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Asian Basketball League..Expanding?
#1
What is your opinion of the ABL? Should the ABL expand?



Quote:MAL – Fernandes looks to extend ABL's reach

KUALA LUMPUR (ABL) - Dato Sri’ Tony Fernandes! There are not many in the South East Asian region that are not awestruck by this name.



Be it turning AirAsia - the failing government-linked commercial airline - into the region's first and successful budget carrier, or being named the Forbes Asian Businessman of the Year for 2010, the 46-year-old’s career graph is one that stands out for corporate efficiency in the developing world.



Two years ago, Fernandes forayed into basketball, putting together what many others had left after the “thought” stage – a basketball league involving teams from the economically vibrant and culturally varied ASEAN (Assocation of Southeast Asian Nations) region.



Today the Asean Basketball League (ABL), as many discerning have acknowledged, stands as a shining example for an international league among the countries that are ambitious to make their mark in basketball.



Fernandes spoke to FIBA Asia moments after the ABL Season 2 Championship Dinner.



FIBA Asia: At the end of two seasons in the ABL, how does it feel? Is it coming along as you expected?

Fernandes: Things are fantastic. The ABL has made great inroads in opening up basketball to new crowd demographics while giving existing fans a much higher level of competition over five months, which they don’t get in many of the ASEAN countries.



FIBA Asia: As a businessman investing in basketball, how do you see the progression between now and two years ago (when you launched the ABL)?

Fernandes: From a commercial perspective, we still need to break down the barriers in the region that many companies still have not embraced sport as a marketing tool. But we have seen substantial interest from ASEAN and multinational companies, who have seen how the ABL has taken the marketing of the game to another level and are now approaching us and our teams.



FIBA Asia: What would be your advice for people who are interested in investing in basketball?

Fernandes: My advice for them is that they at least have to love sports first. They need to understand it and be willing to make sacrifices.



They must understand that we are creating something new that has never been done before in the region and that they are going to be the pioneers of change. This means they have to match business sensibilities with an understanding of sponsorship packaging and savvy marketing to suit a regional platform.



FIBA Asia: Why basketball? AirAsia could have gone for pretty much any sport. Why particularly basketball?

Fernandes: AirAsia’s involvement with the ABL is that the ABL is an ASEAN league, which is in line with the AirAsia’s philosophy as an ASEAN brand. The ABL’s marketing and positioning is as dynamic as AirAsia’s which is a perfect fit for us.



FIBA Asia: Did you think, in a region like ASEAN where basketball is not the leading sport, that things would turn the way they have?

Fernandes: We always knew that we could not compete with football. We came in more to build on what basketball had and take it to the next level with a more business-like approach matched with solid marketing and PR programme.



FIBA Asia: What are you most proud of in the two years of the ABL's existence?

Fernandes: That the ABL is still going strong after two years and still getting stronger! There were many basketball purists in the region, who did not support our dream, but thanks to the encouragement of FIBA Asia General Secretary Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock and SEABA President Erick Thohir we persevered.



FIBA Asia: Are there any disappointments?

Fernandes: There is no real disappointments but it would be good to see ASEAN companies stepping forward bravely to embrace sport – many still don’t realise the power of sport that can reach out to the masses in the region.



FIBA Asia: Can you talk about your association with FIBA Asia?

Fernandes: We have a fantastic relationship with FIBA Asia. Dato Yeoh and his team work with ABL CEO Kuhan Foo almost on a weekly basis to improve the league in all technical aspects.



FIBA Asia: What is your vision for the third ABL season?

Fernandes: In the third season, we want to see the ABL and our teams break even. We need this to build on our momentum. Also we are looking to add at least two more teams to our family.
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#2
It's mirror of Euroleague in Asia. Cool It's time for FIBA to withdraw from club competition all over the world. Wink
It would be good to expand on China,Japan,South Korea. Thup
[Image: 26637_navijanjeee409_blic_markodjurica_f.jpg]
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#3
I feel that ABL should expand, because this league is improving. They are getting better and better. I watched some of their videos and posted some of them on my blog. Maybe you guys can check out their games.
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#4
The group was established during 2009 as the first truly local activities enjoyment property. By indicating the continuous incorporation of ASEAN through professional activities, the group is designed to provide a foundation for the development of local golf ball skills by working in combination with each nation's local organization.

Competition on the court is the biggest in the area, as each team may supplement their list with a selection of worldwide imports and ASEAN gamers. These guidelines motivate equality and assurance an interesting product for our lovers.
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#5
yes, it should be expanded.
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#6
Yes I agree with this.

It should be expanded.
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#7
this is ABL's 4th year running right? I agree with the recent comments, there's like 5 or 6 clubs in this league, and all in south east asia if I'm not mistaken. they should really expand imo.
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#8
It should be expanded. I'd love to go and coach a team in Asia!
Coach Mike at www.basketballdrills.org
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#9
It's about time for ABL to expand, There are a lot of talented Asians when it comes to basketball and they are just waiting for one good opportunity to showcase their skills. It's just that westerners dominate much of the basketball scene that Asian players are rarely being noticed. For more basketball news, you can also visit http://www.dafabetsports.com/en/
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