Asia League CEO Matt Beyer
Twelve teams from five different countries and territories will meet in Macau next month to compete in the “The Terrific 12” (TT12) basketball tournament. The event promises to bring the best of Asian basketball to local audiences as well as tourists visiting the region, the organizers informed at a press conference on Tuesday at the Sports Bureau (ID).
At the press conference, basketball Asia League CEO Matt Beyer said, “We have some of the best teams from across Asia in this tournament,” adding, “TT12 is the premier pre-season tournament for Asian basketball fans who want to see their team go head-to-head with the region’s best competition.”
For local fans, this is a unique opportunity to see several former NBA (US National Basketball Association) stars as well as CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) rising stars playing.
According to Beyer, the mission of Asia League “is to hold a high standard, promoting basketball matches that support the development of Asian basketball to a higher level.”
Comparing the event to the recently held “Super 8 Summer League,” Beyer said the TT12 will be a “comprehensive upgrade.”
In her opening speech, the vice president of the ID, Christine Lam, noted, “We are proud to bring this experience to the people of Macau and basketball lovers from across the region and to continue to raise the profile of the region as a sporting and entertainment destination.”
As mentioned by the organizers, the pre-season event aims to provide the teams with training in real competition, and also aims to provide “a platform for exchange and development for professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Set to take place from September 18 to 23 at the Studio City Event Center in Cotai, the event will see the participation of leading teams from China (Guangzhou Long-Lions, Shandong Hi-speed Golden Stars, Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Zhejiang Guangsha Lions) as well as top teams from the South Korean league (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus and Seoul Samsung Thunders) which will be joined by a trio from Japan’s B League (Chiba Jets, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Ryukyu Golden Kings). This list will be completed with the inclusion of two top teams from Taiwan (Fubon Braves and Yulon Luxgen Dinos) and an “all-star” team organized by the Philippine Basketball Association (Ieco Green Warriors) that will first compete in four group round-robins and then an elimination round to the finals which will be held on September 23.
Tickets went on sale yesterday at Melco’s ticketing network as well as online through HK Ticketing platform.
Admission will cost MOP100 for the first three days of competition and MOP120 for the last two days (semi-finals and finals).
The organizers also informed that a discount of 20 percent of the ticket price will be granted to all Macau ID holders as well as a special discount for all holders of local Student Cards, who will pay only half-price.
‘More than just a sports event’
As announced by the basketball Asia League company CEO, Matt Beyer, the “Terrific 12” (TT12) basketball tournament will be more than just a sports event. Included in the program is the “Asia League Fest,” a dedicated music festival. “TT12 is not just a basketball tournament. Asia League Fest is a live musical performance that offers something for everyone, even fans who have never held a basketball,” Beyer said, noting, “This [is another of the features] that distinguishes TT12 from the SS8 (Super 8 Summer League).” As Beyer explained, the music festival will be held on September 21, on a day that the tournament has a break for the rest of the players between the round-robin stage and the final stage. Although not many details have been disclosed, it was revealed that “the concert will feature artists from across Asia,” and will take place at the same venue as the basketball matches.
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