Basketball 

HÀ NỘI — The Northside Amateur Basketball Championship will be back on July 11 featuring 16 strong sides at the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium in Hà Nội.

Previously, 16 teams took part in the play-in round from June 14 to 23 in Hà Nội.

After 10 days of competition, eight teams qualified and joined the top eight from last season's playoffs. Notably, Ninh Bình and Hà Giang were back in the league after a long absence, while Hưng Yên is participating for the first time.

Following a draw on July 9, teams are divided into four groups of four. They will compete in a round robin format, with the top two qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Among the participants, Hà Nội in Group A are still the favourites for the title, due to their long tradition in basketball and outstanding ability that helped them win the last two seasons.

This year the powerhouse team have changed most of their line-up to try to defend their title. With members of the former VBA side Thăng Long Warriors, including Hưng Bún, Nhất Quang, Thành Nam, Việt Anh, Thái Quang, Mai Việt Anh and especially MVP 2023 Hoàng Ca, Hà Nội promise to be a fierce force for any rival who challenges their crown.

In Group B, Thanh Hóa remain a huge obstacle for any team. The two-time second finishers have famous former VBA member Nguyễn Văn Hùng on their side and have borrowed Ngô Văn Phúc from the Hidden Dragons, along with Lê Huy of 3F Galaxy and Quách Hải of Ba Đình.

 

They aim not only for the top spot in the first stage, but also the tournament title, after two consecutive losses to Hà Nội.

In Group C, Quảng Ninh and Thái Bình are likely to take the top two places. Regularly in the top four last season, Quảng Ninh are still a big name, although their core player Khúc Bùi Nguyên Hoàng won't make it to a game this year.

Meanwhile Thái Bình will still lean on Đạt Chu, who did everything by himself last year: scoring, dribbling, defending, rebounding, shooting three-pointers and generally giving an excellent performance, with 38 points scored.

This year, he will be strongly supported by Việt Anh Sếu and Đức Anh Popo to make a more exciting season. 

Group D will be the most difficult to predict, as the teams are equal in terms of their line-up and achievements, making it the group most worth watching.

The final match is scheduled for July 19, with the winner walking away with VNĐ25 million along with many gifts and vouchers from the sponsors.

The 11th tournament is organised by New Sports Company with support from VNPAY, VTVCab, 361° Sports and other sponsors. VNS