Home United Finished Third in Superstar Challenge

Defeat from the Taiwan Yulon and Singapore Cagers saw our Local Champion Home United finished Third in the Jumpshot Superstar Challenge. 

Taiwan Yulon cruised past Home United in their opening match. Yulon defeated Home by 28 points. Home United then pitted against the Singapore Cagers which made up of some local lads and two foreign imports from Africa. Standing at 2m tall, these guys really caused some problem to Home. Despite having the two foreign import, the cagers only managed to win the game 95-80. Home went on to secured a 40 points win against the local Philippines team and finished third in this tournament. 

The future still look bright for Home despite the two losses. Home seems to be able to dominate local basketball arena for another couple of years, unless BAS allow teams to import foreign like cagers without any special conditions. Couple of the local lads from cagers seems promising, but they still have a long way to go in order to stamp their foot on local basketball arena. 

You played well Home United, the fans are always behind you. With the fact that you did not import any foreigners to take part in this tournament and giving exposure to our very own local lads , we salute you! 

Home United Line Up for Superstar Challenge

Announcing the line up for Home United 

(Photos and profile provided by Meng Koon)

JUMPSHOT Superstar Challenge 2008

Book your calendar for this coming 2-4 August 2008 as JUMPSHOT Superstar Challenge is coming! Watch professional players from Taiwan and Philippines rubbing shoulders against local Champion, Home United and the newly formed local basketball Team, the Cagers.

Team participation in this invitation tournament are, Taiwan Yulong Basketball Team, Philippines Ginebra San Miguel Basketball Team, Home United Basketball Club and Cagers Basketball Team. Expect lots of actions and pace from these teams as they are all powerhouse in their homeland.

For those Home United Fans who are unable to travel with the team to other countries or Malaysia to support the team when they played against other powerhouse, this is a good chance for you to support them! Get your tickets now!

For more informations, visit http://www.jumpshot.com.sg/events.html

Congratulations to the Home Youth Teams.

The blog admin would like to congratulate Home United Boys Under 16 (Dragons) and Home United Under 18 girls for their achievement in this year’s Milo Cup.

The Boys finished fourth while the girls team finished runner-up in the competition. Kudos to the talented youths of Home United Basketball Club!

We would also like to apologise for the lack of coverage towards the end of the Milo Cup as there were no submission from anyone and the team is too tied up to cover for the remaining matches. Once again, well done boys and girls!

Protectors and Dragons Took a Step Closer towards Next Round

The Home United Under 16, Protectors and Dragons took a step closer towards the final round of the Milo Cup 2008 when they secured a win in their opening match in the second round.
Protector won Paya Lebar 77-43 while the Dragons overcome Zheng Hua's resistance and won 71-55.

Paya Lebar CSC took their chances in the 1st quarter and gave the Protectors a hard time when they took the lead early in the game. The score tied at 13-13 at the end of 1st quarter. The Protectors stepped up on their defence and overturned the tie. The game turned into an one-way traffic subsequently when Paya Lebar was unable to break away from Home's full court press.

The Dragons had a uphill task when they took on Zheng Hua on the same evening. Having already lost to Tong Whye in the first round, they have to win their remaining games in order to stand a chance to qualify.

During the first quarter, Zheng Hua was on the roll when they hit Home's sloopy defence. Things got tougher for Home when they trailed 10-16 at the end of first quarter. After the break, the Dragons back to their normal full court man-mark and closed down the lead. They were 1 point behind when the 2nd quarter ended 29-28 in favour of Zheng Hua.

With such depth in Dragons squad, Zheng Hua soon ran out of steam as they mainly relied on a few players. Dragons kept rotating their players and they were still fresh towards the 3rd and last quarter. In the 3rd quarter, Home outscored Zheng Hua 24-7 and took the lead for the 1st time in the game. It was no turning back then, Home held on to their lead and won the game, taking a step closer to the next round.

The next game will be played at SBC on 16 Jun 2008. The Protectors will take on Chong Ghee at 8.30pm while the Dragons take on T-net at 7pm.

Protectors Progressed as Group Winner, Under 18 Faced Exits.

