1 record. Meanwhile, Canada, South Africa and Mongolia are still looking for their first win.


▓GAME SUMMARY
Russia 103-73 Mongolia
RUS - Konstantin Guerassimov 21p ; Vladimir Pevnev 14p ; Maxim Pertsev 13p, 6a
MGL - Orgil Undarmaa 15p ; Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa 13p, 10rb, 6a

Philippines 95-67 South Africa
PHI - Christopher Clay 22p, 10rb, 4a, 4s ; Jeffrey Flowers 18p, 9rb ; Oscar Simon 13p
SAF - Thuso Moiloa 19p, 8rb ; Florshein Ngwenya 10p

South Korea 92-65 Canada
KOR - Son Gyu-wan 39p (11-13 3PT)

▓STANDING
Taiwan 4-0
South Korea 4-0
Russia 4-0
Philippines 3-1
Honduras 1-2
Canada 0-4
Mongolia 0-4
South Africa 0-5

Day 4: Taiwan Rally to Beat Canada

Tien Lei scored a team-high 18 points and made two free-throws with 1/2 seconds remaining as Taiwan's "Comeback Kids" overcame a 12-point deficit in the last five minutes and beat Canada 86-84 yesterday. Taiwan still sits atop the standing with a 4-0 record in the 2001 Jones Cup while South Korea and Russia not far behind with 3-0.

Plagued by Canada's powerful inside game, Taiwan trailed 54-66 in the end of the third quarter. Led by Tien Lei, Chen Hsin-an and Chen Chih-chung, Taiwan stormed back with an unbelievable 19-6 run and led 73-72 with 3:16 to go. Yang Yu-min's three-pointers put Taiwan in front, 77-75, with 1:04 remaining, but Canada's Sandy Bisaro answered to even the score at 77 all with 50.7 seconds to go.

After a Chen Hsin-an miss, Canada missed four straight shots that could have iced the game. Tien Lei was fouled in his fastbreak layup with 0.5 seconds from the final buzzer and received two freebies to decide the final outcome.


■GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 79-77 Canada
TW - Tien Lei 18p, 7rb, 3s, 4blk ; Yang Yu-min 15p ; Chen Hsin-an 14p ; Lee Chi-yi 11p, 7rb
CAN - Keith Bustard 21p, 8rb ; Etienne Orr-Ewing 10p, 15rb ; Sandy Bisaro 14p, 10rb

Philippines 97-70 Mongolia
PHI - Jeffrey Flowers 22p, 11rb ; Christopher Clay 12p, 5a ; Oscar Simon 11p ; Michael Garcia 10p

Russia 86-84 Honduras
Alexander Chernov's basket with 15 seconds left lifted Russia past Honduras.

South Korea 88-66 South Africa


■STANDING
Taiwan 4-0
South Korea 3-0
Russia 3-0
Philippines 2-1
Honduras 1-2
Canada 0-3
Mongolia 0-3
South Africa 0-4

Day 3: Taiwan Edges Philippines in Controversy

Sitting on the bench for 38 1/2 minutes, PG Yen Shin-shu made the most of his playing time. Yen hit his only attempt and iced the victory in waning moments as Taiwan overcame a 34-point outburst from Christopher Clay, last year's Jones Cup leading scorer, and edged Philippines 84-79 yesterday to win their third consecutive game. The sad part is the game raised several controversial issues between both teams - again.

Memory of the bench-clearing brawl in 1999 Jones Cup between Taiwan NT and Philippines Iloilo Megavoltz is still vivid among most local fans. Once again, yesterday we saw Taiwan SG Yang Yu-min engaged in an altercation with Philippines PF Richard Melencio with 5 minutes to go. Fortunately the coaching staff of both sides control the situation immediately and asked their players to tone down their act.

By the way, Philippines surprisingly did not put both their imports - Clay and Jeffrey Flowers - on the floor together for the whole game, with Clay playing 32 minutes and Flowers only eight. It is said that Philippines did so under the request from the Taiwanese side. Also, the officiating of the game, which obviously favors Taiwan NT, is highly questioned. After the game, Philippines coach Johny Tam denied he received any request from Taiwan. But even for most local basketball observers and media, it seems Taiwan has taken the "home court advantage" too far.

The momentum went back and forth for the entire 40 minutes in this exciting game. Philippines jumped to a 16-10 lead early in the first quarter, but Taiwan rebounded and led by as many as 9 points (42-33) in the second. Taiwan led 47-43 in the first half.

With 5 minutes remaining, the scored still tied at 71 all. Philippines was still in the game after Christopher Clay's two free-throw, trailing by three with 1 1/2 minutes to go. Yen Shin-shu then replaced Chen Chih-chung, who failed to cover Clay all game long and left with five fouls. Yen immediately scored the game winner with a high-arching finger roll on the drive and dashed Philippines' comeback hope.


▓GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 84-79 Philippines
TW - Yang Yu-min 19p ; Chen Chih-chung 15p ; Lee Chi-yi 11p, 6rb ; Tien Lei 11p ; Wu Chih-wei 10p, 7rb ; Lin Jia-huang 10p
PHI - Christopher Clay 34p (5-6 3PT) ; Ranidel De Ocampo 21p, 14rb ; Jeffrey Flowers 2p, 1rb

South Korea 76-71 Honduras
KOR - Son Gyu-won 18p(6-12 3PT)
HON - Pedro Ferron 31p

Russia 82-45 South Africa
Rebounding - Russia 49:25 S.A.


▓STANDING
Taiwan 3-0
Russia 2-0
South Korea 2-0
Honduras 1-1
Philippines 1-1
Canada 0-2
Mongolia 0-2
South Africa 0-3

Day 2: Taiwan NT Cruise By Mongolia

11 of 12 Taiwanese players scored as Taiwan breezed past Mongolia 109-78 on the second day of the 2001 Jones Cup action yesterday. Taiwan is now 2-0 and will face tougher opponents in the remaining games.

Taiwan took advantage of its height over the smaller Mongolia, which the tallest player stands only 193cm. After a 17-0 run in the first quarter, the game was in the refrigerator. Taiwan's second unit played a big role in the game, with backup SG Lin Jia-huang scoring team-high 19 points and backup SF Shan Wei-fan collecting 14 points in 12 minutes.

■GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 109-78 Mongolia
TW - Lin Jia-huang 19p ; Shan Wei-fan 14p(6-7 FG in 12 minutes) ; Yang Yu-min 13p ; Wu Chih-wei 12p, Tsun Wen-din 11p ; Chen Hsin-an 10p ; Lee Chi-yi 10p ; Tien Lei 9p ; Yen Shin-shu 7p, 8a

Honduras 82-61 South Africa
HON - Jane Trochez 22p ; Cesar Estligh 19p

Philippines 82-72 Canada
PHI - Christopher Clay 27p, 6a ; Jefferey Flowers 19p, 14rb, 6blk, Oscar Simon 10p
CAN - Sandy Bisaro 15p ; Keith Bustard 14p, 12rb

■STANDING
Taiwan 2-0
Russia 1-0
South Korea 1-0
Honduras 1-0
Philippines 1-0
Canada 0-2
South Africa 0-2
Mongolia 0-2

Day 1: Taiwan Trounces South Africa

Led By Tien Lei's 16 points and Yang Yu-min's 19, Taiwan NT trounces South Africa 100-57 in the opening game of the 24th William Jones Cup Invitational Tournament yesterday. Russia and South Korea also won their opener.

