WSBL to open new season January 10

Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) announced that the Women's Super Basketball League (WSBL) will open its 2011 season on January 10 and, for the first time in 10 years, as many as six teams will compete in the highest level of Taiwanese women's basketball.

The participating teams of the new season will be the defending champion Taiyuan Textile, Taipower, Chunghwa Telecom, Fo Guang, the expansion team Applause Red Devils and Cathay Life, which returns to the league after a one-year hiatus.

Taiyuan and Cathay Life were favored to meet in the Finals.

Cathay Life, which had won 17 straight titles in Taiwanese women's league, withdrew from the 2010 WSBL season over what it claimed was a violation by Chunghwa Telecom in signing Chiang Feng-chun, a former Cathay Life star forward who came out of retirement.

Chiang subsequently finished her one-year contract with Chunghwa Telecom before signing with Zhejiang of the Chinese women's league WCBA (Women's Chinese Basketball Association) in October.

The regular season will be played from Jan. 10-March 30 at Taipei Gymnasium, located in downtown Taipei, and Sinjhuang Stadium in nearby Xinbei City. Top four teams in the regular season advance to the playoffs. No. 3 and No. 4 teams meet in the best-of-three bronze medal series while the top two teams meet in the best-of-three WSBL Finals.

Popularity of women's basketball in Taiwan lagged far behind the men's competition as the number of teams decreased over the years. According to the CTBA, the last time there were six women's teams in Taiwan's top division was in 2001.

The CTBA is still in talks with several companies in order to put the WSBL games on television or the internet.

Sheldon Bailey leaves Taiwan

[Picture: Shawn Hawkins (R) is expected to replace Sheldon Bailey (L) at KKL]

Shelden Bailey has left Taiwan after playing only one game for his employer Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor reportedly because KKL did not pay him. Due to Bailey's absence, KKL lost to BOT 84-77 Wednesday.

The United Daily News reported that Bailey told the team he had to go because of family business, but the true reason for Bailey's departure was the deferred payment.

KKL head coach Lo Tien-chin said Shawn Hawkins, who played with the team last year, has expressed interests to re-join the team.

BOT made 10 of 12 free-throws in the last minute for the win. Chang Po-sheng led with 21 points and Jason Faulknor had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Liu Jui-sheng had 12 while Chen Shun-hsiang had 11.

Chang Jun-hsuan scored 21 points for KKL, which also received 13 points from center Wu Chun-hsiung and 12 from Chen Ching-hwan.

In the other game, Taiwan Beer handed Yulon the first defeat of the season. Emmanuel Jones had 21 points and 20 boards and Cheng Jen-wei had 20 for the winner. Yang Ching-min had 18 and 7.

Yulon was led by Yang Che-yi's 18. Chen Chih-chun and Wu Chien-lung scored 12 apiece.

Standings:
TB 2-0, PY 2-0, Yulon 2-1, BOT 1-1, Dacin 0-1, TM 0-2, KKL 0-2

BOT's Faulnor (L) and Hsu Chih-chan

Wu Tai-hao of Taiwan Beer (L)

Ha Hsiao-yuan of TB

Attendance was low Wednesday, the first time the SBL introduce Wednesday into its weekly schedule

(Photos: ESPN Taiwan, UDN.com)

SBL Week 1 MVP: Tseng Wen-ting

Yulon center Tseng Wen-ting was named over James Mao of Pure Youth as the Week 1 SBL MVP after averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and an amazing 6.5 blocks per game during the week.

Tseng received 35 points in the media voting while Mao had 13 points.

The 204cm Tseng is mulling over a relocation to China to join Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association, but he proved to be an integral part of Yulon's offense and defense.

Given that Yulon was the only team in the league without an import, Tseng was always asked to defend opposing import players and did not disappoint.

It's still possible for him to sign with Shanghai after his contract with Yulon expires in mid-January. However, the chance was said to be slim because the CBA does not allow mid-season transfer for local players (Tseng was expected to play as a local).

Looks like Tseng will have to spend this season in Taiwan.

(Photo: ESPN Taiwan)

Opening ceremony photos

Here are some photos taken at the Dec. 25 opening ceremony last week.

Chen Chih-chun, Yulon

Newly-elected Xinbei City Mayor Eric Chu attended the opening game and was seen here at the opening tip between Yulon's Tseng Wen-ting and Dacin's import Keith Gayden (R)

Local singer Tai Ai-ling was the guest performer

Don't know where these girls came from. It was said they were recruited from National Sport University (Taoyuan) cheer-leading team to perform on the opening day.

(Photos: ESPN Taiwan)

Yulon, PY go 2-0

Looks like Yulon doesn't need to hire imports as long as it has Tseng Wen-ting as the starting center. The defending champ and Pure Youth both opened the season 2-0

Dec. 26
TB 74-51 BOT
TB: E. Jones 12p+10rb, D. Creighton 7p+6rb
BOT: Chen Shun-hsiang 11p, Chen Chun-chieh 10p, J. Faulknor 4p+8rb (2-8 FG)

PY 72-69 KKL
PY: Jones-Jennings 18p+22rb+3s+3blk, Chang Yu-lin 18p, James Mao 15p+7rb+10TO
KKL: S. Bailey 8p+11rb, Hong Chi-chao 27p

Yulon 74-70 TM
Yulon: Tseng Wen-ting 14p+6rb, Chen Chih-chun 14p, Wu Chien-lung 15p+13rb
TM: Su Yi-chieh 26p+8rb+3s, M. Dove 12p+11rb, Ouyang Ching-heng 11p, Hsu Wei-sheng 11p

Standings:
PY 2-0, Yulon 2-0, TB 1-0, Dacin 0-1, BOT 0-1, KKL 0-1, TM 0-2

Wu Chih-yuan of TB shoots over J. Faulknor, BOT

Yang Ching-min, TB, and Chen Shun-hsiang, BOT (R)

M. Dove, Hsu Wei-sheng, TM

Chien Chia-hung, PY

Rashad Jones-Jennings

Jones-Jennings vs. S. Bailey

(Photos: ESPN Taiwan)

Finally, an official SBL website

CTBA SBL website

Hinet SBL website

After seven long years, the SBL finally had an official website of its own that contains real-time score and box scores. Up next, I think the league will have an English website… in 10 years.

Anyway, the SBL website is hosted under the CTBA (Chinese Taipei Basketball Association) which operates the SBL. The URL is http://sbl.basketball-tpe.org/

For those who understand Chinese, feel free to check the box scores on the website. It also contains a section of game results and box scores in the past seven years but the section appears to be under construction at this moment.

The league's partner Chunghwa Telecom -- Taiwan's largest landline, mobile phone and internet operator -- also presents a SBL website at http://sports.hinet.net/sbl

The Hinet website does not provide box scores, but it does provide live streaming and videos on-demand.

