The ASEAN Basketball League gets its first look at the Saigon Heat, as the team make it’s debut this season It’s also a reunion In Vietnam, as the Heat face the Formosa Dreamers, led by former Heat World Import Lenny Daniel. Gameday is on December 9 at the CIS Arena, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Heat is the final team to make its debut in league, and it happens to come against Daniel, who was the team’s anchor for the past two seasons. One of the most shocking stories in the offseason was when Daniel was no longer signed up by the Heat. Daniel would eventually find his way to be a member of the Dreamers, where he is currently trying to lead the team as a veteran.
However the Dreamers have struggled so far in their first two games in the ABL, losing both games by double-digits. The Dreamers looked overwhelmed against the league-leading Chongson Kung-Fu in their 86-59 loss, as they were never really in the game en-route to lopsided loss.
The Dreamers are still a work in progress, as the locals are still figuring out how to play with their talented crop of imports. They should look better with more than a week since their last game, which could result in better shooting and assist numbers.
The Saigon Heat on the other hand not only revamped their roster, they even changed the fiery Head Coach Garbeloto, replacing him with new Coach Kyle Julius. The new coach of the Heat looked to get a younger, more up tempo roster for the new season.Losing Daniel will hurt, but the team still has ABL veterans in David Arnold and Stefan Nguyen. The two will be vital cogs to the Heat’s fortunes this season.
With Daniel no longer on the team, Moses Morgan is now the team’s recognized leader amongst all of the imports. He is the longest tenured, and will be counted on to provide leadership and intensity on the floor.
Morgan arrived midseason for the Heat last year, and he helped the Heat make a late run to the Playoffs. Now that his running mate Daniel is on the other side, Morgan have more opportunities to shine, and show the league what he’s capable of.
The Heat are eager to begin its season on a winning note, while Daniel and the rest of the Dreamers are determined to get their first win. Which side will give? Find out on Saturday.
