| Khairil Hassan |
THE 5.11 National Basketball League co-organised by the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA), Belait District Basketball Association and Tutong Basketball tipped off at the BBA Basketball Court at Batu Bersurat last night.
Six teams in the Men’s Category and three teams in the Women’s Category are vying for honours in the month-long tournament which concludes on May 5.
The opening ceremony started with a march-past of the participating teams and a recital of the players’ oath led by Brunei-Muara’s player Ahmad Termizi followed by a welcoming speech by Co-Chairman of the organising committee Darren Yap.
Darren Yap said, “The National Basketball League aims to provide a competitive platform for our young players. We hope that young players, especially those aged below 19, will learn from the senior players and continue to grow beyond the league.”
The teams in the Men’s Category are Juramas Magic – Brunei-Muara ‘A’; YTE Basketball Club – Brunei-Muara ‘B’; Goh Hock Kee Cub – Tutong; Belait District Basketball Association Oiler – Kuala Belait (sponsored by Michael Khoo); Wolf Basketball Club – Seria; and Kawan Restaurant Udang Gala – Temburong.
The three teams competing in the Women’s Category are Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Temburong District.
Chairman Alex Kwang officiated the tournament with the first throw of the basketball for the opening match between Brunei-Muara ‘A’ and Kuala Belait.
More matches will be played every Saturday and Sunday at three different venues – the BBA Batu Bersurat Basketball Court in Gadong in the Brunei-Muara District, Chung Hwa School Basketball Court in the Tutong District and the New Village Seria Basketball Court in Belait District.
International brand 5.11, specialising in tactical gear, is the title sponsor of the National Basketball League, while You C-1000 is the league’s official sports drink.