The Westports Malaysia Dragons make their season debut as they take on a familiar foe in the Singapore Slingers this Friday at the OCBC Arena, Singapore.
The Dragons were one of the busier teams during the offseason. After another forgettable year, the team went under a significant revamp. Key veterans won’t be returning for the new season, but the team has a new coach and has also acquired new and exciting players.
One of the more notable acquisitions by Malaysia was supposed to be Sundiata Ganes. The 6-foot-1 former NBA player was supposed to make an immediate impact for the Dragons. Unfortunately, he has been placed on the injured list even before his very first game. In place of Gaines, Malaysia has tapped the services of Shaun Bruce.
Chris Eversley meanwhile will be returning for the Dragons this season. Last year, he posted impressive numbers of 28.4 points and 9.9 rebounds.
It wasn’t too long ago that the Dragons were the champions of the ABL and after two disappointing seasons, they are eager to finally breakthrough and re-enter the playoffs.
Standing in Malaysia’s way are the Singapore Slingers. The perennial playoff contenders got off to a rocky start, losing at home against the new-look Formosa Dreamers. They bounced back in a big way in their second outing as they took down last year’s runners-up Mono Vampire Basketball Club. Xavier Alexander put his stamp into the game with a near triple-double performance of 33 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Alexander and Eversley will be the focal points of their respective teams and you can expect fireworks when these two stars collide. The X-Man can fill up the stat sheet any given night but just as he proved in his game versus Mono, he isn’t afraid to showcase his range. He went 2-for-3 from downtown, a positive sign for the Slingers if he adds a consistent jump shot. Eversley remains a beast in the paint and will likely put up gaudy numbers in the hopes of giving the Dragons a win in their opening game.
The Dragons hope to get their season on the right track but the Slingers are eager to defend their home court.