The Home United Protectors progressed to the second round of the Milo Cup after winning Kai Xuan Youth. While both the under 16 teams tasted successes in the first round, the Under 18 is eliminated in round one despite winning two of their 3 matches.

The Under 18 team suffered a big defeat during last night game against the Singapore School meant that they are being eliminated due to goal difference. The game last night marked the end of the season for the squad and a lot of work has to be done to improve this team if they are going to participate again next year.

The next game for the Under 16 teams will be on 14 June 2008 at Singapore Basketball Center. The Protectors will be playing at 5.30pm and the Dragon will be playing at 7pm. Let’s hope that this two teams are able to play well and progress to the final round of the tournament.

HUBC Blog Welcome Updates for Female team

As we are tied down with our personal commitment, this year’s reports are usually submitted by fans or anyone who watched the match. Although the reports are all on male teams, we are most welcome if female HUBC teams have got anything to submit to us for posting. Pls send all reports and pictures to homeunited.basketball@gmail.com

Dragons Suffered Costly Defeat

The Dragons suffered a costly defeat to Tong Whye Temple last night 73-71. The lost made Home United Dragons to progress to the 3rd round more difficult with BAS new tournament implementation in this year's Milo Cup

BAS implementing a new system for the 2nd round, which we find it impractical and unprofessional, the top two team of each group will progress to the next round with another top two teams from another group. Which also meant that Tong Whye and Home United will again be in the same group and last night result will be brought over to the next round. This also mean that when the 2nd round starts, two teams will start off with a win and two teams will start off with one loss. Should Home United Dragons and Tong Whye successfully proceed to the final round of 6. Their results in the 1st round will be again brought forward to that round. This is what we call, unprofessional and amateur why of organising a tournament. 

Aside from BAS ever changing management and organising of such event, the match involved two of the most talented teams, Home United and Tong Whye looks like a grand final match. Both teams gone through a see saw battle before Tong Whye finally emerged winner in the dying seconds of the last quarter. 

Credits must go to Home United although they lost this important game. Without their big man for this game, the rest of the squad managed to neutralise Tong Whye's big man play, unsettling their flow of play and made Tong Whye's centers work real hard to get the ball. 

Tong Whye scored through their main center, No.12 and Home answered back with their long rage shooting and fast break. No.7 Larry and No.11 scored 13 and 17 points respectively. Six 3-pointers between the two players and a total of nine 3-pointers from the team to keep Home closely contested in the game.

When a team is able to scored so many points  and 3 pointers in a game and yet lost, we have to point out that Home United's defence last night was not really up to par. although they did managed to cut off the Tong Whye's center supply, they lost focus at times to let their opponent scored through easy fast break and basket. This should be something for the team to work on. 

Despite the lost, Home are still hopeful to qualify for the next final round. They would need to beat their next two opponents in order to stand a chance to qualify. If they keep up with the way they scores and brush up their defence, this team could be one of the most difficult team to beat. 

Dragons Progress To Next Round, Protectors Put a Foot In

If you have gone to watch the second match of both Dragons and Protectors, you definitely would have breathing difficulty for both games. The Dragons took on DOS on Wednesday in search to book an early entry to the second round. DOS, who lost to Tong Whye Temple needs to win this game to ensure they stand a chance to qualify.

The Dragons were in control for the 1st half, taking a 36-20 lead during half time. Home took a hugh lead with No.11 Benny Ong scoring freely at any area on the court. He contributed 12 points for the whole game. But DOS did not give up, they gave Home a run during the third quarter. With 5 minutes left on the clock, DOS cut down Home’s lead to 6 points. The Home defence start to look shaky for a moment before a time-out was called.

Back from the time-out, the Home players looked composed and start to score and pull off from their opponent. No.9 Loh Teng Rui contributed 6 points (14 points in total) in the last quarter to stabilise Home lead and make sure that Home proceeded to win this game. It was all over for DOS in this competition when the Dragons held on and won the game 73-56.

Protectors Fenced off Raffles Institution

The Protectors won the game like the way Under 18 won in their first game. Trailing from behind during the 2nd quarter with the score 34-28 at half time, the protectors never look like they are going to win this game. The absence of their key center No.14 Hao Hong is causing more headaches for the team.

