Typhoon Dolphin brings early end to AUBL, but bright future ahead for NCAA-wannabe
Asian University Basketball League cut short with final still to play, but coaches see nothing but good in expanded competition
Typhoon Dolphin may have brought a premature end to this week’s Asian University Basketball League tournament in Hangzhou, but players, coaches and officials are already looking forward to an expanded event next year.
While the approaching storm forced organisers to postpone Sunday’s third place play-off between Tsinghua University and Waseda University, and the final between defending champions National Chengchi University and surprise package Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the mood remained upbeat.
A 12-team tournament with universities from six countries and territories will grow to a 16-team league featuring a home-and-away format between November and April. Organisers hope that will morph into a competition of 30 sides in the near future.
If all goes according to plan, it will ultimately resemble college basketball in North America.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post at Binjiang Gymnasium, the man behind Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s run to the final had nothing but praise for the young tournament.
“This is like a comprehensive show; it’s not just about competition, incorporating many other elements,” Xu Yang, Shanghai’s head coach, said. “I think this tournament resonates with the spirit of contemporary youth and university students.