195cm F/G Chen Hsin-an, who sustained an eye injury prior to the East Asia Games and did not play in the ABC Championship, turned in a subpar performance in his first game back. Chen scored only 4 points on 2-8 shooting and was obviously out of shape.



▓GAME SUMMARY
Taiwan 100-57 South Africa
TW - Yang Yu-min 19p(9-11 FG) ; Tien Lei 16p ; Tsun Wen-din 15p(6-7 FG)

South Korea 118-70 Mongolia
SK - Jin Kyung-suk 19p(5-10 3PT)
MGL - Tuvshinbayar Tygarvaa 17p

Russia 89-60 Canada
(Note: Russia was represented by club Lokomotive Novosibirsk, a Div.II team from Russia's Super League. Canada was represented by University of Victoria.)
RUS - Evgeni Shatokhin 19p(8-8 FG) ; Vladimir Pevnev 13p
CAN - Keith Bustard 18p

2001 Jones Cup Schedule

8/16
14:20 South Korea - Mongolia
16:20 Canada - Russia
18:30 Opening Ceremony
19:20 Taiwan - South Africa

8/17
16:00 South Africa - Honduras
18:00 Philippines - Canada
20:00 Mongolia - Taiwan

8/18
16:00 Taiwan - Philippines
18:00 Russia - South Africa
20:00 Honduras - South Africa

8/19
14:00 Philippines - Mongolia
16:00 Canada - Taiwan
18:00 Honduras - Russia
20:00 South Korea- South Africa

8/20
16:00 Mongolia - Russia
18:00 South Africa - Philippines
20:00 South Korea- Canada

8/21
16:00 Canada - Mongolia
18:00 Philippines - South Korea
20:00 Taiwan - Honduras

8/22
16:00 Honduras - Mongolia
18:00 South Africa - Canada
20:00 Russia - Taiwan

8/23
16:00 Mongolia - South Africa
18:00 Philippines - Honduras
20:00 South Korea - Russia

8/24
16:00 Honduras - Canada
18:00 Russia - Philippines
20:00 Taiwan - South Korea
22:20 Award Ceremony

2001 Jones Cup Primer

■Time:
August 16 - August 24, 2001

■Venue:
Fong-san Gymnasium, Fong-san, Kaohsiung County

■Participants:
Taiwan, South Korea, South Africa, Russia, Canada, Honduras, Philippines, Mongolia

■Competition Format: Single Round Robin

Notes: There will be no women's event held this year due to the lack of participating countries

2001 Jones Cup Complete Rosters

Name, DOB(Y/M/D), Position, Height/Weight(cm/kg)

TAIWAN
Chen Chih-chun 1977.3.2 G 181/74
Yen Shin-shu 1976.9.8 G 182/74
Yang Yu-min 1979.10.22 G 180/72
Hwang Bao-tse 1976.9.18 G 180/70
Chen Hsin-an 1980.7.1 F 196/90
Ho Sho-jen 1983.2.15 F 195/89
Tien Lei 1983.6.1 F 202/86
Chiu Chi-yi 1975.10.6 G 182/72
Lin Jia-hwang 1975.9.20 G 186/78
Shan Wei-fan 1978.9.9 F 195/88
Wu Chih-wei 1976.7.31 C 202/94
Chou Hong-yu 1976.6.15 F 195/92
Wu Dai-hao 1985.2.7 C 200/98
Tsun Wen-din 1984.7.6 C 202/86
Lee Chi-yi 1978.10.27 C/F 200/90
Head Coach - Lee Yun-kwang
Assistants - Dong Fan Che-ter, Lin Jian-ping

MONGOLIA
Orgil Undarmaa 1980.3.16 G 182/-
Otgonbayar Magnaidorj 1976.1.24 G 178/-
Myagmardavaa Purevdorj 1981.4.18 F 183/-
Batzaya Purevbat 194.4.8 F 193/-
Tuvshibaya Tygarvaa 1974.4.4 F 190/-
Erkhembayar Davakhuu 1978.3.17 F 188/-
Bayartsogt Odonbaatar 1972.2.16 F 191/-
Tsogtbaatar Munkhbat 1979.8.9 G 185/-
Purevdorj Dorjgotov 1979.12.6 G 189/-
Enkhbileg Altanbagana 1982.4.22 C 193/-
Javkhlantugs Batkhurel 1981.5.11 F 192/-
Sedbazar Shiner 1981.4.5 F 185/-
Head Coach -

SOUTH AFRICA
Steven Wu 1982.11.11 F/G 188/85
Thabang Kgoedi 1979.4.15 F 199/85
Dinesh Mitchell 1980.1.22 G 189/89
Mariusz Mlodzinski 1973.8.6 G 185/92
Chien Chia-hsin 1982.3.12 PF 202/100(Taiwanese-South African)
Nyakallo Nthuping 1980.1.14 PF 195/90
Lucky Kekana 1976.7.23 PF 190/81
Thuso Moiloa 1978.9.12 PF 199/81
Florshein Ngwenya 1976.6.20 SG 180/80
Thembinkosi Zulu 1976.8.5 PG 170/70
Wilson Makama 1982.8.15 SG 185/75
Tshepo Mokgatlanyane 1984.9.1 G 182/78
Head Coach - Dali Dzingwa

RUSSIA
Konstantin Guerassimov 1970.9.8 G 195/97
Vladimia Pevnev 1974.4.23 C 202/106
Andrei Endropov 1978.3.29 G 184/80
Alexandre Bespalov 1978.1.29 C 204/107
Alexandre Chernov 1970.3.17 G 193/90
Evgeni Shatokhin 1977.9.14 F 203/91
Vladimir Pronine 1975.8.29 F 205/94
Maxim Pertsev 1976.4.13 F 195/85
Andrei Olbreht 1971.1.12 F 203/108
Pavel Podkolzine 1985.1.15 C 218/108
Stanislav Lapchine 1982.12.6 F 198/84
Sergeis Kiselovs 1976.4.26 G 190/89
Marcus Webb 1970.5.9 C 205/125
Dmitri Doudarev 1976.2.10 G 192/82
Anton Mosseev 1980.2.25 F 200/94
Artem Egorov 1970.8.21 F 201/105
Ilja Kiselovs 1982.4.4 G 188/84
Head Coach - Serguei Babakov

CANADA
Jason Crawford 1980.1.6 F 198/101
Josh Payne 1979.2.17 G 188/84
Trevor Thomas 1980.10.16 F 200/93
Reagan Daly 1980.6.23 G 183/77
Orlando Ferguson 1977.10.2 F 198/86
Nathan Ashmead 1981.7.20 F 198/89
Shaun Doherty 1981.2.20 G 183/80
Jason Tiffin 1981.5.17 F 193/91
Eric Rushton 1982.7.8 F/G 193/86
Sandy Bisaro 1979.3.31 F 203/109
Keith Bustard 1979.5.20 F/G 193/90
Ross MacDonald 1974.9.7 F 201/109
Etienne Orr-Ewing 1979.1.18 F 201/100
Head Coach - Guy Vetrie