2010-11 UBA final eight

A1 National Taiwan Normal University
A2 National Dong Hwa University
A3 National Taiwan University of Art
B1 Fu Jen Catholic University
B2 Chinese Culture University
B3 National Kaohsiung Normal University
Wildcard Ming Dao University
Wildcard Hsing Wu College

Group A Standings
1. National Taiwan Normal University 6-1
2. National Dong Hwa University 5-2
3. National Taiwan University of Art 5-2
4. Ming Dao University 5-2
5. Ming Chuan College 3-4
6. Shih Hsin University 2-5
7. Taiwan Shoufu University 2-5
8. Taipei Physical Education College 0-7

Group B Standings
1. Fu Jen Catholic University 7-0
2. Chinese Culture University
3. National Kaohsiung Normal University
4. Hsing Wu College
5. National Taiwan College of Physical Education
6. National Taiwan Sport University
7. Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health 1-6
8. National University of Tainan 0-7

2010-11 HBL final eight

Rank, School, Last season
A1 Hsin-jung HS, didn't make final eight
A2 Nan-shan HS, 3rd place
A3 Nen-jen HS, Runner-up
B1 Tai-shan HS, 4th place
B2 Song-shan HS, Champion
B3 Youth HS, didn't make final eight
Wildcard Nan-hu HS, didn't make final eight
WIldcard San-min HS, 6th place

(Photos: Apple Daily)

Yulon, PY win SBL openers

Tseng Wen-ting had 19 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks and limited Dacin import Keith Gayden to two points, leading defending champion Yulon Luxgen -- the only team without an import -- to a 69-60 win to open the SBL 2010-11 season Saturday.

Tseng, who is contemplating to play in China after his contract with Yulon expires in mid-January, had four fouls in the first half but that apparently did not both him.

Yulon open the game with a 12-0 run and never trailed. Tien Lei led Dacin with 17 points.

James Mao scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter in Pure Youth's 83-77 win over Taiwan Mobile. Mao was 14 of 16 from the free-throw line. PY had a 14-3 closing run in the last 5:30 of the game for the victory.

PY's import Rashad Jones-Jennings pulled down 11 rebounds but did not score.

Wu Yong-jen led TM with 24 points. Marcus Dove had 19 points and 11 boards while newly-signed Su Yi-chieh, who played for Dacin last year, had 18 points.

James Mao

Marcus Dove

Su Yi-chieh

(Photos: ESPN Taiwan)

Local media features import players

Apple Daily had a feature on import players in its preview of the 2010-11 SBL season this week.

Taiwan Mobile: Marcus Dove
The two-time defensive player of the year in the Big 12 is the highest-paid import this season. TM hopes that Dove can help on both ends of the court.

Pure Youth: Rashad Jones-Jennings
PY was reportedly concerned about Jones-Jennings' right knee injury and his speed, which could slow down PY's offense.

Taiwan Beer: Emmanuel Jones
Jones averaged 17.5 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes in two warm-up games, but TB was reportedly worried about his defense.

KKL: Sheldon Bailey
KKL brought in Bailey to improve its weak interior defense.

Dacin: Keith Gayden
Gayden's is quicker than former Dacin center Byron Allen, who helped take the team to two SBL Finals appearances.

Bank of Taiwan: Jason Faulknor
Faulknor was reportedly blending in well with his teammates and the new environment. The natural small forward-shooting guard will be asked to defend bigger opponents in the new season.

(Photos: Apple Daily)

KKL starts anew in upcoming season

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor (KKL) held a pre-season press conference Tuesday as all team members, including the new import Sheldon Bailey, met the press.

Led by then-import Shawn Hawkins, KKL started out strong last year but faded as the season went along, finishing with a record of 14-16 and missing the playoffs.

The team lost its top two scorers -- Hawkins and Cheng Jen-wei who signed with Taiwan Beer -- but added BOT's small forward Chang Jung-hsuan and center Wu Chun-hsiung as well as veteran forward Shang We-fan, formerly with TB, and Huang Pao-tse, an experienced point guard who spent last season with Dacin.

Chen Ching-hwan

Sheldon Bailey

(Photos: KKL)

UBA preliminary round photos

Lin Yi-fu, FJU

Cheng Chih-hao, FJU

Sung Yu-hsuan, CCU

Wu Chien-lung, CCU

(Photo: UBA)

Dong Hwa makes first ever UBA quarterfinal

National Dong Hwa University made the UBA quarterfinal for the first time in school history after finishing second in the Group A in the preliminary round with 5 wins and 2 losses.

Group A Standings
1. National Taiwan Normal University 6-1
2. National Dong Hwa University 5-2
3. National Taiwan University of Art 5-2
4. Ming Dao University 5-2
5. Ming Chuan College 3-4
6. Shih Hsin University 2-5
7. Taiwan Shoufu University 2-5
8. Taipei Physical Education College 0-7

Top three teams of the group -- NTNU, NDHU and NTUA -- automatically advance to the quarterfinal round while No.4 and No. 5 -- Ming Dao and Ming Chuan -- will play in a wildcard game for the last quarterfinal berth of the group.

Preliminary round of the Group B will be held from Dec. 12-18. The eight participating teams are:

Fu Jen Catholic University
Chinese Culture University
Hsing Wu College
National Taiwan College of Physical Education
National Taiwan Sport University
National Kaohsiung Normal University
National University of Tainan
Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health

(Photo: UBA)

PY brings in Jones-Jennings

Pure Youth sent Darryl Hepburn home and brought in Rashad Jones-Jennings just in time for the pre-season warm-up games, according to media reports.

Jone-Jennings, 26, led the NCAA Division I in rebounding (13.1rpg) in 2006-07 with Arkansas-Little Rock.

==

Rashad Jones-Jennings
203cm, 112kg
Born: Aug.31, 1984 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Career:
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Chattanooga State CC)
2005-2006: UALR (NCAA, starting five): 29 games: 12.2ppg, RebNCAA-3(11.3rpg), FGP: 44.3%, FT: 60.5%
2006-2007: UALR (NCAA, starting five): 30 games: 12.5ppg, RebNCAA-1(13.1rpg), 1.4apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, FT: 57.7%
2007 April: Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Norfolk Sports Club)
2007: Drafted by Dodge City Legend (USBL,2rd(18))
2007 July: NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Philadelphia 76ers)
2007: Drafted by Oklahoma Cavalry (CBA,2rd(11))
2007-2008: In Dec.'07 signed at Ago Rethimno Almeco (Greece-A1): DNP
2008-2009: In Jan.'09 signed at FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 15 games: 8.1ppg, Reb-2(10.1rpg), Blocks-3(1.4bpg), FGP: 51.1%, FT: 40.3%
2009-2010: Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.'09 moved to BC Odessa (Ukraine-Superleague), released next month, in Feb.'10 signed at Boulazac Basket Dordogne (France-ProB, starting five): 16 games: 8.8ppg, Reb-3(8.7rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 56.1%, FT: 41.5%
2010-2011: Soles de Mexicali (Mexico-LNBP, starting five)

Awards/Achievements:
All-Sun Belt 3rd Team -06
NABC All-NCAA District 8 1st Team -07
All-Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Team -07
All-Sun Belt 1st Team -07

SBL to hold seven warm-up games

CTBA announced that there will be seven warm-up games held in Taipei for the upcoming 2010-11 SBL season. All games will be played at Taipei Gymnasium.

