HÀ NỘI — The ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) will officially start this weekend. Saigon Heat, the only representative of Việt Nam, will host CLS Knights Indonesia at CIS Arena in HCM City on Sunday. Changes to league rules and the team should make Saigon Heat’s matches much more exciting this year. Here are a few of the many reasons to tune in this Sunday:

1. Young, carefully selected team

In previous events, the Heat was at a disadvantage in terms of the standard and experience of its lineup. But with new rules in place, the team has signed experienced international players including Puerto Rican–American Trevon Hughes, Kyle Barone of the US and Canadian Murphy Burnatowski. It also signed leading players of the Việt Nam Basketball Association League such as Chris Dierker, Justin Young and Sang Đinh.

2. Targeting the top three

Saigon Heat are in the process of building a new club culture, and this development will be a big part of the club’s success. But success is also measured in results, and the team are aiming to finish in the ABL’s top three. This ambition shows that the Heat have prepared well for the event and that they will try their best for the club and the fans.

3. New jersey

For the 2018-19 ABL, the heat have a new jersey trademark from Belgium featuring NBA styles. The first match on their home court will mark the return of the Heat in their new uniform.

4. Frenetic atmosphere

The atmosphere at CIS Arena is energetic and infectious. The building will be full of fans dressed in red, ready to encourage their favourite team.

5. Interesting sideline activities

During the match with CLS Knights Indonesia, fans will have a chance to enjoy music and food, receive special gifts and exchange with Heat players. — VNS