PHILIPPINES
Christopher Clay 1972.8.20 F
Jefferey Flowers 1976.4.27 C
Christian Nicdao 1976.3.30 PF
Michael Garcia 1973.1.2 F
Richard Melencio 1975.9.3 PF
Oscar Simon 1973.2.22 G
Randy Lopez 1978.4.22 PF
Ramon Regidor 1973.8.31 G
Ferome Barbosa 1977.9.5 PF
Junel Mendiola 1973.6.13 G
Valentine Domingo Jr. 1978.6.18 C
Francis Bernardo 1977.7.22 C
Michael Manigo ??? G
Head Caoch - Johnny Tam
Assistant - Cecilio Marcelino, Luis Cedang

SOUTH KOREA
Pyo Myung-il 1975.12.23 G 182/78
Kim Kyung-rok 1979.8.2 F 185/81
Hwang Sung-in 1976.6.7 G 180/81
Park Yu-jin 1978.9.5 C 195/87
Jun Byung-suk 1979.4.23 F 188/75
Hyun Joo-yup 1975.7.27 C 195/105
Son Gyu-wan 1974.12.12 F 185/80
Kim Taeck-hoon 1975.4.25 C/F 192/92
Kim Young-jae 1981.7.5 C 198/95
Kim Han-kwon 1978.11.1 C 198/88
Yoon Young-pil 1975.11.13 F 191/100
Jin Kyung-suk 1979.5.13 F 190/86
Head Coach - Choo Il-seung
Assistant - Kim Seung-hwan

HONDURAS
Carlos Edgardo Padilla Zelaya 1966.7.29 G 180/86
Carlos Enrique Ruiz 1982.4.4 F 202/91
Cesar Ivary Estlign 1974.12.23 F 198/86
Edil Lacayo ??? F 195/97
Harry Milson 1974.10.29 C 204/109
Juan Francisco Reyes Trochez 1975.2.28 G 185/84
Mario Rigoberto Alcerro Varela 1977.12.18 F 201/93
Pedro Moise Salazar Ferron 1972.10.31 C 204/114
Rony Daniel Palacios Alvarez 1977.11.23 F/G 190/73
Selvin Connor 1974.10.10 F 200/95
William Waterhouse 1975.4.21 F 198/100
Head Coach - Viente Duncan
Assistant - Cesar Valdes

Q & A with coach Hung Jun-jen

In his playing days, Hung Jun-jen was regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in Taiwan hoops history. He was also one of the most relaible playmakers on the national team. Hung Jun-jun and his older brother Hung Jun-cheh were the most outstanding brother tandem in Taiwan hoops history, in addition to the Cheng family, which sees as many as five brothers making the NT roster in different time period.

After hanging up his sneakers, Hung went into coaching. He coached CBA's Dacin Tigers in 1996-97 season and compiled a 17-43 record. Most recently he coached Nanya Plastics Women's Basketball Team, which folded last month, in A-League.

Hung lives in California, USA now. With help from my friend Jeh Lin, Taiwan Hoops E-Zine is glad to have an opportunity to sit down with coach Hung talking about the CBA and the Taiwanese basketball.

Coach Hung's point of view about CBA's rise and fall and suggestions on how to strengthen Taiwan's professional basketball movement again.-

===

Q1. How did CBA really begin and what made it successful?

A. The beginning is really because of love, people's plain and simple love of basketball. Because of that strong love, people try really hard to jump start the league on the right foot. It was truly the dreams of basketball enthusiasts to have a professional basketball league in Taiwan, just like the NBA in the States. It's for national pride and for the sake of basketball movement. However, if the beginning point was only because of love, then it will lose the luster and the drive. It will be a temporary growth with no organization and stronger force to make it work.


Q2. Why did the CBA fall?

A. In essence, with no proper planning and organization, the league does not last long. The initial love of basketball pushing the growth of CBA ought to be sustained and nurtured by proper and experienced and willingness to develop organized structure of management, but there was none. Instead, the management of CBA overall was very inconsistent. It was lacking professionalism at all infrastructure level. Another sign of CBA demise was that the lack of good, fundamental, coaching infrastructure. Foreign player movement was also constantly changing and unstable. Overall, from the league management to coaching to the player development, along with lack of strong, consistent marketing, lead to the demise of CBA.


Q3. What are your suggestions on how to get CBA and professional basketball back on its ground?

A. Taiwan still has the huge market potential for the development of professional sports.

* A) It has the potential in coaching. College level PE dept needs to have classes in coaching to develop quality coaches.
* B) Even though CBA is supposedly geared toward general masses and consumers, but it has many good things and benefits for the society as a whole, thus the government should strongly sponsor in a effective manner and systematic manner, from the central to state to local governments.
* C) Location is very important; the placements of the teams and growth of team identity. Fan target audience in the past was based on junior and high school level students. However, in order to grow a stronger fan base, the target should be family level, leading to broader and more stable fane audience. Local teams have its local cities, thus need to grow better management, leading to better identity and awareness of the team.
* D) To go a step further, family level audience is important first of all to reach, but the next level with the potential and the financial help needed will be the corporations, thus having good ties with corporations, corporate sponsorships will be important. Discounts and etc to corporations will be an example. Local basketball organizations need to help as well. Season ticket is important with corporation sales.
* E) Overall planning is very important, draft and player development and etc. Confusion with League A is an issue that needs to be solved. In the past it used to league A who, with its own long history, dominating the basketball circuit. There has to be cooperation between league A and CBA, developing proper relationship in jointly developing players, an example would be the minor leagues system.

-Coach Hung's current projects and involvements here in the States.-

* 1. Helping and sponsoring local churches to do sports outreach toward the Chinese community, mainly immigrants and students, helping them to adjust to local areas thru basketball, and, in turn, leading them to Christianity through discussions and sharing. Coach Hung leads a group of young players to play in various basketball tournaments locally in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.
* 2. Actively planning and structuring basketball camps for the next generation during summer. Effective basketball camps, teaching players from age range of 10-18 year olds, have taken place in local cities and towns, such as Fremont, Cupertino, and etc. There will be a camp coming up in the metropolitan city area of Los Angeles. Later on there is planning to be in the East Coast, NY. Vancouver, Canada, Chinese community has also shown interests in setting up camps there. Even Southeast Asia, Thailand Chinese community would like to have camps there as well. A vast growth of basketball camps leading the next generation to fundamental basketball.
* 3. Very blessed to have these experiences in North America, coordination with churches and helping kids in basketball and in their understanding of faith and Christianity is very rewarding.

===

Many thanks to Jeh Lin, who helps with the interview session and this Q & A article for Taiwan Hoops.