Warm-ups schedule:
Dec. 14 (Tue)
1700 Dacin-Taiwan Mobile
1900 Taiwan Beer-Yulon

Dec. 15 (Wed)
1500 KKL-Dacin
1700 Yulon-Bank of Taiwan
1900 Taiwan Mobile-Pure Youth

Dec. 16 (Thu)
1700 Bank of Taiwan-KKL
1900 Pure Youth-Taiwan Beer

Poster of 2010-11 SBL season

Announced by ESPN Taiwan on Thursday.

Complete rosters of 2010-11 SBL teams

Yulon Luxgen
Head coach: Zhang Xue-lei
Assistants: Chiu Tsung-chih, Tungfang Chieh-te

Chen Chih-chung, PG, 1977/03/02, 182cm, 70kg
Chou Shih-yuan, SF, 1983/11/16, 187cm, 80kg
Chen Wei-yu, F, 1988/10/13, 196cm, 82kg
Wu Chih-wei, C, 1976/07/31, 202cm, 94kg
Lu Cheng-ju, SF, 1986/08/23, 194cm, 88kg
Tseng Wen-ting, C, 1984/07/06, 202cm, 90kg
Yang Che-yi, SF, 1978/10/20, 193cm, 85kg
Lee Chi-yi, PF, 1978/10/27, 197cm, 88kg
Wu Jui-ching, PF, 1981/12/21, 195cm, 92kg
Lin Chieh-min, PG, 1988/11/12, 182cm, 82kg
Wu Feng-cheng, SF, 1986/11/27, 195cm, 78kg
Hsu We-lun, G, 1990/03/19, 181cm, 70kg
Lin Kuan-lun, SG, 1984/01/23, 187cm, 87kg
Lee Te-wei, C, 1991/10/15, 200cm, 100kg
Wu Chien-lung, PF, 1988/09/05, 193cm, 93kg

Out: Lee Hsueh-lin (China)
In: Wu Chien-lung (PY), Lee Te-wei (Rookie)

 

Dacin Tigers
Head coach: Chiu Ta-tsung
Technical consultant: Huang Wan-lung
Assistants: Hsu Chi-chao

Tien Lei, F, 1983/06/01, 203cm, 108kg
Lee Feng-yung, PF/C, 1980/12/15, 197cm, 93kg
Lin Yi-hui, SF, 1986/03/24, 192cm, 91kg
Wang Chih-chun, PG, 1982/04/23, 180cm, 79kg
Yao Chun-chieh, PF, 1982/03/08, 191cm, 95kg
Chang Chih-feng, SG, 1981/04/22, 183cm, 93kg
Chen Tse-wei, F, 1985/01/30, 200cm, 99kg
Lo Yu-chun, PG, 1988/05/07, 185cm, 88kg
Tsai Chun-ming, C, 1988/02/10, 198cm, 112kg
Yueh Ying-li, F, 1984/08/09, 196cm, 95kg
Wu Hung-hsin, C, 1989/10/21, 202cm, 80kg
Chen Yi-an, SF, 1989/01/02, 194cm, 80kg
Hsu Hao-cheng, PG, 1982/09/14, 176cm, 75kg
Huang Wen-ying, PG, 1987/12/15, 184cm, 83kg
Keith Gayden, C, 1983/12/15, 196cm, 110kg

Out: Chen Ching-wen, Yen Chia-wei, Su Yi-chieh (TM), Byron Allen, Huang Pao-tse
In: Hsu Hao-cheng (TB), Huang Wen-ying (Rookie), Keith Gayden

 

Pure Youth Construction
Head coach: Hsu Chin-tse
Assistants: Liu Yi-hsiang

Chen Shih-chieh, G, 1984/09/24, 176cm, 70kg
Lin Huan-chao, C, 1985/04/18, 202cm, 101kg
Chang Yu-lin, SF, 1986/01/16, 192cm, 80kg
Hung Chih-shan, PG, 1985/07/05, 176cm, 75kg
Zuo Tsun-kai, SF, 1986/09/15, 190cm, 78kg
Chien Chia-hung, PF, 1987/03/06, 197cm, 108kg
James Mao, F/G, 1982/11/16, 196cm, 90kg
Tsai Wen-cheng, PF, 1985/05/31, 188cm, 98kg
Lin Chin-pang, F/G, 1985/06/15, 190cm, 80kg
Huang Chi-feng, F, 1984/03/12, 192cm, 85kg
Chu Yi-tsung, F, 1986/08/04, 186cm, 80kg
Lin Tsung-ching, F/G, 1985/04/22, 188cm, 92kg
Chen Yao-ting, F, 1988/06/28, 195cm, 88kg
Ke Chi-hao, PG, 1985/11/29, 181cm, 85kg
Darryl Hepburn, C, 1980/12/12, 205cm

Out: Wu Chien-lung (Yulon), Jon Sanders, Chen Chun-chieh (BOT)
In: Chen Yao-ting (TM), Ke Chi-hao, Darryl Hepburn

 

Taiwan Beer
Head coach: Yen Chia-hua
Assistants: Chou Chun-san, Liu Hua-lin, Yang Chih-hao

Wang Chien-wei, F, 1985/01/07, 190cm, 85kg
Yang Yu-ming, SG, 1979/10/22, 180cm, 73kg
Hsu Cheng-wen, C, 1983/04/06, 197cm, 110kg
Ho Shou-cheng, F, 1983/02/15, 196cm, 97kg
Wu Tai-hao, C, 1985/02/07, 202cm, 100kg
Chen Shih-nian, PG, 1984/04/08, 180cm, 76kg
Chou Tse-hua, PG, 1987/10/04, 184cm, 85kg
Pan Jen-te, SG, 1979/09/18, 175cm, 78kg
Yang Ching-min, SG/SF, 1984/01/22, 188cm, 90kg
Wu Chia-lung, SG, 1979/03/23, 185cm, 86kg
Ha Hsiao-yuan, C, 1981/05/15, 200cm, 112kg
Wu Chih-yuan, 1983/10/24, 200cm, 95kg
Doug Creighton, SF, 1985/03/07, 195cm, 90kg
Cheng Jen-wei, F, 1987/04/06, 194cm, 90kg
Wu Min-hsien, SG, 1988/12/19, 180cm, 75kg
Emmanuel Jones, 1985/09/07, 196cm

