Verve keep their nerve despite player no-show

KUALA LUMPUR: Basketball new boys Verve Club’s tough task in the Malaysia Pro League, which starts today, has just become tougher.

The Kampar-based club’s marquee import signing, American Dior Lowhorn, has failed to show up.

The 30-year-old Lowhorn, who has played in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan, was supposed to fly in from San Francisco on Tuesday.

But the 2.01m forward did not show up and has not responded to the team’s frantic phone calls.

Verve have since rescinded Lowhorn’s contract and signed CanadianDemocratic Republic of Congo big man Chadrack Lufile as replacement.

The 27-year-old Lufile, who stands at 2.06m, last played for Cape Breton Highlanders in Canada and arrived in Malaysia yesterday.

Verve head coach Loh Chee Ming believes the Lowhorn’s low blow will only be a minor setback when they face Penang Stallions in their first match at the Maba Stadium today.

“For us, every match is 50-50. Attitude is important. If my men can play aggressively, then we’ll be fine,” said Chee Ming.

The other match will pit KL Dragons BA against Farmco Touch-Up.

The Dragons, who have a young core, will be looking to veterans John Ng and Tung Chee Keong to steady the ship.

Farmco will be banking on former nationals B. Guganeswaran and Ooi Ban Sin as well as 2.23m giant Samuel Deguara to give them the edge.