Foreign "cards" help Hanoi Buffaloes nurture VBA championship dream

Factors that nurture Hanoi Buffaloes' hopes of winning the VBA 2025 championship ( Video : Quynh Anh).

Only a few days left until VBA 2025 officially kicks off. Right now, the "Capital Buffaloes" are actively training both physically and tactically to prepare for a challenging season ahead.

The training atmosphere at the team's headquarters is hotter than ever, clearly showing the determination to conquer the top of coach Matt Van Pelt and his team.

Entering the 10th season, Hanoi Buffaloes welcomes the special return of a familiar yet unfamiliar face - Matt Van Pelt. Having worn the "Capital Buffaloes" jersey as a player in 2017, after 8 years, he returned to the team not as an athlete on the field, but as a strategic leader from the coaching bench.

"Returning to the team that brought me to Vietnam 8 years ago is a truly fulfilling moment for me. Vietnam is now my second home, and to be able to lead the team that I first played for here is very special," coach Matt Van Pelt shared emotionally.

Sharing about Hanoi Buffaloes' goals in the new season, coach Matt Van Pelt said:

"Our only goal is to win the championship. VBA has only 7 teams, so everyone is aiming for that title. This is not easy, especially when there are strong opponents like Saigon Heat or the team from the Philippines. However, we believe in our ability and will fight our best to make that dream come true."

Coach Matt Van Pelt was the one who led the Vietnamese men's basketball team to win the historic silver medal in the 3x3 event at the 31st SEA Games, a memorable milestone for the country's basketball.

As a club leader, he also left a strong impression when he and Saigon Heat won 4 VBA championship titles, affirming the class and mettle of an experienced strategist.

VBA 2025 is expected to become more attractive and competitive than ever thanks to a series of strategic changes. The application of Asian foreign player rules and the regulation of three domestic players on the field will help teams increase balance in their squads.

Notably, this year's season will welcome an international team from the Philippines, a country with the most developed basketball industry in Asia.

Leon Ramiro, the Asian foreign player of the "Capital Buffaloes", possesses good speed, physical strength and technique, and can play as a point guard or a scoring guard. With a solid technical foundation and extensive playing experience, he is expected to be the new "conductor" on the front line, operating the gameplay and creating breakthroughs for the "Capital Buffaloes" in the new season.

Leon can press, defend well, handle the ball and pass with great flair.

"When working with Coach Matt, my only goal is to win. I am really excited to play under his guidance and believe that we can conquer the championship together," Leon Ramiro shared.

"Giant" Tamyrik Fields with a height of 2m06 promises to be an important piece to increase the strength and depth in the "Capital Buffaloes" squad.

He is known as the "multi-talented monster" because of his comprehensiveness and flexibility when playing in all positions, especially his decisive mid-range shots and unpredictable fadeaways.

The remaining foreign player of Hanoi Buffaloes is Taishaun Johnson. Possessing lightning speed and cunning ball handling skills, Taishaun Johnson can turn the game around in just a few moves.

With extensive international experience, Taishaun will be the one to set the tempo, launch sharp attacks and create space for the team to maximize their strength.

"We set a single, clear goal: to win the championship. With a talented squad and an experienced coaching staff, I believe that if the team maintains its spirit, practices hard and perseveres to the end, we can absolutely make that goal a reality," Taishaun Johnson shared.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/nhung-quan-bai-ngoai-giup-hanoi-buffaloes-nuoi-mong-vo-dich-vba-20250516070302353.htm