Sunday, August 25, 2002

Sacramento-bound Chen Hsin-an suspended

Citing Chen Hsin-an leaving Taiwan NT at an unappropriate time, the CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association) handed down its sanction on Chen. Chen Hsin-an receives a suspension from the national team for the year of 2003, plus three games in the A-League play.

Chen Hsin-an, the most dominant player in Taiwanese basketball, decided to accept the invitation from Sacramento Kings and leave Taiwan NT on the eve of their training tour to Philippines on August 18. His decision draws mixed reactions from fans and authorities.

Although Chen is only invited to Sacramento for the PRE-SEASON TRAINING CAMP, most fans encourage him to chase his dream of playing in the NBA. CTBA people had another thought. They think Chen's untimely departure affects the NT's preparation for the Asian Games and sanction has to be imposed.

Banned for one year from the national team, Chen will not be able to play for Taiwan NT in 2003 ABC Championship and the Jones Cup. Compared to that, the three-game suspension in league play is nothing.

An issue worths furthur notice is whether Chen Hsin-an will play for Yulon, once he's cut from the Kings training camp. Chen's decision reportedly infuriates NT head coach Chien Yi-fei and Lee Yun-kwang, who both serve the same position in Yulon, Chen's A-League team. Rumor say Yulon will probably cut Chen once he's back in Taiwan. However, observers think Yulon will keep Chen no matter what happens, since Chen Hsin-an is the No.1 hoop star in Taiwan.