Jeh Lin Profile

Currently president and founder of start-up firm, Zimba Sports Marketing Inc. Zimba Sports company objective is to connect global sports to the Greater Chinese Community worldwide, hence the Zimba model of " G-to-G". We specialize in marketing and public relations for sports organizations, develop broadcasting efforts for the overseas Chinese community, and create sports event planning to foster & unite Chinese community relationship.Currently Jeh is also hosting a 5 minute sports news show at a local Chinese radio station. Contact info: jeh@zimbasports.com

FINAL - China Still Asia's Best

With the self-claimed "Asian Dream Team" and the huge home court advantage, China slammed Lebanon 97-63 in the 21st ABC championship game and made a strong statement that they are still Asia's best.

China wins the 12th title in their 14 appearances in the ABC Championship. Since 1975, China failed to reach the championship game only twice, finishing third both in 1986 and 1997.

With the expected opponent South Korea losing in the semi, China had no problem dealing with Lebanon in light mood, jumpstarting to a 22-10 opening lead and led as many as 43 points. Minutes into the final quarter, China head coach Wang Fei had cleared all his bench. Chang Chen, who served a two-game suspension after initiating a bench-clearing brawl in China's last game with Lebanon, also played with 2:30 remaining.

China put six players on double-digit. Yao Ming had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Menk Bateer had 17. Liu Yu-dong had 13 while Wang Zhi-zhi had 10. Lebanon was led by Fadi Khatib's 18 points.

■Award
MVP - Yao Ming, China
Best Five - Yao Ming, China ; Wang Zhi-zhi, China ; Fadi Khatib, Lebanon ; Walid Doumiati, Lebanon ; Seo Jang-hoon, South Korea
Best Coach - Wang Fei, China
Best Guard - Walid Doumiati, Lebanon
Rebounding Leader - Yao Ming, China
Three-Point Leader - Yang Kyung-min, South Korea
Best Sportsmanship - Oussama Madani, Syria

Final Day: Taiwan Finish 7th in 2001 Asian Championship

Destined to a worst-ever finish, Taiwan NT figured 7th place is better than 8th. Taiwan staged an unbelievable comeback, when they overcame a 13-point deficit with three minutes remaining in regulation, to beat India 92-90 in overtime and finished 7th in the 21st ABC Championship today.

Apparently over-confident after an 85-55 victory in the preliminary round, Taiwan took India lightly and quickly found out India was for real in their final game. After a 24-22 first quarter, Taiwan trailed by three, 38-41 in halftime. Things got worse when India pulled out a 14-0 run in the third and boosted the lead to 64-49.

Still trailing 65-78, Taiwan head coach Lee Yun-kwang had no choice. Going to a full-court press defense, Taiwan forced India to consecutive turnovers and made three three-pointers to cut the deficit to one point, 78-79, with 50 seconds remaining. Following an India miss, Chou Hong-yu made one of two free-throws to even the score but Yen Shin-shu failed to make the tie-breaker and the game went into overtime.

Taiwan's three-point-attack hasn't finished yet. Yang Yu-min and Chen Chih-chung swished three three-pointers in OT to ice the win with one minute left. Taiwan shot a combined 16-44 behind three-point arch, both national team single-game record. Yang Yu-min finished with 25 points, including 6-12 from three-point territory. Chen Chih-chung had 20 points. Yen Shin-shu scored 14 while SF Tien Lei had 11 points.

Taiwan's poor rebounding effort (Taiwan 39-51 India) again force them to a hard-fought game. They are really fortunate to win the game.

South Korea 95-94(OT) Syria
Coming off a disheartening loss in the semi, South Korea lost their confidence and outside shooting in the last game. Thanks to a surprising three-pointer from seldom-used PF Lee Gyu-sup, South Korea managed to a 95-94 overtime victory over Syria and finished third in the ABC Championship.

Syria pounded the Koreans on the boards and challenged South Korea's outside shooting. South Korea only made 4-24 from the three-point line and fell to a 39-51 rebounding disadvantage. With a little luck, South Korea came home with a 3rd place trophy, the worst finish in their last three ABCs. South Korea won the 1997 ABC and lost to China in 1999 title game.

Seo Jang-hoon had 27 points and 11 rebounds to lead South Korea. Choo Seung-gyun had 24 points. Syria was led by Oussama Madani's 30 points and 10 rebounds. Mohamad Hajar also had 27 and 15.

■Final Day Score
Final - China 97-63 Lebanon
3rd-4th Place - South Korea 95-94(OT) Syria
5th-6th Place - Qatar 74-65 Japan
7th-8th Place - Taiwan 92-90(OT) India

SEMI - Lebanon Upset South Korea

Lebanon pulled out the biggest upset in the ABC Championship today when they edged South Korea 75-72 in the semifinal and advanced to the championship game. The inspiring win also means Lebanon is going to the 2002 World Championship in Indianapolis, USA, along with China, which pounded Syria 94-55 in another semi match-up.

Lebanon used their man-to-man defense to contain the Koreans' perimeter shooting successfully, holding slight lead throughout the whole game. Led by Fadi Khatib, who scored 24 points, Lebanon twice overcame the Koreans' furious comeback rallies which cut the deficit to one point. Lebanon PG Toni Fahed also had 23 points.

South Korea center Seo Jang-hoon had 17 points and 12 rebounds but saw his shots blocked three times by Lebanon center Joe Vogel. Choo Seung-gyun scored a team-high 18 points. South Korea head coach Kim Dong-kwang complained about the officiating after the game, claiming one of the refs from middle-east country favored Lebanon.

South Korea lost to Lebanon twice in the previous three match-ups, with the other loss coming from the 1999 ABC Championship. They did rout Lebanon 97-71 in the preliminary round.

Without surprise, China breezed past Syria 94-55 and went to the championship game. China led by as many as 28 points in the second half. 6-6 SG Hu Wei-dong had 20 points while Yao Ming had 17.

■Semi-final Score
Lebanon 75-72 South Korea
China 94-55 Syria

■Classification Score
9th-10th Place: Uzbekistan 73-66 UAE
11th-12th Place: Hong Kong 86-72 Kuwait
13th-14th Place: Thailand 100-72 Singapore

Four Teams in ABA Taipei Round

ABA (Asian Basketball Association) president Cheng Man-kee, who also heads the ABC, confirmed that four teams from China and Taiwan will participate in the 2001 ABA Taipei Round in September 12-14.

Cheng said a total of eight teams, including Beijing Shogang and Shanghai Sharks of China, Dacin Construction and Yulon Dinos of Taiwan, Samsung Thunders of Korea, Isuzu Gigacats of Japan, Laguna Lakers of Philippines and Hong-yuan of Hong Kong, will play in this year's ABA season, which is comprised of rounds in different Asian cities. The Taipei round features a single round robin format and will be held in Taipei Physical Education College Gymnasium.

Day 6: East/West Asia Split 4 Semi Seeds

China and South Korea each stormed into the semi of the ABC Championship as expected with a perfect 3-0 record in the quarterfinals. Little did everyone expect Syria and Lebanon make it to the final four. Lebanon beat Japan 83-73 to secure the second seed in Group I, while Syria upset Qatar 80-68 in Group II to advance.

