The advantage of playing in front of their home fans will be the primary weapon for the Johor Southern Tigers (JST) basketball team in their quest to win their first Asian Basketball Champions League (BCLA) East Championship, held at the Larkin Arena Indoor Stadium.
In a press conference, Johor State Basketball Association Advisor Lee Ting Han stated that playing at home is more than just a matter of location; it is also an incredible moral infusion that can improve each player’s performance.
He is confident that the aura of the honoured court in Johor Bahru would put pressure on the visiting squad, increasing the prospects of the national representatives progressing to the next round.
“When we play at home, especially in Johor, the team’s battling mentality is noticeably different. The great support from local supporters will inspire each player to work hard for the badge on their chest,” he said.
Meanwhile, JST’s Head Coach Yong Kian Ann expects that his players would use the benefit of home support to deliver a crisper and faster professional play.
“I have complete faith in the talents of this team. We are well prepared, and even the imported players understood the huge duty that needs to be shouldered to ensure that we win here.,” explained Kian Ann.
The Southern Tigers will face Indonesian representatives Dewa United Banten on Thursday before taking on Thai team Hi-Tech Basketball the following day.
Fans are expected to anticipate the appearance of import star, George Scott Lewis Jr.
The former NBA’s Charlotte Hornets player is expected to take advantage of the home atmosphere at the Larkin Arena to steer the team’s attack more aggressively.
JST earned its spot in BCLA after becoming a champion in Major Basketball League Malaysia for its 2024-2025 season.
Tickets to BCLA in Larkin Arena Indoor stadium can be bought at https://johorsoutherntigersbc.my/
