Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
EASYWAY coach Ryan Yusof believes that every team have got an equal chance to win Phase 1 of the YOU.C1000 Cup.
Easyway are drawn in Group B together with TK Tea House, Systematic Living, Bengkurong Brotherhood and YTE Basketball in the competition, which will tip off tomorrow at the BBA court in Batu Bersurat.
“Every team is a threat in their own right. I don't think it’s ever an option to underestimate any team,” said Ryan in an interview with BruSports News on Tuesday.
“So definitely we are going to respect every team and play our best one game at a time,” he added.
The Easyway roster is made up of players from the semi-pro side Beruang Blazers gearing up for both the PUBA International Basketball Tournament Invitational in Kota Kinabalu from Sept 24-28 and the Dato Jimmy Poh Cup Men Basketball Invitational Tournament 2019 in Kuching from Nov 29 - Dec 7.
The usual suspects - Ben Sim, Ahmad Termizi Hj Noordeen, Md Zainul Ashyraf Hj Hussin and Soon Kian Leong - are joined by Khoo Chin Kai, Onn Jen Hao, Darren Yap, Kel Hung, Faizuladzmi Tajuddin, Shim Jan Ting, William Ching and Fang Bo Yuan.
“Well of course, l'm sure like any other team joining and gearing up for this tournament, is to get the best results possible,” said Ryan, who led the national team to silver at the Borneo Cup in KK last weekend.
“But this year the focus for our team should be giving their best every game whilst maintaining good team spirit and chemistry on and off the court,” he added.
“The core players have chosen to stay on and support the club and owner's vision.
“Also having them helps with grooming the youth and new members to our team's philosophy whilst sharing their game experiences. As this would greatly help contribute to the team's future development,” continued Ryan.
When asked on his expectations from the competition, Ryan replied: “Personally I don't like to have any high expectations because I do believe if our team put in their hard work and dedication every game and with a little bit of luck, we can advance further in this tournament.”
Ryan is also looking forward to see some high quality basketball this time around.
“I hope this tournament will bring out the best and most competitive level of basketball. As this can be an excellent opportunity to have Brunei basketball improve amongst our local and non-local players, "said Ryan.
“Also hopefully this will give the fans and basketball enthusiasts to have an enjoyable experience watching this year's tournament,” he concluded.