This marks the first time in ABC Championship history that two nations from middle east region advance to the semifinals. China will meet Syria and South Korea takes on Lebanon in the crossover semifinals.

In the classification games, Qatar will meet Japan for 5th place, Taiwan and India fight for 7th. Uzbekistan and UAE will meet in the 9th place game, Hong Kong and Kuwait will fight for 11th, while Thailand and Singapore fight for 13th.

China 100-71 Taiwan
Taiwan head coach Lee Yun-kwang's " 2-1-2 " zone defense was not enough to contain China's "Multiple Towers". China used their height advantage with consecutive 11-0 and 13-0 runs. Before halftime, the score was already 61-33 and out of reach.

China received 19 points from Gong Xiao-bin and 17 points from Lee Nan. "Twin Towers" Yao Ming had 14 and 7 in 26 minutes while Wang Zhi-zhi only had 2 points in limited action. Taiwan was led by Yang Yu-min's 18 points (4-6 3-PT). Tien Lei and Chou Hong-yu scored 11 apiece, with Tsun Wen-ding and Chen Chih-chung each had 8 points.

South Korea 97-76 India
South Korea's firing squad put on another show yesterday, making 19 three-pointers out of 47 tries to slash the Indians 97-76. Yang Kyung-min followed his 7-9 outburst in the previous day with 6-10 performance. Cho Sung-won made 5 out of 13 and Kim Byung-chul also made three three-point shots.

Lebanon 83-73 Japan
Lebanon won the three-point shootout with the Japanese and advanced to the semi with an 83-73 win. Lebanon made 11 of 22 three-point attempts while Japan made 12 of 31. Fadi Khatib paced Lebanon with 24 points, Joe Vogel followed with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Japan was led by Masaki Goto's 24 points (4-7 3-PT).

▓Quarterfinal Score
South Korea 97-76 India
Lebanon 83-73 Japan
Syria 80-68 Qatar
China 100-71 Taiwan

▓Quarterfinal Standings
Group I
China 3-0 *
Lebanon 2-1 *
Japan 1-2
Taiwan 0-3

Group II
South Korea 3-0 *
Syria 2-1 *
Qatar 1-2
India 0-3
(* - Advance to semifinals)

▓Classification Score
Kuwait 77-55 Thailand
Uzbekistan 76-75 Hong Kong

Day 5: Goodbye, Final Four - Taiwan Lost Again

Taiwan's hope of a second consecutive semifinal appearance crushed on July 24, after losing their second straight quarterfinal game to Lebanon 72-87. Looks like they can only finish seventh at best, if they beat India in the classification game.

Taiwan NT will meet powerful China in their final quarterfinal game today, which no one thinks they have a chance to win. With a potential 0-3 record in the quarterfinals, Taiwan will have to fight with India for the seventh place. The previous worst finish for Taiwan NT is 6th place in 1985 (Malaysia) and 1997 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).

Taiwan trailed only by six, 30-36, early in the second quarter before Lebanon scored 12 unanswered points to pull away. Taiwan did not match up well inside and outside and trailed by as many as 21 in the second half.

Tien Lei led Taiwan with 18 points (4-7 3-PT) and 5 rebounds. Chou Hong-yu had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Wu Chih-wei had 12 and 8, while Yen Shin-shu had 11 and Yang Yu-min had 10.

South Korea 85-71 Syria
Syria's 11-0 opening run is nothing for the Koreans, because South Korea came back to make 10 of 20 three-point attempts and pounded Syria 85-71. South Korea clinched the first place in Group II and secured their seed in the semifinals. Kim Byong-chul had 19 points and 8 rebounds. Centers Seo Jang-hoon and Kim Joo-sung each had 17 points and pulled down 9 and 8 rebounds respectively.

China 126-67 Japan
Dalls Maverick Wang Zhi-zhi had 22 points and 8 rebounds to lead China breeze by Japan, 126-67, with an astonishing 77 % from the field. Wang made all of his four three-point attempts. Yao Ming had 13 points and 8 reobunds for the Chinese. Veteran Gong Xiao-bin and Hu Wei-dong had 17 and 16 points respectively. Menk Bateer scored 12.

▓Quarterfinals Score
South Korea 85-71 Syria
Qatar 85-60 India
Lebanon 87-72 Taiwan
China 126-67 Japan

▓Quarterfinals Standings
Group I - China 2-0, Lebanon 1-1, Japan 1-1, Taiwan 0-2
Group II - South Korea 2-0, Qatar 1-1, Syria 1-1, India 0-2

▓Classification Score
Uzbekistan 85-65 Singapore
UAE 80-77 Kuwait

China's Chang Chen Suspended

China's rookie NT member Chang Chen was suspended for two games because of initiating the confrontation between China and Lebanon team in the previous day's competition, the ABC announced on July 24.

A Lebanon guard was also "severely reprimanded" by the ABC. However the ABC takes no action on Liu Yu-dong and Lee Nan, both of whom accused stabbing Lebanon players in the confrontation with a scissor.

In the bench-clearing brawl, four or five Lebanese players were taken to nearby hospital because of injury. Joe Vogel had seven stitches on his forehead while the other Lebanese player had five stitches.

ABC's announcement was harshly criticized by media from various countries. Observors said ABC president Cheng Man-kee picked the easy road by suspending only Chang Chen because he doesn't want to mix it up with hosting China.

Day 4: Taiwan's High Hope Diminish After Loss to Japan

Talent can take you only so far, after all. Young and inexperienced Taiwan NT saw their high hope of making to the ABC final four diminish after losing to Japan, 60-69, in the first and most important game in the quarterfinals yesterday (July 23). Unless Taiwan routs Lebanon and Lebanon beat Japan, it will be almost impossible for Taiwan to finish in the top 4 this year.

Trailing in most of the first three quarters, Taiwan pulled ahead with a 13-2 spurt, including three three-pointers from Yen Shin-shu, Chiu Chi-yi and Chen Chih-chung, and took the lead 50-41 late in the third.

Just as when Taiwan NT finally seemed to find the tempo and control the game, the Japanese countered back with a shocking 25-10 fourth-quarter rally and led as many as 13 points. The game was already over in the final five minutes. Japan controlled the backboard with a 44-27 (ORB 18-7) rebounding advantage and forced Taiwan NT to 24 turnovers. SG Masaki Goto again led Japan with 19 points, 192cm F Yuki Orihara turned in 14 and 10.

Taiwan NT had nobody to blame after the critical loss and the sub-par performance. Last game's hero Tien Lei managed only 2 points and 6 rebounds and committed 4 turnovers in 25 minutes. Chiu Chi-yi led the team with 13 points, while Chen Chih-chung, Yen Shin-shu and Wu Chih-wei each scored 10 points.

In the must-win game today vs. Lebanon, Taiwan NT is waiting for the decision on whether the ABC will impose any suspension on Lebanon's 6-11 center Joe Vogel, who engaged in a punch-throwing fight in the game vs. China yesterday. If Vogel is not allowed to play, Taiwan will have a better chance winning.

