ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) – Learn from experience. This is coach Evangelos Tsepelis’ mantra for his Bishrelt Metal wards when they take to court in the BCL Asia-East 2025 Group A games starting in Kuala Lumpur on March 24.
Coming on the heels of a 4-0 sweep in the Quarter-Finals of the Mongolian Basketball League play-offs, the 44-year-old is in high confidence. Added advantage is the updated rules in the domestic league and their better understanding of the rule on imported players.
“We are always ready for new challenges. Since it’s our second season to attend BCL Asia, we already know the process,” he said.
“It was our first year (last year) and our local league allowed only one import player in every quarter. This year the local league changed the rules for two import players to play together in the second and third quarters. Therefore, our team is more experienced to using two imports at a time,” he explained.
Tsepelis was of the firm opinion that BCL Asia-East has provided the additional opportunities for Mongolian basketball eco-system.
“First of all, BCL Asia is bringing new atmosphere for Mongolian national basketball culture.
“Prior to BCL Asia, only the National Team had the opportunity to play at the international level. That was confined to a smaller group of players,” he said.
“But even clubs have the chance to play on the international stage. For example, our team’s games in Malaysia are the first ever international outing for clubs in Mongolian basketball history,” he said.
The Metals, did play in last year’s BCL Asia Qualifiers, but like their countrymen Broncos failed to make past the first round (which was hosted by Mongolia) and thus failed to make the cut to the continental tilt.
“It will be very good experience for both clubs and players, who may not make it to the national team” he said.
FIBA