Out: Lin Chih-chieh (China), Delvin Thomas, Yen Hsin-shu, Hsu Hao-cheng (Dacin), Wang Hsin-kai, Hsin Chin-chan, Wu Chia-lung, Shang Wei-fang
In: Doug Creighton (BOT), Cheng Jen-wei (KKL), Wu Min-hsien (Rookie), Wu Chih-yuan (Injury), Emmanuel Jones

 

Taiwan Mobile Leopards
Head coach: Cheng Chih-lung
Assistants: Huang Chun-hsiung, Kenny Kao

Chen Hui, PG, 1978/04/17, 187cm, 87kg
Teng An-cheng, SG, 1985/11/06, 185cm, 94kg
Wei Wei, SG, 1987/12/09, 180cm, 70kg
Kang Chao-hsiang, C, 1987/04/19, 208cm, 120kg
Wu Yung-jen, PG, 1982/09/22, 177cm, 75kg
Chang Yi-ming, PG, 1984/04/13, 187cm, 85kg
Yen Cheng-hung, PF/C, 1986/02/05, 196cm, 90kg
Hsu Wei-sheng, PF, 1985/03/23, 198cm, 90kg
Liu Sheng-yao, SG, 1983/11/24, 190cm, 86kg
Ouyang Ching-heng, SF/SG, 1979/10/28, 191cm, 87kg
Hsiao Yuan-chang, PF, 1984/11/03, 195cm, 92kg
Su Yi-chieh, PG, 1987/01/28, 182cm, 78kg
Chen Ching-wen, SG, 1987/11/04, 185cm, 76kg
Marcus Dove, C, 1985/06/17, 206cm

Out: Lai Kuo-hung, Chen Yao-ting (PY), Lo Hsin-liang, Hsu Tse-hsin
In: Su Yi-chieh (Dacin), Chen Ching-wen (Dacin), Hsiao Yuan-chang (KKL), Marcus Dove

 

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor
Head coach: Lo Tien-chin
Technical consultant:
Assistants: Chen Chin-hsiung , Liu Chun-shi, Tsai Chih-tsai

Kao Tien-lin, PG, 1983/09/11, 177cm, 74kg
Wang Hao-yu, G, 1988/02/09, 178cm, 71kg
Chen Li-wei, SG, 1984/11/22, 184cm, 75kg
Chen Ching-huan, F, 1986/02/03, 190cm, 78kg
Hung Chi-chao, PG, 1982/02/13, 188cm, 75kg
Hung Ying-che, C, 1986/01/06, 198cm, 100kg
Wang Nan-kuei, SG, 1983/05/21, 180cm, 84kg
Chang Ming-che, F, 1984/06/20, 190cm, 90kg
Huang Chu-tao, F, 1982/09/04, 195cm, 84kg
Lee Chun-wei, C, 1988/10/17, 199cm, 90kg
Lin Chih-lung, PG, 1983/12/02, 172cm, 77kg
Shang Wei-fan, PF, 1978/03/09, 197cm, 95kg
Wu Chun-hsiung, C, 1984/08/26, 198cm, 95kg
Chang Jung-hsuan, SF, 1987/12/18, 194cm, 85kg
Huang Pao-tse, PG, 1976/09/18, 181cm, 70kg
Sheldon Bailey, F, 1983/05/26, 198cm

Out: Shawn Hawkins, Lai Hua-pin, Hsu Pin-yen, Hsiao Yuan-chang (TM), Yang Nung, Cheng Jen-wei, Chang Chun-wei
In: Chang Jung-hsuan (BOT), Huang Pao-tse (Dacin), Shang Wei-fan (TB), Wu Chun-hsiung (BOT)

 

Bank of Taiwan
Head coach: Lai Liang-chung
Assistants: Chen Kwang-fu

Hsu Chih-chiang, PF, 1982/10/30, 194cm, 94kg
Chen Shen-ya, F, 1983/04/20, 185cm, 80kg
Chang Po-sheng, SG, 1987/02/02, 185cm, 83kg
Chuang Hsiao-wen, F, 1983/10/28, 190cm, 93kg
Hsu Kai-chieh, C, 1985/05/10, 198cm, 95kg
Chen Shun-hsiang, 1985/05/02, 190cm, 90kg
Liu Jui-sheng, PG, 1983/07/29, 170cm, 75kg
Chen Kuo-wei, PF, 1984/07/06, 190cm, 130kg
Chen Yu-chih, SF, 1984/01/26, 193cm, 90kg
Yang Cheng-jung, 1986/02/22, 200cm, 102kg
Lin Jui-kun, PG, 1986/05/21, 180cm, 72kg
Lu Yu-jen, G, 1987/07/03, 180cm, 77kg
Chen Chun-chieh, PG, 1983/06/04, 184cm, 75kg
Hu Yu-wei, F, 1983/03/13, 190cm, 110kg
Jason Faulknor, C, 1980/03/21, 201cm

Out: Doug Creighton (TB), Wu Chun-hsiung (KKL), Chang Jung-hsuan (KKL), Hsu Shih-ching, Sun Huan-po, Jeff Jones
In: Lu Yu-jen, Chen Chun-chieh (PY), Hu Yu-wei, Chen Chun-chieh (PY), Jason Faulknor

Complete schedule of the 2010-11 SBL season

(SBL Teams - PY: Pure Youth, TM: Taiwan Mobile, TB: Taiwan Beer, BOT: Bank of Taiwan, KKL: Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, Yulon, Dacin)

Dec. 25 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1630 PY-TM
1900 Yulon-Dacin

Dec. 26 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 BOT-TB
1700 KKL-PY
1900 TM-Yulon

Dec. 29 (Wed) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 KKL-BOT
2000 TB-Yulon

Jan. 1 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 Dacin-PY
1700 KKL-TB
1900 BOT-TM

Jan. 2 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 Dacin-KKL
1700 PY-Yulon
1900 TM-TB

Jan. 5 (Wed) @ Yilan University Gymnaisum
1800 Dacin-BOT
2000 KKL-TM

Jan. 7 (Fri) @ Yilan University Gymnaisum
1800 TB-PY
2000 BOT-Yulon

Jan. 8 (Sat) @ Yilan University Gymnaisum
1500 Dacin-TB
1700 Yulon-KKL
1900 PY-BOT

Jan. 9 (Sun) @ Yilan University Gymnaisum
1500 TM-Dacin
1700 KKL-PY
1900 TB-Yulon

Jan. 12 (Wed) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 BOT-TB
2000 PY-Yulon

Jan. 14 (Fri) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 KKL-Dacin
2000 Yulon-TM

Jan. 15 (Sat) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 PY-BOT
1700 Dacin-Yulon
1900 TM-TB

Jan. 16 (Sun) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 BOT-KKL
1700 PY-TM
1900 TB-Dacin