Day 4: Emotions Run High in China - Lebanon Game

The game between China and Lebanon, which China won 87-76, ended in the biggest brawl in ABC Championship history. In the bench clearing fight that also involved numerous fans, at least three Lebanon players were injured and taken to the hospital. Both teams are waiting for further announcement and punishment from the Asian Basketball Confederation.

Emotions ran high in the whole game, in which you can see coaches of both teams screaming at refs and players throwing cheap-shots again and again at each other. With two seconds remaining and the outcome set, the worst thing happened. First-time Chinese NT member Chang Chen threw punches at one of the Lebanon guard and the two began fighting. Immediately players from two teams poured onto the court to join the brawl.

Chinese forward Liu Yu-dong also confronted Lebanon center Joe Vogel at the center court. To support their home team, crowds began throwing mineral water bottles and other objects at Lebanese players with no mercy. Within minutes, the whole stadium exploded into a war zone. The most unbelievable thing is, due to the lack of securities, the fight lasted more than 10 minutes. It's said that either Liu Yu-dong or Lee Nan picked up a scissor from team trainer and tried to stab the Lebanese players.

Finally both teams finally were taken to the locker room. And the post-game press conference was cancelled. Lebanon head coach Johnny Neumann complained to the media and threatened pulling out of the tournament if the ABC failed to provide 100% security.

After the protest from the Lebanese side, ABC president Cheng Man-kee said he will decide the final punishment after the technical committee completed the investigation report.

In another important quarterfinal matchup, South Korea regrouped in the final quarter with timely help from veteran Cho Sung-won and center Seo Jang-hoon to beat Qatar 89-72. Seo had 26 points and 16 rebounds to lead South Korea. KBL MVP Cho Sung-won had 18 points and made several key jumpers in the final quarter to open up the game.

South Korea limited Qatar to 30% shooting percentage but was 4-24 from the three-point line. The Koreans also were plagued by their athletic opponents, committing 32 fouls in the game . Qatar's Yaseen Mahmoud scored a game-high 29 points.

▓Quarterfinal Score
China 87-76 Lebanon
Japan 69-60 Taiwan
South Korea 89-72 Qatar
Syria 88-62 India

▓Quarterfinal Standings
Group I - China 1-0, Japan 1-0, Lebanon 0-1, Taiwan 0-1
Group II - South Korea 1-0, Syria 1-0, Qatar 0-1, India 0-1

▓Classification Score
Hong Kong 92-71 Singapore
UAE 83-63 Thailand

Ho Back to Taiwan to Be with Dad

Ho Sho-jen (SF, 195cm), one of the four high schoolers on Taiwan NT, flew back to Taiwan after the preliminary round to be with his ill father. Ho's father is said to be in critical condition.

Upon knowing the serious illness of Ho's father, Taiwan NT coaching staff decided to let Ho drop out of the championship and head back to Taipei as soon as possible. Ho, the youngest of four children in the family, will not be back in the ABC Championship. He was accompanied by Cheng Chih-lung, who was going back to Taiwan to start his campaign for the legislator election after finishing China's Division II season.

Day 3: Tien Lei Lead Taiwan to Quarterfinal

18 year-old sensation Tien Lei shows why he wowed a tons of people in the East Asia Games in May. Tien's 19 points and 8 rebounds led Taiwan NT past Uzbekistan 79-65 in the final preliminary game on July 22. Taiwan advances to the quarterfinal as expected and will meet Japan in the first quarterfinal game today. Also advancing to the quarterfinals are China, South Korea, Lebanon, Syria, India and Qatar.

After leading 40-28 in the first half, Taiwan PG Yen Shin-shu committed three turnovers early in the third quarter. Uzbekistan responded with three consecutive three-pointers to even the score at 50-50 with three minutes remaining in the quarter.

Taiwan NT regrouped and regained the momentum on a three-pointer from SG Chiu Chi-yi, who scored 15 in the game, and never look back. Yen Shin-shu dished out 9 assists to go with 8 points. Uzbekistan made 10 three-pointers in the game.

South Korea routed UAE 85-50 and averaged an eye-popping 45-oint winning margin in three preliminaries. 205cm center Kim Joo-sung had 17 points and 11 rebounds, while 206cm center Seo Jang-hoon and SG Cho Sung-won scored 14 apiece. Sharp-shooting South Korea is believed to be the only team that can dim China's title hope.

China also slammed Hong Kong 99-44 in the final game, but 223cm C Yao Ming's injury is a concern in the quarterfinal. Yao was taken to the locker room after a minor injury in the game. His status is unclear.

The only upset of the day came in Group D when Syria beat Japan 75-65 and won the group, forcing Japan to the same group with China, Lebanon and Taiwan in the quarterfinal. It's possible that Japan intentionally lost the game, though. Syria dominated the backboard with a 48-29 rebounding advantage. Japan was led by Masaki Goto's 20 points.


■Game Summaries
Taiwan 79-65 Uzbekistan
Syria 75-65 Japan
South Korea 85-50 UAE
Qatar 80-60 Thailand
Lebanon 90-56 Singapore
China 99-44 Hong Kong


■Final Preliminary Standings
Group A
1. China 3-0 *
2. Qatar 2-1 *
3. Hong Kong 1-2
4. Thailand 0-3

Group B
1. South Korea 3-0 *
2. Lebanon 2-1 *
3. UAE 1-2
4. Singapore 0-3

Quarterfinal/Classification Schedule

■Quarterfinal Grouping
Group I - China, Lebanon, Taiwan, Japan
Group II - Qatar, South Korea, India, Syria

■Quarterfinal Schedule
7.23
13:00 South Korea - Qatar
15:00 Syria - India
18:30 Japan - Taiwan
20:30 China - Lebanon

7.24
13:00 South Korea - Syria
15:00 India - Qatar
18:30 Taiwan - Lebanon
20:30 China - Japan

7.25
13:00 South Korea - India
15:00 Japan - Lebanon
18:30 Qatar - Syria
20:30 China - Taiwan

■Classification Schedule
7.23
09:00 Singapore - Hong Kong
11:00 UAE - Thailand

7.24
09:00 Uzbekistan - Singapore
11:00 Kuwait - UAE

7.25
09:00 Thailand - Kuwait
11:00 Hong Kong - Uzbekistan

NBA Players to Visit China, Taiwan

Gary Payton, Ray Allen and Shareef Abdur-Rahim will be among a group of NBA players who will travel to China and Taiwan in September for two exhibition games against local players.

Wang Zhi-zhi of the Dallas Mavericks and 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming of the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association will play in the first exhibition game, Sept. 16 at Shanghai Stadium, the NBA said. The second game is Sept. 19 at National Taiwan University Multiple Stadium in Taipei.

"With the eyes of the sporting world looking to Asia, we are pleased to showcase our game and build valuable partnerships which will help develop a foundation for a promising future," said Sam Strang, the NBA's vice president for global marketing partnerships.

Other NBA players who will participate include Vin Baker of Seattle, Terrell Brandon of Minnesota, Todd MacCulloch of New Jersey Nets, Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers, Cliff Robinson of Detroit, Damon Stoudamire of Portland and Robert Traylor of Cleveland.

