EIGHT TEAMS IN ABL’S THIRD SEASON

(ABL Photo)

Things has become more interesting in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) as another new franchise is set to see action in the third season which reels off on January 14, 2012. Exactly a month after the entry of Philippines San Miguel, an eight team and the second franchise out of Thailand, Bangkok Basketball Holdings became the newest franchise of the fledgling regional pro league. The BBH is owned by business partners Tom Griffin and Jeffrey Premer. ABL league officials and team owners warmly welcomed the newest member with open-arms, according to the league’s official website.

Kuhan Foo (ABL Chief Executive Officer): “Bangkok Basketball Holdings is a welcome addition to the ABL. This reinforces the growth of the ABL in the past 2 seasons. With them on board it also shows that the basketball playing talent in the region is now increasing and with the inclusion of the new teams and with our foundation members now throwing out a larger net to seek talented players, it is going to be a bright future for basketball in the ASEAN region.”

Dr. Mike Romero (Philippine Patriots): “I salute the whole ABL organization for another prized team recruit, after San Miguel Philippines, Bangkok Basketball.  The ABL is truly becoming the biggest premiere basketball league in the whole ASEAN region.  ABL is truly growing in leaps and bounds.  The excitement between teams and countries is likewise growing.  The ABL is truly the future of ASEAN basketball.”

Ruben Gnanalingam (Westports KL Dragons): “It’s great that there has been two new teams joining the league, it is a big step forward for the expansion of the ABL and basketball in South East Asia as a growing sport. I am very sure that this is just the beginning and there will be more teams from other countries as well in time to come. The Westports KL Dragons would like to extend a warm welcome to the new ownership group in Bangkok on being part of the league. I am sure the level of competition is going to be higher in the league as we’ve seen how strong basketball in Thailand has become.”

Michael Johnson (Singapore Slingers): “The announcement of the Bangkok Basketball Holdings joining San Miguel as confirmed new teams for the 2012 ABL season is another huge boost to the league. Thailand will now have its own local rivalry with them joining the current ABL champion Thailand Slammers in the league. Fans of the ABL can look forward to a bigger and better ABL season starting January 2012.”