Chong Son Kung Fu had arguably the most dominant week in the ABL this season as they defeated all of their three challengers at home. What made this home-stand even more impressive is that they defeated the three of their fellow top teams in the league as they strengthened their bid for a top two spot after the end of the elimination rounds.
Kung Fu avenged their earlier defeats to Mono Vampire, Hong Kong Eastern, and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas to climb back up in the rankings after losing three straight ball games.
Because of their impressive week, all three Players of the Week come from Chong Son Kung Fu.
World Import Player of the Week
Justin Howard, Chong Son Kung Fu
For the first time this season, Justin Howard gets the nod as the World Import Player of the Week. Usually, Anthony Tucker’s near triple-double averages overshadow Howard’s performance but the big man’s dominance was undeniable this week.
Howard normed 24.3 points, 16.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks. He also shot an astounding 60.9% from field to help Kung Fu remain undefeated at home.
Notable contenders:
Akeem Scott, Saigon Heat – 29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 9 of 15 FGs
Anthony Tucker, Chong Son Kung Fu – 25.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.0 APG, 2.7 SPG
Heritage Import Player of the Week
Mikh McKinney, Chong Son Kung Fu
With his fourth Heritage Import Player of Week award, Mikh McKinney could now be the favorite to win the season MVP award. What makes him so dangerous is that he is a potent scorer who is also a very willing passer.
McKinney averaged 25.0 points per game this week as he shot at unbelievalb e 63.2% from the three-point range. That alone could have been enough to win the nod this week but he also added 6.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists in their three wins, which left no doubt on who should win the weekly citation.
Notable Contender:
Keith Jensen, CLS Knights Indonesia – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 6 of 12 FGs
Michael Williams, Saigon Heat – 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 7 of 13 FGs
Local Player of the Week
Luo Yongxuan, Chong Son Kung Fu
Kung Fu’s imports often get most of the press in their wins but the steady contributions of their local Luo Yongxuan also have to be commended. The guard added a steady 8.0 points per game this week while adding a couple of rebounds per game.
Luo displayed a variety of offensive skills, slicing up Mono Vampire Basketball Club and shooting the lights out against Hong Kong Eastern.
It took him quite a while to get accustomed to the ABL with a slow start in the season, but the youngster has now made a name for himself heading into the Playoffs.
Notable Contender:
David Arnold, Saigon Heat – 9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 of 7 FGs
