Point guard Yee Tong excited to make Dragons debut

PETALING JAYA: Youngster Heng Yee Tong (pic) is all pumped up to make his debut in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The 19-year-old point guard joins Phan Wee Chen, 16, as one of two young talents included by Westports Malaysia Dragons for the eighth season of the ABL, which officially begins on Nov 17.

It’s a step-up for Johor-born Yee Tong, who first showcased his ability when he led Malaysia to a thirdplace finish at the Fiba 3x3 Under18 Asia Cup last year. He was also named the best player of the tournament.

The 1.70m Yee Tong also made his senior national team debut at the South-East Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship in Manila in May and played for the PRG Eagles in the Malaysia Pro League (MPL) last month.

“I’m really excited to be in the Dragons squad. It’s not easy to earn a chance to play in the ABL,” said Yee Tong.

“I’m really glad that coach Chris (Thomas) has given me a shot. I’m ready to do my best.

“I know it’s not easy to get game minutes but I’ll work hard and play hard when given the chance.

“Personally I still need to improve on my ball-handling and shooting. It’s great that the team have an import guard like Marcus (Marshall of the United States). I want to learn as much as I can from him,” added Yee Tong.

The 23-year-old Marshall previously played for the University of Nevada, Reno, in the Division 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Yee Tong is expected to be the third-string point guard for the Dragons behind Marshall and national team member Teo Kok Hou.

The Dragons’ first match is against Thailand’s Mono Vampire Basketball Club in Bangkok on Nov 25.