Jan. 19 (Wed) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 BOT-Yulon
2000 KKL-TB

Jan. 21 (Fri) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 TM-KKL
2000 PY-Dacin

Jan. 22 (Sat) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 BOT-TM
1700 TB-PY
1900 KKL-Yulon

Jan. 23 (Sun) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 Dacin-BOT
1700 Yulon-TB
1900 PY-TM

Jan. 26 (Wed) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 TM-Dacin
2000 BOT-TB

Jan. 28 (Fri) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 PY-Yulon
2000 Dacin-KKL

Jan. 29 (Sat) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 BOT-PY
1700 TB-TM
1900 Yulon-Dacin

Jan. 30 (Sun) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 PY-KKL
1700 TM-Yulon
1900 Dacin-TB

Feb. 11 (Fri) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1800 BOT-Daciin
2000 KKL-TB

Feb. 12 (Sat) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 Yulon-BOT
1700 Dacin-PY
1900 TM-KKL

Feb. 13 (Sun) @ Taipei Gymnasium
1500 PY-TB
1700 KKL-Yulon
1900 Dacin-TM

Feb. 18 (Fri) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1800 BOT-KKL
2000 PY-TM

Feb. 19 (Sat) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1500 TB-Yulon
1700 TM-BOT
1900 Dacin-PY

Feb. 20 (Sun) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1500 TB-TM
1700 Yulon-BOT
1900 KKL-Dacin

Feb. 25 (Fri) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1800 BOT-PY
2000 KKL-TB

Feb. 26 (Sat) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1500 Dacin-TM
1700 PY-Yulon
1900 TB-BOT

Feb. 27 (Sun) @ Fengshan Gymnasium
1500 KKL-PY
1700 Dacin-TB
1900 Yulon-TM

March 2 (Wed) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 PY-TB
2000 KKL-BOT

March 4 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 BOT-TM
2000 Yulon-Dacin

March 5 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 KKL-TM
1700 Dacin-PY
1900 TB-Yulon

March 6 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 BOT-Dacin
1700 Yulon-KKL
1900 PY-TB

March 9 (Wed) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 Dacin-TB
2000 TM-PY

March 11 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 BOT-Yulon
2000 KKL-Dacin

March 12 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 TB-BOT
1700 Yulon-TM
1900 PY-KKL

March 13 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 KKL-TB
1700 Dacin-Yulon
1900 BOT-TM

March 18 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 Dacin-TM
2000 BOT-KKL

March 19 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 Yulon-PY
1700 TM-KKL
1900 Dacin-BOT

March 20 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1500 KKL-Yulon
1700 TB-TM
1900 BOT-PY

Regular season ends

==

Playoffs (All playoff games held at Sinjhuang Stadium)

March 23 (Wed) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 #1-#4 G1
2000 #2-#3 G1

March 25 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 #1-#4 G2
2000 #2-#3 G2

March 26 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1700 #1-#4 G3
1900 #2-#3 G3

March 27 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1700 #1-#4 G4
1900 #2-#3 G4

April 1 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1800 #1-#4 G5
2000 #2-#3 G5

April 2 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1700 #1-#4 G6
1900 #2-#3 G6

April 3 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1700 #1-#4 G7
1900 #2-#3 G7

==

Finals

April 8 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G1

April 9 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G2

April 10 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G3

April 13 (Wed) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G4

April 15 (Fri) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G5

April 16 (Sat) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G6

April 17 (Sun) @ Sinjhuang Stadium
1900 G7

2010-11 UBA season to begin

Taiwan's University Basketball Association (UBA) will tip off its 2010-11 season on Dec. 5 as National Taiwan Normal University is eying for its third straight title in the men's division while Chinese Cultural University is going after its fourth straight crown in the women's division.

The men's division starts on Dec. 5 and the women's division starts on Dec. 13, according to the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF).

Sixteen teams will enter the men's division preliminary round, which will split the 16 teams into two eight-team group. Top three teams in each group advance to the quarterfinal while the 4th and 5th place teams vie for the remaining two seeds in the wildcard round.

Defending champion NTNU is still favored to win it all with its strong roster. The NTNU players include four active SBL players -- Chien Chia-hung of Pure Youth, Lo Yu-chun and Tsai Chun-ming of Dacin and Chang Jung-hsuan of Bank of Taiwan -- and promising underclassmen Sang Yi-ching, Chou Po-chen and Hung Kang-chiao.

Lo was the MVP in the UBA Finals last year. Sang Yi-ching and Hung Kang-chiao, both came from two-time defending high school champion Song-shan High School, were named high school MVPs in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

These facts pretty much tell you how strong a team NTNU really is.

In the women's division, 12 teams will be split into two six-team group in the preliminaries with top three teams automatically going to the quarterfinal. The remaining teams will play in the wildcard round for two quarterfinal seeds.

SBL import bios

Jason Faulknor
Height: 201cm / 6'7''
Nationality: Canadian
College: Bradley
Born: March 21, 1980 in Toronto, Ontario

1995-2000: Martingrove Collegiate, Toronto, ON
2000-2001: Bradley (NCAA): 1.9ppg, 1.9rpg
2001-2002: Bradley (NCAA): 19 games: 1.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 0.2apg
2002-2003: Bradley (NCAA): 9 games: 3.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 5ast
2003-2004: Bradley (NCAA): 29 games: 3.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 12ast
2005-2006: In Feb.'06 signed at Illiabum (Portugal-Proliga) to replace Renold Marcelline
2006, fall: Athletes in Action (touring team) North USA Tour
2006-2007: in Nov.'06 signed at Quad-City Riverhawks (ABA), left in Jan.'07, joined back the team in March'07
2008: October: Idaho Stampede (D-League) open tryout in Toronto
2009: Lakeside Lightnings (Australia-SBL, starting five)

==
Keith Gayden
Height: 202cm / 6'8''
College: Duquesne
Born: Dec.15, 1983

Chicago, Ill./Tilden (Kennedy-King (Ill.) College)
2004-2005: Duquesne (NCAA): 27 games: 5.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 11ast, FGP: 44.5%
2005-2006: Duquesne (NCAA): 27 games: 8.0ppg, 4.2rpg, FG: 43.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.1%
2007: Elgin Racers (IBL)
2007 July: Pepsi Pro Summer League in Orlando (Chicago Bulls)
2007 July: Pepsi Pro Summer League in Orlando (Chicago Bulls)
2007 October: Iowa Energy (D-League) training camp
2007-2008: Iowa Energy (D-League)
2008: Quad City Riverhawks (PBL, starting five): 12 games: 7.7rpg, in March moved to Elgin Racers (IBL, starting five): 16 games: 17.5ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.0apg
2008-2009: Venados de Nuevo Laredo (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 44 games: 16.1ppg, Reb-3(8.3rpg), 1.5spg, 2FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.5%
2009: Fuerza Guinda Nogales (Mexico-CIBACOPA, starting five), left in April
2009-2010: In Nov.'09 signed at Karhu Kauhajoen (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five), left in Mar.'10: 7 games: 15.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.1%, FT: 39.1%
2010: Nacional De Futbol (Uruguay-Metropolitan, starting five)
2010-2011: Panteras de Aguascalientes (Mexico-LNBP, starting five)

