NBT looks to effervescent guard for BBA Challenge Trophy buzz

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.

The NBT coach is also happy that he hasn't encountered any problem handling a star-studded team.

"We have no problems at all. The gelling is there and I'm here to guide them. That is my job."

A total of 10 teams have registered for the Open Category. Joining NBT and Plaza Sutra Biru in Group A are Shark, Teik Goldsmith and Urban Chic Boutique.

Soon Lee, whose players are from the national squad, are competing in Group B together with the Ilonggo Stingers, Al Ssarah Eagles, Ford and Babes Boutique, who won last year's Brunei Pepsi Cup champions.

There was also a good response to the Veterans Category (35 years old and above) with eight teams vying for top honours.

Chevrolet Cruze, Warriors, RnT A and Streetball team make up Group A while Group B are comprised of RnT B, SGC Palm Café, Glaic's Skywalkers and Rotary.

The curtain-raiser will feature Chevrolet and Warriors at 6pm while the main game will tip off at 8pm.

The Brunei Times