Raffles seem to be hungrier to win this game. Protectors set a full court trap defence in the third in hope to overturn the score. No.7 Toh Yi Sin scored a 3 pointer to tie the game at 47-47. The play paid off as they took a 2-point lead at the end of third with the score read 51-49.

The last quarter was a roller coaster ride. Raffles came closed to win the game with their never say die effort. No.8 Koh An Song and No.10 Kenneth Koh scored another 3-pointer respectively to keep Home in the game. The Protectors finally won Raffles 61-59 when the final buzzer sounded. What a relief to the fans, what a game for the team.

Protectors and Home United Under 18 Past First Hurdle

Both Under 16 and Under 18 Home Youth team past their first hurdle on Tuesday when they beat their opponent respectively. The Protectors cruised past Henderson Secondary 84-31 while the Under 18 squad narrowly escaped and scrapped a 60-57 win against Killiney Kopitiam.

The Protectors opened their scoring with Marcus Seah hitting his and the team first 3 points. With Substitutes No.12 Chin Chong Kiat coming on to add another 3 points, Home looked comfortable with 11 points lead 16-5 at the end of first quarter.

With Henderson putting more pressure on Home’s forward, it was show time for Home star center No.14 Lim Hong Hao. Towering at 1.9m tall, the power center show agility with some strong offensive rebound and scoring off the board. He scored 16 points, with No.12 Chin Chong Kiat and No.10 Kenneth Koh adding 12 points each.

With Home United firing freely throughout the game, they further inflicted Henderson’s wound by playing aggressive defence. The match eventually ended 84-31 in favour to Home United.

Under 18 Came Back from Behind to Steal A Win

With both under 16 teams winning their game easily, the Under 18 needs to work very hard to win their opening game. Home United was not helped by their smaller size as compared as their opponent.

Home started strongly with a 8-0 run. But soon found themselves in trouble dealing with
Killiney Kopitiam’s big centers. Although Killiney Kopitiam started off slowly, they eventually managed to close the lead and end the quarter with 14-11.

Killiney Kopitiam pulls off an impressive offence and lead the 2nd quarter 33-30. Throughout the 3rd quarter, Killiney Kopitiam held on to their lead. At one point, Home was trailing by 7 points. But it took a lot of character and mental strength for Home to overturn the score. No.10 Tan Choon Kiat gave everything he had assisting the team by scoring 15 points in the last 2 quarters, 23 points for the whole night. No.9 Lim Wee Hoe scored an important 3 point in the last quarter to bring Home back from the dead.

With a minute left towards the end, the game tied at 57-57. Home defended well and scored a fast break through Tan Choon Kiat. Home took a 2 point lead and with ladyluck shinning on them, Killiney Kopitiam missed an attempt to tie the game. Tan Choon Kiat made his free throw and Home came back from behind to win 60-57.

Home United (Dragons) Sealed Easy Win

Home United under 16 Youth Team (Dragons) were drawn into a group of death in this year Milo Cup. Together in the group are Tong Whye Temple, DOS and Quan Fong. Quan Fong should be the weakness team among all and the three strong teams are left to fight for two slots to proceed to the second round.

The Dragons recorded an easy win tonight at SBC against the lowly Quan Fong. Home is more superior in any department on the court. It was really a one sided game after all with the final score read 105-34.

Home, same as before deployed full court man mark right from the start, similar to the senior team when they won Tong Whye in the NBL final. But they seems to need some time to gel together as there are times where Quan Fong scored easy baskets due to their lacks of concentrations. Despite the down side, this squad fared better in their field goal percentage compared to previous year’s squad.

This match final score line should prove nothing if they lose in their remaining fixtures. Home has some players retained from last year’s squad. With No. 4 Kahliang, No.6 Jun Hao and No.7 Larry remained, back came No.10 Dawei from the combined school. The squad is reinforced by players from the Anglican High. However, the squad lacks of big center, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with team like Tong Whye and DOS.

Next up, Protectors takes on Henderson and Home under 18 faced tough test against Killiney Kopitiam.