==
Darryl Hepburn
Height: 205cm / 6'9''
College: Fairmont St.
Born: Dec.12, 1980

2002-2003: Fairmont State (NCAA2) 14.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 65% FG
2003-2004: Fairmont State (NCAA2)
2005: Tuberos de Colima (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 35g 16.8ppg 8.1rpg 1.2apg 57.2%2p
2005-2006: Pittsburgh Xplosion (ABA), left in Jan.'06
2007: Summer: Doha Invitational Interational Tournament (US Select / Team Unity)
2007 June: Bay Pro-Am Summer League (Tampa Bay Sharks team)
2007 July: Tampa Bay Sharks (exhibition team) Argentina and Mexico Tour
2008-2009: Saitama Broncos (Japan-BJ League), Japanese League: 18 games: 5.5ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 44.3%, FT: 50.0%; in Jan.'09 moved to Bravos Piedras Negras - Eagle Pass (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 1 game: 10pts, 6reb, 1ast, 1steal
2009: In Feb.09 signed at Santa Ana (Dominican Rep.-SFMRL, starting five)

==
Marcus Dove
Height: 206cm / 6'9''
Nationality: USA
College: Oklahoma St.
Born: June 17, 1985, in Bellflower, Calif.

Long Beach, CA / Millikan HS
2004-2005: Oklahoma St. (NCAA): 17 games: 1.2ppg, 1.1rpg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 1-1, FT: 6-9
2005-2006: Oklahoma St. (NCAA, starting five): 22 games: 3.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.1%, FT: 75.7%
2006-2007: Oklahoma St. (NCAA, starting five): 33 games: 4.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 62.5%
2007-2008: Oklahoma St. (NCAA, starting five): 33 games: 9.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.9spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 65.3%
2008 June: Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings (NBA) pre-draft workouts
2008 July: NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Memphis Grizzlies)
2008: Drafted by Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry (CBA,3rd(14))
2008-2009: VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-D1, starting five): 32 games: 10.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 7.7%, FT: 56.4%
2009 July: NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2009: Drafted by Dakota Wizards (D-League,3rd(43))
2009-2010: Dakota Wizards (D-League), left in Feb.'10: 44 games: 9.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.5%, FT: 59.0%

==
Emmanuel Jones
Height: 200cm / 6'7''
Nationality: USA
College: UTPA
Born: Sep.7, 1985

Washington, DC / Southern Vance HS
2005-2007: Riverside CC
2007-2008: UTPA (NCAA): 22 games: 9.3ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 54.8%, FT: 67.1%
2008-2009: UTPA (NCAA, starting five): 26 games: 17.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 65.9%
2009: Team Lugano (Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas, starting five)
2009-2010: Idaho Stampede (D-League): 26 games: 5.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 13.8%, FT: 75.0%; in Apr.'10 moved to Austin Toros (D-League): 1 game: 0pts, 1ast

==
Sheldon Bailey
Height: 198cm / 6'6''
Nationality: USA
College: Florida Intern.
Born: May 26, 1983

2001-2002: Winthrop (NCAA): 31 games: 2.5ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 49.1%, FT: 38.5%
2002-2003: Winthrop (NCAA): 30 games: 3.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 32.6%
2003-2004: Florida Intern (NCAA): Did Not Play – Transfer Student
2004-2005: Florida Intern. (NCAA): 17 games: 3.4ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 44.0%, FT: 38.2%
2005: June: Total Basketball Camp in Andorra
2006: Brooklyn Kings (USBL), in June moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania Breakers (USBL), but left very shortly, tested also by Long Island Primetime (USBL): 1 game: 5.0pts, 5.0reb, 1.0steal
2006: VCU Invitational Showcase
2006: Asociación Deportiva Naval Marina (Ecuador-Guayas League): 31ppg, 11rpg
2006: September: Luxbasket camp in Wiltz
2006-2007: Albany Patroons (CBA): 15 games: 1.8ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 68.4%, FT: 1-6, in Jan.'07 moved to Hollywood Fame (ABA)
2007 July: Summer Pro-Am League in Long Beach (Orange County Players)
2007-2008: Shanghai Dongfang Sharks (China-CBA), in Nov.'07 moved to Atletico Aguada (Uruguay-LUB)
2007: Santa Barbara (IBL)
2008 May: USBA/IBL exposure camp in Blue River, OR
2008: Santa Barbara Breakers (WCBL): 10 games: 3.7ppg, 5.1rpg
2009, August: EnFuego Hoops Showcase LNBP Camp in San Diego, Ca.

SBL imports situation

Marcus Dove

According to the Apple Daily, six of seven SBL teams have hired imports and the defending champion Yulon Luxgen is likely to enter the new season without any import again.

Imports in Taiwan (Two under testing):

Marcus Dove (Taiwan Mobile)
College: Oklahoma State
Age: 25
Height: 200cm
Estimated monthly salary: US$10,000

Keith Gayden (Dacin)
College: Duquensne
Age: 27
Height: 198cm
Estimated Monthly Salary: US$7,000

Emmanuel Jones (Taiwan Beer)
College: Texas-Pan American
Age: 25
Height: 196cm
Estimated Monthly Salary: US$6,000

Darryl Hepburn (Pure Youth)
College: Fairmont State
Age: 30
Height: 199cm
Estimated Monthly Salary: Under testing

Jason Faulknor (Bank of Taiwan)
College: Bradley
Age: 30
Height: 196cm
Estimated Monthly Salary: US$6,000

Sheldon Bailey (KKL)
College: Florida International
Age: 27
Height: 196cm
Estimated Monthly Salary: Under testing

Looks like Pure Youth did not sign Zach Atkinson as previously reported. I haven't heard that the league has made any changes to its height limit of 200cm. However, Dove and Hepburn were both listed at 205cm instead of 199cm, according to the stats from Eurobasket.com. I guess these teams made false reports about their heights.

CTBA releases schedule, rosters for 2011 SBL season

Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) released the complete schedule and team rosters for the 2011 Super Basketball League (SBL) season Thursday as the new season is scheduled to tip off on Dec. 25.

A total of 105 games will be played in the regular season from Dec. 25, 2010 to March 20, 2011 in four venues across the country, including Sinjhuang Stadium in the newly formed Xinbei City, Yilan University Gymnasium in the eastern city of Yilan, Taipei Gymnasium in downtown Taipei City and Fengshan Gymnasium in the southern city of Fengshan, Kaohsiung.

Every team will play a 30-game regular season, meeting each of its six opponents five times.

