BANGKOK (Thailand) – For over two decades, Pachakorn Lertlaokul was a familiar sight on the floor in a Hi-Tech jersey. This month, he'll trade in his jersey for a clipboard, stepping into the next phase of his career as he leads Hi-Tech Basketball Club into the Basketball Champions League Asia-East 2025.
It will be his first time ever as a head coach and it comes on one of the region's biggest stages. And yet, Pachakorn sees it for what it is - a challenge, and a chance.
"It's an exciting next step forward for me," said the 38-year-old, who recently changed his name from Kannawat and was a part of the Thailand national team coaching staff.
"There's always pressure, especially after playing for the club for so long. But it's still exciting."
Hi-Tech enter BCL Asia-East as the two-time defending champions of the Basketball Thai League (BTL). They're battle-tested, packed with national team talent, and familiar with high-level competition. But under a new head coach, they're taking on something new - just like Pachakorn himself.
The former point guard has spent nearly his entire career with Hi-Tech, even playing 5 games in the recent BTL season to record 14 points and 14 assists.. Known for his leadership on the floor and his work ethic, he now shifts to steering the next generation from the sideline. His goal? Keep building - and keep representing.
Lertlaokul knows a thing or two about the importance of representing. Not only is he a long-time player with this club, he's also a national team veteran, playing at the Asia Cup in 2013.
“I expect our team to use this opportunity to gain as much experience as we can,” he said. “And of course, to proudly represent Thailand as champions.”
Group A of the BCL Asia-East will be quite a test for Hi-Tech. The group features clashes with reigning Mongolian champs Broncos and Chinese Taipei's New Taipei Kings - both physical, well-coached squads - as well as Singapore's Adroit.
And that's perfect for Pachakorn as he knows how important the bigger picture is, no matter how tough the games will be.
“This is going to be a great experience for our Thai players,” he said. “Getting to play against champion clubs from other countries - it’s something we can really grow from.”
He turns 39 in June. He’s no longer the smallest player on the court leading the offense. But Pachakorn’s presence - steady, sharp, and deeply tied to Hitech’s identity - is as strong as ever.
A new role. A new journey. But the same mission: win, grow, and represent.
FIBA