By looking at the team sheet, Protectors strength should be about the same as the Dragons. They will meet Henderson in their first game tomorrow at SBC tomorrow at 7pm. The rest of teams are Kaixuan and Gryphons. Home United under 18 shared the same fate as the Dragons, a tough group awaiting ahead as they takes on Killiney Kopitiam tomorrow at a outdoor court Beside Kembangan MRT at 8.30pm. The other two groups are combined school white and team illusion. A big match tomorrow for the under 18 squad. For whoever the winner, that team stands a very high chance to enter the 2nd round.

All the best Home Team……….

Home Youth Team in Action

Home United Basketball Club Youth Team (Boys and Girls) will be in action starting from tomorrow onwards. They will be pitting against other top youth team in Singapore to compete in the Milo Cup 2008.

Milo Cup being the most prestigious Basketball Tournament for the youths in Singapore, is considered the most important game for a youth players.

Home United had send two under 16 boys and one under 18 boy follow by one under 18 girls and one under 16 girls to participate in this tournament. This is the most number of teams Home had sent for this tournament. It seems that Home Youth system is doing fine and has gain popularity among the youths over the years.

With both senior teams secured their championship last night, it will be interesting to see how their youth fair in this tournament.

Check out the boys line up and fixtures……

Under 16 (Dragons)
No.4 Lee Kah Liang (Captain)
No.5 Fong Jia Jun
No.6 Soh Jun Hao
No.7 Larry Liauw
No.8 Jasper Ong Chin Jin
No.9 Loh Teng Rui
No.10 Khoo Dawei (Vice Captain)
No.11 Benny Ong
No.12 Teo Liang Kai
No. 13 Ngai Yi Cong
No.14 Daniel Asyraf Syahiran Bin Rosli
No.15 Bon Yi Cheng

Under 16 (Protectors)
No.4 Aloysius Chua Xue Rui
No.5 Marcus Seah
No.6 Kelvin Liang Chee Wei (Captain)
No.7 Toh Yi Sin
No.8 Koh An Song (Vice Captain)
No.9 Ten Jia Shun
No.10 Kenneth Koh
No.11 Felix Ko Yu Hui
No.12 Chin Chong Kiat
No.13 Seetoh Wen Hao
No.14 Lim Hao Hong
No.15 Lee Guan Hui

Under 18
No.4 Samuel Lee
No.5 Tan Jun Kai
No.6 Travis Ang
No.7 Lim Sihua
No.8 Gavin Yong (Captain)
No.9 Lim Wee Hoe (Vice Captain)
No.10 Tan Choon Kiat
No.11 Calvin Lim
No.12 Tan Kok Song
No.13 Chia Wei Mun
No.14 Ong Jia Jun
No.15 Ng Boon Jun

For full fixtures, pls refer to BAS official website @(http://bas.org.sg/documents/MILO_JrBC_2008_Fixtures.xls)

Home United Dominates NBL Once Again

Home United Basketball Club dominates the local basketball arena once again. With the Men and Women teams winning the Grand Finals of the NBL last night, this is the second time in a row for the Women and fifth for the Men to defend their Championship titles.

The Women Grand Final between Home United and Qian Xi was nail-biting as both teams fought to till the very last seconds of the game. At one time, Home extended their lead to 8 points and looks comfortable to retain their Championship. But Qian Xi never gave up and cut down Home’s lead to 2 points. Lady Luck seems to be on Home Side when Qian Xi players miss a lay up. Home eventually won by 51-48.

The Men Grand Final followed up. It was a repeated final as Home United took on Tong Whye again in this year’s final. Tong Whye, without their key center Pathnman, was a hugh blow to the team.

Once again, Home seems to take some time to settle down when the opponent played zone defence. Tong Whye deployed a 2-3 zone defence seems to work for their in the first quarter. Home, pressing full court at the start of the game had no answer to Tong Whye zonal defence. Tong Whye eventually took a 7 points lead, leaving some nervous moments for the Home’s fan.

