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The ABL went beyond its borders last season as it extended its reach beyond the ASEAN region.

For its upcoming eighth year, the league is welcoming a new team from East Asia with the Formosa Dreamers from Taiwan. Just as their name implies, they are ready to dream big in their debut season.

The new basketball team from Taiwan was founded by Chris Hsu, Jimmy Chang, Blackie Chen, Jonathan Han, and Cheng-Chung Chang. The five are successful businessmen who have made a name for themselves in their respective fields. Their immense passion for the game drove them to create the Formosa Dreamers despite their diverse backgrounds.

Bannering their maiden year is ABL veteran Lenny Daniel. The 6-foot-8 forward spent his first two years with the Saigon Heat where he showcased his athleticism and versatility. In the 2016-2017 season, Daniel put up 23.4 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, helping the Heat reach the semifinals.

Teaming up with Daniel is Jaleel Cousins from the United States. Standing 6-foot-11, Cousins is a big man who can be a force in the paint. He has garnered experience playing in the NBA Development League for the Texas Legends and Reno Bighorns. Cousins also happens to be the young brother of Demarcus Cousins, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA.

Aside from the two hulking World Imports, the Dreamers can lean on Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) journeyman James Forrester from the Philippines. In the last four years, Forrester has suited up for six different PBA teams after getting picked fourth overall in the 2013 PBA draft. Forrester has now found a new home with the Dreamers.

The Dreamers will be parading quite a local cast as well. ABL fans might be familiar with Luo Jun Quan, the diminutive guard who played for the disbanded Kaohsiung Truth last season. The 5’7″ jitterbug averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 assists in his rookie ABL season.

The team will also be introducing Taiwanese-British, Charles Barratt, a 6’4″ forward who has experience playing in the second division of the British Basketball League.

Another local player to look out for is Cheng Chi Kuan who recently played with Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor in the Taiwanese SBL.

Formosa’s long-term vision is to promote Taiwanese basketball to the world with the help of their participation in the ABL.  The Dreamers will begin their dream when they take on the CLS Knights in their opening game on November 18.

Formosa Dreamers 2017-2018 Opening Day Roster