Among the 10 NBA players, Gary Payton, Damon Stoudamire, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Terrell Brandon have all visited Taiwan before. Stoudamire, Brandon and Abdur-Rahim visited Taiwan for NIKE's Asia promotion tour. Gary Payton's case is the most special one. He visited Taiwan as a college freshman in 1987, when local sports management company somehow arranged two NCAA games between Oregon State and Clemson, which has Elden Campbell at the time. Little did everyone knew that Payton will become a No.2 pick overall in the NBA Draft four years later.

Eight Taiwanese players who will play in the exhibition games are Tien Lei, Yen Shin-shu, Chen Chih-chung, Chen Hsin-an, Lo Shin-liang, Yang Tse-yi, Chen Huei and Lin Hsin-hwa.

(AP story is used in this report)

Day 2: Quarterfinal Almost Set

China and South Korea again toyed with their opponents on the second day (July 21) of the 21st ABC Championship and won the respective preliminary group, with China defeating Qatar 87-58 and South Korea hammering Lebanon 97-71. Just after two days of action, the 8-team quarterfinal field is almost set, which says a lot about this year's imbalance among participating teams.

Facing the strongest opponent Qatar in Group A, China did not get serious until the second half. G Lee Xiao-yung scored 18 points and helped China win Group A while SF Lee Nan scored 13. Five Chinese players scored in double-digit.

In Group B, South Korea pounded Lebanon with an unbelievable 16-32 from three-point territory, including a 7 for 9 shooting exhibition - in only 24 minutes --from 193cm F Yang Kyung-min, who scored game-high 23 points.

Not every game ended lopsided. Upsets highlighted the second day although they came in the second-tier of the tournament. Hong Kong upset Thailand 92-87 in overtime. Hong Kong SG Yung Kam-wah, who once played for Taiwan CBA's Mars, scored 7 of his 21 points in the overtime. In Group C, India shocked Uzbekistan 63-61 by Murli Mohan's baseline jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining. Uzbekistan failed to complete a dramatic comeback, when they rallied from a 20-point deficit with 1:30 left in the third quarter and evened the score at 61 with 7.8 seconds left in the game.

After just two days, the quarterfinal field is almost set. Under the game format, the prediction of the quarterfinal grouping is as follows:

Group I : Group A Winner China, Group B runner-up Lebanon, Group C winner Taiwan, Group D runner-up Japan/Syria

Group II: Group A runner-up Qatar, Group B winner South Korea, Group C runner-up India/Uzbekistan, Group D winner Japan/Syria

Taiwan has virtually clinched the Group C, as long as they beats Uzbekistan or keeps the losing margin under 16 points today in the final preliminary game. The only seeds unset are Group D winner and runner-up - Kuwait has been eliminated after two losses -- and Group C runner-up between India and Uzbekistan.


■Game Summaries
India 63-61 Uzbekistan
Hong Kong 92-87(OT) Thailand
South Korea 97-71 Lebanon
UAE 79-60 Singapore
Syria 107-95 Kuwait
China 87-58 Qatar


■Preliminary Standings
Group A
China 2-0, Qatar 1-1, Hong Kong 1-1, Thailand 0-2
Group B
South Korea 2-0, Lebanon 1-1, UAE 1-1, Singapore 0-2
Group C
Taiwan 1-0, India 1-1, Uzbekistan 0-1
Group D
Japan 1-0, Syria 1-0, Kuwait 0-2

2001 Asian Championship Complete Roster

Hong Kong NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
G	Lui Chor-wai	183/-	1978.8.27
G	Chung Ming-tat	174/-	1978.8.7
G	Wu Kwok-fung	175/-	1976.10.22
C	NgWah-fung	196/-	1978.6.16
C	Sung Fong	212/-	1971.3.18
F	Tam Wai-yeung	193/-	1982.8.7
G	Yung Kam-wah	186/-	1977.2.6
F	Yeung Man-wah	188/-	1976.7.26
G	Heung Chung-keung	174/-	1978.10.7
F	Leung Kwok-shing	187/-	1979.6.27
F	Chak man-keung	197/-	1978.10.20
F	Ho Kwok-man	191/-	1977.8.12
Head Coach: Chu Chung-sang

Thailand NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
G	Piya Sarthiyakul	180/-	1975.10.23
G	Apaipong Netsiriswan	175/-	1971.6.2
F	Jirawut Hougsa	190/-	1978.2.6
C	Dilip Rai	203/-	1975.9.21
F	Worrapot Tongsawsngjang	190/-	1976.6.14
F	Chainarong Soontreeyapas	180/-	1974.4.28
F	Pramoch Jantharaniyom	189/-	1975.7.3
F	Taweesak Hansawanpist	190/-	1973.10.9
C	Rcrngrit Boonyoung	198/-	1976.1.29
F	Watcharin Francis Angus	193/-	1974.2.9
C	Boonchuy Popark	190/-	1973.2.7
C	Shongphop Phairotepeeraphais	193/-	1968.9.24
Head Coach:

Qatar NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
	Salman Ahmed
	Khalid Sulaiman
	Khalid Masoud
	Ibrahim Obaid
	Ahmed Ghanim
	Mohammed Mubarak
	Mohd Orabi
	Daoud Mousa
	Baker Ahmad
	Ibrahim Basher
	Mohd Yousuf
F	Yaseen Ismail Mahmoud	203/-
	Hashim Zaidan
	Husam Omar
	Mohd Selaim
	Marzouq Faraj
	Abdul Aziz Saeed
Head Coach: Rodney Popp

UAE NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
	Youssef Belal	190/-	1971
	Youress Mohammed	165/-	1982
	Abdul Latif Elah	206/-	1965
	Abdulla Rashid	175/-	1983
	Jassem Abdul Reda	165/-	1981
	Ali M.Abbass	190/-	1979
	Salem Mousa	180/-	1981
	Qassen Qassem	185/-	1977
	Hisham Mubarak	185/-	1972
	Salem Mohamed	195/-	1982
	Adnan Al Khayal	175/-	1980
	Ibrahim Saeed Saif	175/-	1981
	Saed Asaad Arar	175/-	1970
	Ibrahim M. Abass	190/-	1976
	Hamdan Said Salem	165/-	1969
	Zved Al Quadum	185/-	-
Head Coach: B. Wilson

India NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
C	M.S. Shabber Ahmed	206/-	1979.4.16
C	Robinson	206/-	1983.6.23
G	Sridhar S.	186/-	1978.3.10
G	Gopinth	178/-	1976.2.13
C	Pattrrinder Singh	200/-	1968.3.15
G	S.P. Kadam	175/-	1980.3.15
C	Ranjit Singh	194/-	1981.7.13
F	Dos. Raj	187/-	1980.3.18
G	Mohit Bhandari	186/-	1981.11.22
F	S. Vinay Kumar Yeday	191/-	1981.9.4
F	Murli Mohan	191/-	1975.8.20
C	Austin Almdia	198/-	1973.7.3
Head Coach: K.K. Chansoria