In the 2nd quarter, Home continued to deploy their full court press and seem more settled with Tong Whye Zonal defence. Although there isn’t much flow in their attack when Tong Whye was all set in zone, Home’s fast pace game plan and fast breaks made them come back into the game. Home regained their lead at the end of 2nd quarter.

It was a one way traffic in the 3rd and last quarter. Home’s Wang Wei Zhi scored 9 points consecutively to make it more difficult for Tong Whye to come back. Home stretched the lead to 30 points in the 3rd quarter.

The last quarter was a quarter for the clock to run down. The Championship was almost in Home’s bag. The players and the fans waited eagerly for the 10 minutes clock to run down. Home slowed down the game pace by setting a 3-2 zonal defence. This is the first time that anyone have seen them playing zone defence. Although Tong Whye managed a couple of 3 pointers in the last quarter, they never look to have a chance to get back into the game.

The final buzzer sounded with Home United wining the game 82-47. It was a night for all Home officials, players and fans. Once again Home United Basketball Club is the Champions for both Men and Women category.

Well done Home United, you are the truly Champions!

Home United Meet Tong Whye Again in the Final

Home United cruised past Chong Ghee 71-49 in the first semi-final and Tong Whye beat Eng Tat narrowly in the overtime puts the two finalist of last year’s NBL to compete in this year Grand Final again.

Home United was in trouble when they started off their game against Chong Ghee off their mark. Chong Ghee was in lead during the first quarter and Home United did not seem to be able to score during the quarter.

Chong Ghee who held the defending Champion brilliantly throughout the first half found themselves playing the chasing game again in the third. Home pulled off their opponent with their full court press and fast breaks regained their lead and starts to cruise away in the game.

But the boo-boo incident happened at the starts of third quarter has prove again how lousy Singapore basketball referees can be. Chong Ghee had 6 players on the court and 2 points while the Home Players protested even before their opponent scored. The most amazing decision came – The referees actually call for the play to go on and Chong Ghee basket counts. This is so shameful and such a disgrace to the sport. Again, Singapore referees seem to be unable to admit their mistakes and make big decision in the game. What if the score is closely contested? Even if its not, they shouldn’t have carry on with their mistake!

The game went on and saw Home United stamped a place in the Grand Final. Let’s hope that the referees’ standard will be better in the final.

Chong Ghee Secured Fourth Place to Meet Home United

After a hard fought win against last year’s runner up, Tong Whye, Chong Ghee earned themselves a semi-final slot in this year’s NBL. They will face Home United tomorrow night in SBC at 7.15pm

Home United should not be taking this match lightly if they have seen how Chong Ghee managed a win against Tong Whye. Furthermore, Chong Ghee is the only team in the league had pitted wins against the defending champion. Tomorrow’s game should be very much different from their opening encounter.

Another nail-biting semi-final will be Eng Tat Hornets taking on Tong Whye. The latter is not in good form in this year’s NBL. Eng Tat currently in good form should see this match through. But you never know how Tong Whye will react to this game. After all, being the underdog in this game, they got nothing to lose and expect them to give Eng Tat a real fight.

Let’s hope that all four teams will produce some exciting and stunning basketball game tomorrow. Also, we expected all Home United fans to be there again for the team. We have come a long way to support this team, let’s give our fullest support for them in their last 2 matches.

HOME UNITED ALL THE WAY!!!!

Home Unbeaten After First Round

Home United kept a 100% win record after completed round 1 of the National Basketball League. While Home United get to rest for 2 more weeks before taking on 4th placing team of the NBL, the rest of the NBL teams are still competing for the semi-final berth.

Home, who won their last match against NUS once again prove that there are an undisputed Champion of local basketball. Although NUS created a lot of problem for Home United, they were outplayed in the 3rd and last quarter.

NUS, played their maiden season in NBL took on the Champion bravely in the 1st half. In the two quarters, NUS was in control of the game most of the time. But the experience of Home players managed to overturn the tide every time and managed to retain a 1 point lead after the 1st and 2nd quarter.

The 3rd quarter onwards was almost one way traffic in favour of Home. Deploying full court man on man, NUS find it hard to breathe against Home tight defence. Home started to pull away from their opponent after a series waves of fast breaks.

