VietNamNet Bridge – Saigon Heat, Vietnam’s professional basketball team, will compete in the 2013 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship.

The championship begins in Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Binh District competition hall on January 12.

This is the second time the team has participated in the tournament which is expected to attract professional teams from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Saigon Heat will take on Malaysia’s Westports Dragons in their first match.

Two of Saigon Heat players have American nationality, three have other Southeast Asian nationalities, and five players are Vietnamese nationals.

The ABL’s draw specifies that from January to May 2013, Saigon Heat will compete in 20 matches total, with 10 hosted by Tan Binh District competition hall and 10 organised in other Southeast Asian countries.

Cinnor Nguyen, Saigon Heat manager, said 2013’s goals include entering the top four of ASEAN’s strongest basketball teams.

Source: VOV online