TAIPEI CITY (Chinese Taipei) – Not for nothing do the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots take to the court in Group A of the BCL Asia-East starting in Kuala Lumpur come March 24 with their confidence high. The Chinese Taipei team might be making their first appearance in the BCL Asia scheme of things, but they are far being called greenhorns on the international club scene.
The Pilots’ showing in the very recently concluded East Asia Super League, where they went all the way before falling to Japan’s Hiroshima Dragonflies in the title game is a case in point. And not to forget this was the Pilots’ maiden appearance in the EASL as well.
For coach Iurgi Caminos, therefore their sojourn in BCL Asia-East “is an opportunity to play against different styles of basketball.”
“We are excited about challenge to compete against the best teams of other countries,” he said.
“After the opportunity challenge teams from Korea, Japan and Philippine, I think that we are learning how to play against different styles of basketball,” the 47-year-old said just after the end of the EASL.
“What I think would be really helpful now is to play against teams from Malaysia, Indonesia or Mongolia teams to make ourselves more experienced,” he said referring to the Pilots campaign in the domestic P.League.
Pilots who finished runners-up to New Taipei Kings the last season – a performance that earned them a place in BCL Asia-East – are currently on top of the leaderboard in the domestic competition.
We just came from a good finish in the EASL. This was very good considering that this the team’s first competition outside the country. We hope to carry the momentum into BCL Asia-East,
Caminos was enthusiastic in giving a “big thumbs-up” for the new format of the BCL Asia-East.
“I followed the last season when they played in one location. It was very competitive,” he said.
“But this year we play home and away games, which gives the opportunity for the fans to be involved. And it’s always a great boost for any team to play in front of home fans.”
Caminos was also effusive on the new opportunities like BCL Asia-East that are opening up for Asian club teams.
“Any international competition always brings more attention to the sport,” he said adding “and these new competitions are more than welcome in Asian basketball.”
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for teams and players to grow on the technical front with the experience of playing against new opponents,” he said.
FIBA