Champion Aspac vows to defend Kobatama
Champion Aspac vows to defend Kobatama
JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Aspac made a last-minute inclusion of former National Basketball Association player Andrea Spencer in its bid to retain the Indonesian league, Kobatama, which reaches its final four this week.
Irawan Hariyono of Aspac said yesterday that Spencer -- who joined the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers during 1993 to 1995 -- will give new blood to the defending champion, which will open its campaign against BS Nikko Steel on Thursday.
"Spencer is a multipurpose player who looks comfortable in any position on the court," Irawan said. The American will definitely be included in the starting line-up in place of a local player, Irawan added.
Aspac has already had two American players -- Bobby Parks and Kenneth Travis -- strengthen its charge.
Thursday's opener at the Senayan Basketball Hall will also see Panasia Indosyntex play newcomer Satria Muda. The winners of Thursday's games will contest the final on Saturday.
"We don't have special preparation, but we'll win the final," Irawan boasted. "I think our chance is 75 percent to meet Indosyntex in the grand final," he added.
Spencer, a player with San Miguel of the Philippines who is on leave after the conclusion of the professional league there, arrived here two weeks ago and has practiced with Aspac.
"I'm a friend of Kenny (Travis) and Bobby (Parks). They invited me to come here during my vacation," Spencer said of his Indonesian trip.
Irawan said that the preparation for the Kobatama final is enough.
"Frankly, I'm focusing on the Merlion Cup in Singapore from Sept. 2 to Sept. 8," he said.
The league administrator, Budi Rustanto, said that the three matches will be aired live by local station SCTV and international sports channel ESPN.
Organizers have moved the venue from the Senayan indoor stadium to Senayan Basketball Hall due to the small number of spectators.
Budi said that the organizing committee expects more than 4,000 people to attend the final. The tickets will be sold at Rp 5,000 (US$2.1) for the public and Rp 3,000 for students.
Speaking about his intention to resign from Kobatama, Budi insisted that he would go on with his plan.
"Many officials don't want to give their time, thought and money for the organization," he complained.
Chairman of the Indonesian Basketball Association, Harmoko -- who is also Minister of Information -- has yet to respond to the row. (yan)