The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, which is scheduled to be played from March 23, 2011 to April 17. Starting from this season, the first round playoffs will adopt the best-of-seven format as well as the finals.

One import player is allowed for every team. The import registration deadline is on Feb. 12, 2011, which means that teams are free to change their imports before that day.

Former Taiwan Beer star forward Lin Chih-chieh and former Yulon point guard Lee Hsueh-lin were not among the final rosters because they will spend the 2011 season in China. Sun Hwan-po, last season's rookie of the year, left Bank of Taiwan for unknown reasons.

According to the CTBA, four of the seven teams were set on their import players -- Zachary Atkinson with Pure Youth, Jason Faulknor with Bank of Taiwan, Keith Gayden with Dacin and an unidentified player with Taiwan Mobile. I'm still checking on his name.

One thing to note though. According to various sources of information, Atkinson was listed at 206cm, which exceeds the SBL's original height limit of 200cm. I'm not sure whether the league has altered or abandoned the height limit. Will check up on that as well.

I will post the full schedule and the full rosters on this blog as soon as possible.

Disappointing finish for Taiwan women's NT in Guangzhou

Taiwan women's NT nearly overcame a 18-point deficit but came up short in the end, losing to Japan 73-61 in the bronze medal game in the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad, which concluded on Nov. 27.

Down 30-22 at the half, Taiwan trailed by as many as 42-24 before Liu Chun-yi scored 11 straight and Wen Chi made a pair of threes to make the score 55-43 entering the final period.

Taiwan  rallied behind a 15-0 run to take a three-point lead, 58-55. However, it managed to score three more points in the final six and a half minutes.

Taiwan failed to win a medal after securing a silver in 2006 and a bronze in 2002.

Wen Chi and Liu Chun-yi scored 21 each. Liu pulled down seven rebounds. Center Tsai Pei-chen had nine points, four steals and three blocks.

Chiang Feng-chun, who always played well against Japan, had a disappointing game, scoring two points on 1-for-6 shooting and committing six turnovers.

Japan was led by Nagi Yoko's 26 points.

One thing to note, there was no player on Taiwan's women's NT this year coming from the perennial champion Cathay Life, which did not play in the 2010 WSBL season over its protest of Chunghwa Telecom's controversial recruitment of Chiang Feng-chun.

Taiwan men's basketball setback in Guangzhou goes unnoticed

Taipei, Nov. 24 (CNA) Taiwan men's national basketball team dropped out of the quarterfinal this week, losing to the Philippines and finishing with one win and four losses in the preliminary round of the competition at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

However, the loss was not widely reported in Taiwan, as it appeared to have been overshadowed by the controversial disqualification of Taiwanese taekwondo athlete Yang Shu-chun, an issue that has been the center of media attention for the past week.

Huang Chao-he, secretary-general of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), said that the association was expecting non-stop calls from disgruntled fans the day after Taiwan lost 82-73 to the Philippines on Nov. 22.

However, the CTBA did not get any irate calls, despite the fact that it was the first time that Taiwan was knocked out of the final eight in Asiad men's basketball.

Yang's return to Taipei from Guangzhou on Nov. 23 probably eclipsed the basketball team's loss, Huang said.

But while the CTBA may have gained some breathing space, it still has to figure out why its men's team won only one game -- against India -- and lost to Japan, Qatar, Iran and the Philippines, Huang said.

The 2010 Taiwan's men's national basketball team was hampered by the absence of 2.04-meter starting center Tseng Wen-ting, who skipped the event because of injury.

The team's poor showing marred the debut of Taiwan head coach Zhang Xulei, who grew up in China and played for the Chinese national team in his 20's, and was a setback for the CTBA in its plan to nurture local coaches.

South Korean head coach Chung Kwang-suk led Taiwan to fifth place in the 2009 FIBA Asia men's basketball championship, its best finish in the tournament since 1999.

Asian Games: Taiwan out of quarterfinals

Taiwan men's NT lost to Iran and the Philippines to finish 1-4 in the preliminaries and was out of the Asian Games quarterfinal round.

Taiwan lost to the Philippines 82-73 in a battle for the quarterfinal berth on Monday. Lin Chih-chieh had a team-high 21 points while Wu Tai-hao added 20. Lee Hsueh-lin tallied 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Tien Lei, who was bothered by his sprained ankle did not score in 14 minutes.

On Sunday, Taiwan made 12 threes and forced Iran to 22 turnovers but was unable to stop Iranian center A. Kardoustpoustinsaraei, who tallied 22 points and 16 points, in a 73-72 loss.

Taiwan still had the chance to win. However, Tien Lei, Taiwan's go-to man for the second straight game, failed to knock down the potential winning shot. Tien, who also failed to make the final shot in the game vs. Qatar, said after the game that he was fouled in the last possession but didn't get the whistle.

Lin Chih-chieh led the team with 22 points. Wu Tai-hao had 12 and Lee Hsueh-lin had 10. Taiwan was outrebounded 34-16.

Men's Standing:
Group E
China 5-0
South Korea 4-1
Jordan 3-2
North Korea 2-3
Mongolia 1-4
Uzbekistan 0-5

Group F
Japan 4-1
Iran 4-1
Philippines 3-2
Qatar 3-2
Taiwan 1-4
India 0-5

Quarterfinals:
South Korea vs. Philippines
Japan vs. North Korea
Iran vs. Jordan
China vs. Qatar

Women's Standings:
Group A
China 3-0
South Korea 2-1
Thailand 1-2
India 0-3

Group B
Japan 2-0
Taiwan 1-1
Maldives 0-2

Semifinals:
Japan vs. South Korea
China vs. Taiwan

(Photos: Liberty times, UDN.com)

A wire news story on TB's CBA plan

Is the trend really inevitable? I don't know. And I hope it's not…

Taiwan basketball team's China bid sparks 'brawn drain' fear

by Amber Wang – Sun Nov 21, 1:36 am ET

TAIPEI (AFP) – A leading Taiwanese basketball team's bid to join China's professional league has intensified concerns on the island that it is suffering a "brawn drain" to its giant neighbour.

The Taiwan Beer side, championship winners in 2006-7 and 2007-8, recently announced that it wants to play in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, adding to an emerging exodus of players heading for the mainland.

"We cannot stop players from making the most of their limited athletic lives but rather than losing one after another to Chinese teams, our team could join the CBA," said head coach Richard Yan.

The team, named after the signature product of its main sponsor, Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corp., would attract more backers and offer better deals to players once in the CBA, he said.

The plan raised a few eyebrows, with basketball authorities saying they opposed the team moving its big shots to China while leaving junior players in Taiwan's Super Basketball League (SBL).

"Of course we hope top players stay in Taiwan... We don't want the SBL to become a sideshow to the CBA," said Huang Chao-her, secretary-general of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association.