Home United took a comfortable 20 points lead and threw in the rookie players for a run. NUS, with their never give up attitude, tried to press full court in search for some miracles.

It was too late to undone the damages, Home held on their lead superbly and end the game with the score 72 – 49.

Home United Thrashed Tagawa

Home United showed no mercy when they thrashed Tagawa 71-34 during last Wednesday game. Tagawa was no match for the mighty Home in every aspect of the game. 

Tagawa was very much different from the team who beat Tong Whye and lost narrowly to Eng Tat when they faced Home United. They did not put on a fight as their handed their worst defeat of the season. Home United on the other hand recovered from their awful defence against Eng Tat and put on a better performance that night

Home took a big lead in the 1st quarter and extended their lead during half time. There Home travelling on an expressway leaving their opponent way back behind. 

Coming Sunday, Home will meet "Dark Horse", NUS for their last game in this round. A Semi-final spot is confirm for Home. NUS who have impressed the crowd with some breathe taking performances will hope for a semi final place in their maiden appearance in NBL. 

Let's hope that it will be an interesting game ahead. 

Home Sink Sin Kee and Almost Stun by Hornets

After Home defeated Sin Kee 69-48 in one of the most boring match of NBL this season, there’s seems to be nothing much to report on that match. The focus then fell on the Eng Tat match.

The setting, the crowd and the action of the Home United and Eng Tat game were awesome. Eng Tat left some of their main players on the bench during the start, a tactic which want to run out the energy of Home United main players and then struck Home United when they are tired. Seriously, this almost paid off.

Right from the start, Eng Tat push Home to the limit, denying space and pressuring home with their aggressive offence. Although Home managed to withstand their attacks, Home who had a bad night only managed to take a 1 point lead by the end of 1st quarter.

Home United was not displaying their best defence that night. The defence that keep them above the rest somehow missed out during that night. Eng Tat kept their lead between 5 and 7 points all along towards the end of 4th quarter. They must have felt that they could be the first team to beat Home United this season. Hampered by their foul trouble, Eng tat still managed to hold on their lead with minutes and seconds ticked down the clock.

But Home players’ experience and their strong belief that they are still in the game and could actually won the game stood by them. Not in a second that the Home players gave up. They fought hard and was trailing by 1 point (78-79) with 5 sec remain on the clock with Home United in possession. No.8 Derek Aw drives towards the basket and was foul by Eng Tat player.

FREE THROW! The ref called for the foul with 3 seconds remaining. TIME OUT! Shouted Eng Tat coached. After the time out, Derek Aw went to the free throw line and shoot. The 1st attempt, looked set to miss – but somehow the ball went in (79-79). Home United tied the game. Then he made the 2nd attempt.(80-79) Home leads by 1 point. TIME OUT! – Eng Tat called for a time out again, trying to plot something in the last 3 seconds to win the game.

The ball will be played in Home United half, 3 seconds remaining; Eng Tat tried to in bound the ball and scored. Out came the in bound, once again, Derek Aw got a touch of the ball and stole it from the Eng Tat players and the buzzer sounded.

VICTORY to Home United. Home United won the game 80-79. What a dramatic came back and what a way to win this game! In a match where you may have thought that Home United is going to lose, they came out winner. If this is the 1st time I entered this stadium, I would have thought that this game is the Grand-Final.

Home did not played well, but lady luck is on their side. What a night, what a win. A real relief for the Home United supporters.

Home Blog Seeks Your Help!

While we thanks those who continued to drop us match reports and photos of the match in the past, we would like to extend our invitation to all Home United fans/supporter to come forward with more match reports and photos.

To make this blog more interesting, the blog admins will not be able to do it without the help from the fans. While we have reports and information constantly coming in for the boys and men team, we urged fans, players or manager of the female team to submit anything for us to post in this blog. This blog isn’t going to be just focus on the men teams, but overall Home United Basketball Club.

We are not afraid that you flood our mailbox, we are more than welcome and appreciate anything you guys send to us. Keep your updates coming in, anything under the sun, from happening during training ground to game reports.

Don’t hesitate, send us whatever you have now. Let’s make this blog as interesting as possible!

