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Eastern set aside HK$10 million to become first professional basketball team in Hong Kong

Newly promoted side aim to shake up established order

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From left: Eastern's Chris Barnes, Heung Chun-keung (both players) coach Tam Wai-Yeung , Assistant director Lee Wai-Lin, director Peter Leung Shou-chi.

Newly crowned A2 Division champions Eastern are set to shake up the local basketball scene by devoting HK$10 million to become the first professional team in Hong Kong.

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Unbeaten in the league this season, Eastern, who also have a soccer team in the Premier League, will be promoted to the top tier next year to take on heavyweights such as South China and Winling.

Unveiling their ambitious plan for the upcoming season, coach Tam Wai-yeung said they were not only aiming at breaking the decade-long rivalry between South China and Winling, but also setting sights on the regional Asia Champions Cup.

“Our plans will be to build the strongest force in domestic basketball and then set foot in regional competitions, just like another Hong Kong side Regal did in the 1990s,” said Tam.

Our plans will be to build the strongest force in domestic basketball and then set foot in regional competitions
Tam Wai-yeung

“We hope to set the standard for domestic basketball as we believe there is a market for the sport. If Eastern take the lead, I am sure other teams will follow.”

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