Trần Hậu Mỹ An (centre) seen at the Hà Nội Youth Basketball Clubs Tournament. — Photo webthethao.vn

Basketball

HÀ NỘI — She may just be 16-years-old and small in stature, but Trần Hậu Mỹ An is already making a big name for herself on the basketball court.

At the recent Hà Nội Youth Basketball Clubs Tournament, An was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), despite being up against athletes up to four years older than her.

The star player for the Dwarfs, An helped her team not only top the group, but go on to win the competition.

It’s not the first time the youngster has shone bright on the big stage.

She won the MVP award of the Jr.NBA Việt Nam in 2018 and triumphed at the Hà Nội Student Basketball Tournament.

Joining the Dwarf Club, she was soon promoted to the senior team to play at Hà Nội Youth Basketball Clubs Tournament and won several times Player of the Match.

Promising chess player

Before switching to basketball, An was a promising chess player.

"At first, my father taught me to have fun, and then I began to win the prizes,” said An.

She also masters Chinese chess and in grade 3, won gold medals in both subjects in the district’s event, then won two more bronze medals in the city’s event.

After finishing primary school, An left the chess board behind because chess didn't give her much time to follow other sporting pursuits.

Trần Hậu Mỹ An, a key player of high school Kim Liên. — Photo webthethao.vn

Predestined with basketball

"My secondary school, Nguyễn Trường Tộ started a basketball team, so I joined and since then I really enjoyed playing,” said An.

With the intelligence of a chess player, An didn’t take much time to adapt to basketball. She may be small but has a strong body, to protect the ball when facing up to opponents.

An improved her skills in the jersey of Nguyễn Trường Tộ school as well as Kim Liên High School, quickly becoming a key member of each team she played for.

Now she is considered one of the most exciting basketball prospects in the country.

An had opportunities to practise at major centres such as SSA, ASA and attend the Jr.NBA Việt Nam camp.

Quiet and shy off court, when the whistle blows and the action begins, An turns into a whole new person, dedicated, committed and desperate to win.

But despite the accolades that her coming her way, first and foremost An just wants to have fun.

"I think girls playing basketball is very cool. My biggest goal is to play with my passion and have fun and smile with my friends,” said An. — VNS