Home United Bagged Easy Win Over Tong Whye

Last year’s runner-up Tong Whye suffered another setback when they lost 53-79 to Home United Basketball Club last night. Home United was in all command in every aspect of the game, totally in control.

For the second time this season, Home United killed off the game in half time when they took a 25-point lead at the end of second quarter. (Chong Ghee was the first victim) Thong Whye suffered a double blow when their main point guard and No.10 were out injured.

While Koh Meng Koon was leading the attacks and defence for Home United, his Slingers team mate, Pathman had a woeful game. He missed several open chances inside the paint and was not effective in defence as well.

Home United was on a roll last night, any player who came on, played well and with Mitchell and Jacob impressive display show that Home got their youth system right.

Once again Home impressive defence caused a lot of trouble for their opponent. Tong Whye surely have no answer to this defence. At the end Home took their 3rd win in row in this tournament.

Home United Secured Second Win in NBL 2008

It was a night that almost turned out to be a giant killing night. Tong Whye, last year runner-up lost narrowly to Tagawa by 1 point while Min Yi put on a real fight in a exciting match which left a number of question marks at the end of the game.

All credits to Min Yi who fought hard and gave the champion a real fight. They came out playing more aggressive than Home United and much more eager to overturn the champion. But credits must be given to Home United as they were playing against 8 men on the court. The referees definitely made the match more interesting and exciting with their questionable calls against Home United.

Right from the starts, the referees were calling petty fouls against Home and were not consistence against Min Yi with the similar type of fouls they committed. The roller coaster match end up a tie, 27-27 at the end of 2nd quarter.

Things got worse during the 3rd and beginner of 4th quarter. More unbelievable calls were called against Home United. So much so that the crowd starts to jeer at the referees and players and Home officials from the bench reacted angrily at their calls. Well, what we got to say? This is the standard of Singapore Referees. Why are the referees reacting in this way? To make the match or tournament more exciting? It was until last minute in the last quarter that two of the “young” referees started to “notice” those fouls that Min Yi had been committed right from the beginning. What about the “senior” referee? Out of 22 decisions he made last night, only one is against Min Yi.

Home stood tall and eventually won the match 76-59. It could have been worst for Min Yi if the refs were consistence with their call. But credits should not be taken away for their fighting spirits.

Editor's personal note:
To the referees who officiate last night game. For whatsoever reasons for you to react, to officiate the way you did, you did not make the match exciting but you disgusted the game, you a shame and no integrity. It’s obvious, the crowd saw it and I bet you know it yourself. Shame on you, you stained the referee’s image and name.

Home United vs Min Yi Preview, WNBL Starts Tonight

Newly promoted Min Yi will have a tough test today, taking on last year Champion, Home United Basketball Club. Min Yi lost their first game against NUS will need to work extra hard to trouble Home, who strolled past Chong Ghee in their game.

This should be the first time both teams play against each other in the NBL in recent years. The game will be played tonight, 8.30pm at Singapore Basketball Center.

Min Yi is basically a young team. Most of their players are promoted from their youth system. Based on their first performance, they should cause a little problem for the mighty Home.

Veteran Chua Boon Heng should be back for this game. With his experience and coolness on the court, Home should find balance in the play-making area. With Jason Tan injured during last match, it should be too early to call upon him in this game. Home captain, Koh Meng Koon will be again the key player to look out for. While his compatriot, Alan, will look forward for another great game in the center role.

With so much talent in the team, Min Yi will find this game much tougher than the NUS game.

Women NBL 2008

The Women NBL starts tonight with only four teams participating in this year’s tournament. The tournament will use a double round robin system.

It a pity that with so many female basketballers around in Singapore, the most prestige tournament in country has only four teams participating in it. Definitely we would like to see more teams taking part in the tournament and more exciting matches for all basketball fans.

Qian Xi will take on T-net club tonight at 7pm while Home United will have a tough game against Kg Ubi Kembangan CSC at 8.30pm.

Our Blog Admin once again urged readers or supporters of this club blog to submit any match report or photos if any to our email so that we are able to post them.

