NBT looks to effervescent guard for BBA Challenge Trophy buzz

Geve Leones (R) of MK Kids goes for a layup against Asaff during the semi-final of the Filipino Amateur Basketball (FAB) tournament on March 16.Picture: BT/Yee Chun Leong

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, March 27, 2010

NBT will be the team to beat when the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) Challenge Trophy unfold today at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat.

NBT boast of a enviable lineup composed of Geve Leones, Majomar Aying, Jeff Paraiso (Filipino Amateur Basketball best import), the 6ft 6in Elmer Espiritu and former Philippines Basketball Assocaition player, Erwin Velez.

"We got the line-up ready about a month ago and have been training since then. We're totally ready for the tournament," said NBT coach Raul Dimaano told the The Brunei Times yesterday.

But NBT's first match is not easy one as they will be up against Plaza Sutra Biru, a team from Belait powered by Barracudas' point guard Esmond Tan, considered as the country's best local talent.

The team also have Xavier Leong, Lim Aik Hock and Presley Ho, who all played for the Barracudas last season.

"We're confident that we can win our opening game. We know that our opponents are a strong team but we've got good players as well," said Dimaano. "We're favourites in a way but we know that there is another team from the Belait District (Ilonggo Stingers) who may be the biggest threat (of all)"

Dimaano said that while his team have good offence, his main priority is getting his charges to play good team defence.

"I will say that is the strength of the team along with the combination of Leones and Aying to provide enough firepower at the offensive end," said Dimaano. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times