Get Ready To Be Excited
By Benny Ang

Bandar Seri Begawan - It's just ten days to go until the 3rd Shell Rimula Ultra Invitational Challenge Trophy Basketball Tournament 2003 kicks off at the National Indoor Stadium and already excitement is building to fever pitch.

The team lists were submitted to the organising committee last Friday and already there is every indication that this edition of the tournament will be the most exciting one yet. For starters, each and every one of the seven participating teams will be utilising the "imports" vile which should immediately make for more parity acid thus resulting in more closely-fought and exciting matches.

The Suncity Dragons - winners last year - are back to defend their title but their manager Alan Lim is under no illusions as to the challenges that lie ahead for his side. "We were quite fortunate last year to have a perfect blend of outside and inside threats with the players that we put together. However this year, every team has gotten stronger.

"Our two best players, Romel (Adducul) and Darryl (Corletto), are not able to come back as they have moved on to bigger and better things in their respective hometowns. So this year, we will have an entirely new side and we won't know until the opening night how they will perform as a unit," said the Suncity manager.

The only three players to return for the Dragons are the Filipino trio of Jomar Tierra, Antonio Espinosa and Melvin Taguines while their imports are Luke Egan and Bart Strzebonski from Australia and Lonnie Thomas and Mark Hobson Jr from America.

The rest of the squad will be filled by other players from the Philippines in Billy Bansil, Christian Nicdao, Junel Mendiola, Dave Bautista and Tyron Bautista.

While Munt Bakery have opted not to participate this year, their high-flying star attraction from last year (Jeremy Robinson will be back again, this time with CESK L. Mark Lakers. Robinson will have plenty of support this time from Bobby Parks who is free to play after being injured for last year's tournament, as well as new boy Matthew Castro, also from America.

With the addition of this trio to their team, the Lakers are immediately thrust into the limelight and will he billed as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Last year's third placed team, the SYH Tigers are back again and stronger than ever with the addition of two American imports to their ranks. Todd Bernard, who was an influential player in the PBA several years ago, will be a star attraction along with American NCAA player with Henderson State, Nana Gbewonyo.

In addition to the two foreigners, last year's fan favourite Peter Naron is back again with the Tigers and has brought a host of ex-PBA stars with him this year.

Goh Brothers Goldsmiths have an American player in their ranks too in Corey brown and he will line up alongside tournament regulars Ricky Ricafuente and Michael Buendia.

Komala One Stop LSL have two Australian giants in their team in Keith Krause and Ben Trebilcock while GKT.

Construction have acquired a real gem in Joseph Mazibuko, the athletic shooting guard who was a key component in the Mum Bakery championship side two years ago.

Time real wildcard team in this tournament are newcomers Chuon Tze Twisters whose line-up is predominantly formed with Taiwanese players. They have eight players from Taiwan in their line-up and will mix with three college players from the Philippines.

The Twisters will feature in the opening match against defending champions Suncity Dragons on Friday October 10 immediately following the opening ceremony. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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