Defending Champion Strolled in First Win

It was a stroll in the park for defending Champion, Home United as they thrashed Chong Ghee Sports Club 77-51 last night in the Singapore Basketball Center. Home United with new faces like Forward, Jason Goh, Impressive Center, Alan, Point Guard, Wei Kang and Jacob proved too much for Chong Ghee to handle.

The match end prematurely when Home United took a 30 points lead some time in the 2nd quarter. Displaying an impressive strong full court man press and outstanding man marking in the 1st half, Chong Ghee could only score less than 15 points in the 1st half. Rookie Center, Alan made his debut game for Home United and impressed the crowd and his team-mates with his outstanding contribution in defence. He got his 4th out of 6 block shot of the game in the 2nd quarter stopped nearly every Chong Ghee attacks in the paint.

Home suffered a blow when key point guard, Jason Tan was injured his ankle as early as in the 1st quarter. Although he was later involved in the last quarter, he barely managed a couple of minutes before Wei Kang substituted him off the court. As veteran Chua Boon Heng missed the last night game, the play-making responsibilities fell in the hands of Jacob and Wei Kang who showed that they can be called upon.

Maybe the game looked too one sided that the crowd started to head home during half time. Home United performance in the 2nd half was not as impressive as compared to the 1st, causing some turnovers and lapse of concentration in defence. Maybe a sign of complacency or they simply took the game too lightly during the 3rd.

Captain Koh Meng Koon once again leads the scoring for Home while Alan hits on a double-digit scoring to cap an impressive debut. If Home puts on that kind of defence showed in the first half, it is no doubt that they will be champion again this season.

On the earlier match, NUS also capped their 1st win against the newly promoted Min Yi. It will be interesting to see how these two newbie perform against the rest of the team.

Home United vs Chong Ghee Preview

Previous meeting: 28th March 2007
Result: Chong Ghee 54 - Home United 81

Home United starts off this season against Chong Ghee Sports Club today at 8.30pm, Singapore Basketball Center. Home United in search to defend their title for the fifth consecutive year, will definitely wants to starts the season with a victory.

Not much changes made in the Home’s line up. Captain Koh Meng Koon, veteran Chua Boon Heng, Koong Kum Hong, Jason Tan, Derek Aw and Sham are all named in this year’s Squad. Promising youth player such as Mitchell, his brother Jacob and others names like Khng En Ning synergies the squad with experience and energy.

Other team members like Wang Wei Zhi and Chong Zheng Yean provide alternate option in the center position. New faces, Jason Goh (Ex SAFSA player) finally join up with the squad. Jacob, elder brother of Mitchell, join forces with his brother after his national service with SAFSA. A surprise rookie named was Teo Kun You, a 16 year-old national youth player was selected from its youth squad.

The move showed that Home United is heading towards the right direction, nurturing youths under their wing for big tournament like NBL. It will be exciting to see how the youth players can grow and play under the guidance of their seniors.

All home supporters see you there!

Next up: Woman NBL 2008….. Watch this space!

Catch some basketball action in this year's slam dunk competition...

New NBL Season 2008

The new NBL season 2008 starts on 9 April 2008. The first match will see the two newly promoted teams, NUS takes on Min Yi. While defending Champion, Home United takes on Chong Ghee in quest for their fifth feat of the Championship.

HUBC bloggers have not received the team sheet for HUBC. But we were informed on the fixture for this NBL. We would like to see all HUBC supporters turn up for all HUBC games and if possible submit match reports and picture for us to update this blog.

Once again, we are not doing this for full time and would very much appreciate help from all supporters to make this blog interesting and lively.

Our email is homeunited.basketballclub@gmail.com. Keep your mails coming!

Home United Basketball Club (Men) Fixtures

9th April 2008 @8.30pm
Home United vs Chong Ghee

13 April 2008 @8.30pm
Min Yi vs Home United

20 April 2008 @ 8.30pm
Home United vs Tong Whye

23rd April 2008 @8.30pm
Sin Kee vs Home United

27th April 2008 @7pm
Home United vs Eng Tat Hornets

30th April 2008 @8.30pm
Home United vs Tagawa

4th May 2008 @7pm
NUS vs Home United