Singapore NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
	Wong Soon-yuh
	Goh Win-leong
	Koe Meng-koon
	Pathman So Matalakan
	Lim Chin-kiat
	Ang Choon-yong
	Goh Loon-aik
	Teo Choon-liang
	Lim Yuan Szr Derrick
	Pang Chin-hong
	Zheng Yong-han
	Cheng Wei-lung
	Mah Swee-sung
Head Coach: Chen Cheng-hao

Uzbekistan NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
G	Oleg Levin	185/-	1963.7.2
F	Ruslan Abdurakhmanev	205/-	1976.4.13
G	Batir Mirodilov	200/-	1977.7.23
F	Vyacheslav Belokurov	200/-	1977.2.20
F	Mikhail Safenov	203/-	1974.1.19
C	Zinnur Khaibullin	207/-	1974.7.3
F	Igor Falin	205/-	1981.11.29
C	Sergey Karaulov	215/-	1982.4.15
G	Evgeniy Gorbunov	190/-	1981.9.5
C	Sergei Demurin	205/-	1965.11.6
G	Stanislav Ishenko	183/-	1973.5.26
F	Andrey Ryazanov	198/-	1970.6.20
Head Coach: Alexander Adisman

Kuwait NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
G	Ahmad Al-Muttiry	188/98
G	Hamad Al-Othman	183/75
F	Humod Al-Hajras	186/90
F	Eid Al-Shamary	190/85
F	Haitham Batoon	190/105
C	Khaled Al-Hajras	198/135
F	Hesham Al-Myal	189/89
G	Abdullah Al-Saraf	190/75
G	Sager Hassan	181/70
F	Hamad Al-Shamaty	190/77
C	Abdulrahman Helal	198/105
G	Ousama Al-Farhan	188/87
Head Coach: Mohamad Al-Bader Assistant: Faisal Buresly

Syria NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
	Hekmat Haddal		1978
	Firas Hamwe		1972
	Michel George Madeli		1981
	Radwan Saeed Hasabalah		1980
	Talal Youaes		1975
	Amar Kassas		1971
	Omar Lutfi Karkokli		1983
	Mohamed Imam		1974
	Ahmad Sahadi		1974
	Khalud Yehya Zedan		1980
	Mohamad Hajar		1980
	Oussama Madanl		1973
Head Coach: Onikas Staniflan

Lebanon NT Roster

Lebanon NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	DOB	Note
PG	Walid Doumiati	179/-	1968
PG	Roni Fahed	183/-	1981
PG	Georges Chibani	178/-	1974
PF/C	Elie Nasr	197/-	1970
C	Elie Kassouf	195/-	1977
PF/C	Yasser El Hajj	197/-	1970
C	Joseph Vogel	210/-	1973
PF	Richard Hallet	198/-	1977
C	Ali Awarke	192/-	1980
F	Elie Mchantaf	193/-	1970
F	Ghazi Boustani	188/-	1967
F	Fadi Al Khatib	198/-	1979
Head Coach: John Neumann (USA)

Japan NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	Team/Status	Note
SG	Masaki Goto	189/83	Aishin
PG	Takahiro Setsumasa	180/75	Toshiba
PG	Makoto Okita	176/70	Mitsubishi
SG	Takuya Kita	185/83	Toshiba
SG	Takuma Watanabe	188/83	Toyota
SF	Yuki Orihara	192/85	Toshiba
SF	Kazuhiro Shoji	191/92	Niigata
SF	Atsushi Ono	197/90	Mitsubishi
PF	Satoru Furuta	199/95	Mitsubishi
PF	Hidekazu Ishizaka	198/92	Matsushita
C	Fumihiko Aono	210/99	Matsushita
C	Shunsuke Ito	197/98	Chuo Univ.
Head Coach: Kenji Yoshida(Toshiba) Assistant: Masaya Hirose (Niigata), Brian Goorjian (JABBA)

China NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	Team/Status	Age
C	Wang Zhi-zhi	214/108	Bayi	22
C	Yao Ming	223/107	Shanghai	21
C	Menk Bateer	210/110	Shogang	26
F	Liu Yu-dong	198/99	Bayi	31
F	Gong Xiao-bin	202/104	Shandong	32
F	Lee Nan	198/96	Bayi	27
F	Chang Wen-chi	201/93	Shanghai	29
F	Chang Chen	197/97	Jiangsu	23
G	Chang Jin-song	198/95	Bayi	29
G	Hu Wei-dong	197/90	Jiangsu	30
G	Lee Xiao-yung	189/80	Liaoning	32
G	Fan Bin	178/80	Bayi	31
Head Coach: Wang Fei(Bayi Rockets)

Note:
China went for the veterans, cutting six younger players at the last minute: G Hu Sher-feng (185, 19, Jiangsu), F/C Mok Kerr (209, 19, Shenyang), F Ju Fang-yu (200, 18, Guangdong), F Chen Co (204, 22, Bayi), G Kuo Shi-chan (193, 26, Liaoning), F Du Feng (202, 19, Guangdong)

Taiwan NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	Team/Status	Note
PG	Yen Shin-shu	182/74	Military
PG	Chen Chih-chun	181/74	Military
SG	Chiu Chi-yi	182/72	Yulon
SG	Yang Yu-min	180/72	Dahwa Construction
SF	Chen Hsin-an	196/90	Yulon	Injured
SF	Chou Hong-yu	195/92	Yulon
SF	Ho Sho-jen	195/89	Bank of Taiwan
PF	Tien Lei	201/86	Dacin Construction
PF	Lee Chi-yi	200/90	BCC Mars
C	Wu Chih-wei	202/94	Yulon
C	Tsun Wen-din	202/86	Tsai-shin HS.	Jr.
C	Wu Dai-hao	200/98	Tsai-shin HS.	So.
Head Coach: Lee Yung-kwang(Yulon) Assistant: Dong-fang Che-ter, Lin Jian-ping(Yulon) Technical Counsellor: Chien Yi-fei(Yulon)

South Korea NT Roster
Pos.	Name	Ht./Wt.	Team/Status	Note
C	Seo Jang-hoon	207/105	SK
C	Kim Joo-sung	205/93	Joongang Univ.
C	Lee Gyu-sup	198/100	Samsung
C	Kim Tae-wan	202/105	Hanyang Univ.
F	Choo Seung-gyun	190/93	KCC
F	Cho Sang-hyun	190/88	SK
F	Song Young-jin	198/90	LG	Dropped
F	Bang Sung-yoon	198/92	Yonsei Univ.	Injured
F	Kim Dong-woo	200/80	Yonsei Univ.
F	Yang Kyung-min	193/88	Sambo
G	Cho Sung-won	180/77	LG
G	Lim Jae-hxun	183/77
G	Joo Hee-jung	180/80	Samsung	Replaced
G	Hwang Sung-in	180/75	Armed Forces
G	Kim Byung-chul	185/80	Dongyang
Head Coach: Kim Dong-kwang(Samsung) Assistants: Lee Jae-ho/Park Kun-youn