While the association does not bar individual players from moving to China, it would be difficult for the Taiwan Beer team to get the green light because it has a state-funded sponsor, Huang said.

"Such a move would require the approval of various government agencies in charge of sports, labour, finance and China affairs. It is a very complicated matter," said Huang.

Several top coaches reportedly backed Taiwan Beer, saying it is inevitable for local teams to tap into China's vast market in the wake of dwindling box office income and funding.

For years Taiwan's top athletes have gone to powerhouses such as the United States and Japan in the hope of taking their careers to the next level, but increasing they are setting their sights on China.

"The trend of going to China is unstoppable," said Chu Yen-shuo, a Beijing-based Taiwanese sport critic and former chief editor of Hoop Taiwan magazine.

"Just like many European players joined the NBA, it's only natural that people want to move where there is more money," he said, adding top Chinese players can earn up to five times more than their Taiwanese peers.

Lin Chih-chieh, a former star forward of Taiwan Beer, was among the players and coaches who jumped on the bandwagon when he joined the Guangsha Lions in eastern Zhejiang province last year.

"China's environment is more competitive. There are more teams and I can vie with top Chinese and foreign players," Lin told AFP in a telephone interview.

"It's a great opportunity to improve myself and boost my career. At my age it's now or never for me to take on the challenge," said the 28-year-old.

Basketball -- both America's NBA and the homegrown game -- is wildly popular in China, with hundreds of millions of Chinese regularly watching NBA matches on television.

Dozens of US players are playing in China's professional leagues, with the highest-profile addition being the former NBA All Star Stephon Marbury, who joined the Shanxi Brave Dragons this year.

Lin warned that Taiwanese players need to brace themselves for a major challenge if they want to play in the stressful and physically demanding Chinese league.

Huang, of Taiwan's basketball association, cited the case of Sina Lions as a warning about the dangers of wishful thinking about China.

The first Taiwanese team to join the CBA quit in 2003 after only two years, blaming adjustment problems, he said.

China is also wooing the island's top talents in other fields such as baseball and billiards, as a recent improvement in ties between two sides spills over into sports.

But Beijing hit a nerve when it reportedly went after the island's sport icon, golf queen Yani Tseng, with a five-million-US-dollar annual sponsorship deal. The world's number two golfer has said she will only play for Taiwan.

The more alarming development for local fans is perhaps in baseball, where Taiwanese coaches have been credited with having played an important part in China's rise in the sport.

Since splitting from China six decades ago, Taiwan has lost to its giant rival in nearly every sporting arena, but had prided itself over its prowess in baseball.

That confidence has been shattered, with the Taiwanese squad suffering humiliating defeats to China in two international matches since 2008, at a time when the island's favourite sport was hit by game-rigging scandals.

It is unclear how many Taiwanese are currently coaching in China but local media reported this year that Chinese teams were planning to recruit at least 20 new coaches from the island.

Taiwan's pro-baseball league reportedly also intends to establish a new team in China, which will consist of players from both sides and could travel to Taiwan to play.

The league's officials were not immediately available for comment.

Subpar performance for Taiwan so far in Guangzhou Asiad

Taiwan women's NT lost to Japan 69-59 Saturday after routing Maldives 127-23 in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

It's almost certain that Taiwan will meet Group A leader, either China or South Korea, in the Nov. 24 semifinal match with a runner-up finish in Group B behind Japan, which will meet A2 in the semis.

Chiang Feng-chun led Taiwan in the losing effort with 16 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks. Wen Chi had 14 points and Liu Chun-yi added 10 points.

Japan was led by Yuko Oga's 15 points and six assists. Maki Takada and Hiromi Suwa scored 12 each.

Women's Standings:

Group A
China 2-0
South Korea 2-0
Thailand 0-2
India 0-2

Group B
Japan 1-0
Taiwan 1-1
Maldives 0-1

Meanwhile, Taiwan men's NT lost 72-70 to Qatar Friday and is now tied 1-2 with the Philippines in Group E. Looks like Taiwan and the Philippines will have to fight for the last quarterfinal seed in the group.

Lu Cheng-ju was 5 of 7 from three and scored 23 points to pace Taiwan, which also received 18 points from Tien Lei and 11 from Lin Chih-chieh.

Lu made two threes in the third period to cut the deficit to one and scored 11 to help Taiwan close in the gap again in the final quarter. Trailing 69-68, Tien Lei was stripped of the ball on his baseline drive as Taiwan failed to score on its last possession.

Without center Tseng Wen-ting, Taiwan was pounded on the boards, outrebounded 44-29 by Qatar.

Targuay Alban Ngombo led Qatar with 23 points and 11 rebounds while veteran Yaseen Musa had 15 and 12.

The quarterfinal round will use a knock-out format with F4 meets E1, for example.

Men's Standings:

Group E
China 3-0
South Korea 3-0
Jordan 2-1
Mongolia 1-2
North Korea 0-3
Uzbekistan 0-3

Group F
Japan 3-0
Iran 2-1
Qatar 2-1
Taiwan 1-2
Philippines 1-2
India 0-3

(Photo: Liberty times)

Taiwan 1-1 in Asian Games men's basketball

Taiwan had an easy 93-66 win over India after losing to Japan 63-57 in the opener to split its first two games of the 2010 Asian Games men's basketball competition in Guangzhou, China.

On Wednesday, Lin Chih-chieh had 23 points and Tien added 20 in the rout. Yang Ching-min scored 13 pooints and point guard Lee Hsueh-lin dished out 10 assists to go with five points.

India was led by Jagdeep Singh's 22 points.

Taiwan was not so fortunate the previous night, when it committed 15 turnovers against Japan, which took advantage of Taiwan's carelessness for 14 fastbreak points. Japan also dominated the paint, scoring 44 points in the restricted area against Taiwan's 24.

Taiwan managed to pull within 24-23 at the half after a dismal first quarter, during which it only scored seven points. However, the team could not match up against the more prepared Japanese inside, especially after losing starting center Tseng Wen-ting, who didn't go to Guangzhou with the team due to injury.

Ryota Sakurai scored nine of his 12 points in the crucial fourth quarter to lift Japan for the victory. Joji Takeuchi paced the team with 15 points and 13 rebounds while his twin brother Kosuke Takeuchi also had a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards.

Yuta Tabuse had 10 points for the winner.

Taiwan has to finish in the top four of the six-team Group F to advance to the knockout quarterfinal round. After the loss to Japan, it needs to beat at least one team among Qatar, Iran and the Philippines to ensure the knockout round berth.

Asian Games standings as of Nov. 17

Group E
South Korea 2-0
China 2-0
Jordan 1-1
Mongolia 101
North Korea 0-2
Uzbekistan 0-2

Group F
Japan 2-0
Qatar 1-1
Taiwan 1-1
Iran 1-1
Philippines 1-1
India 0-2

(Photos: Liberty Times)