Johor Tigers in good hands

28/09/1998

BASKETBALL is a team sport but George Butler of the Johor Tigers has also
proven that a spark of individual brilliance can win titles.
In Butler, the shooting guard and the foreign Most Valuable Player last
season, the Tigers have an ace not many would relish going one-on-one
with.
Eighty nine points in three straight matches - 30 against the Sarawak
Hornbills; 40 against the Red Eagles and 19 against the Selangor Dragons -
took Johor to the title and he's back to help them win their second
straight.
As an added bonus, Chris Sneed, formerly of Selangor Dragons, will join
him as Johor's second import when they begin their quest against Penang
Stallions on Wednesday at the Segamat Indoor Stadium.
"Normally I try not to pamper the local players too much because this is
their League and we are here just to lend a hand, but as the game grows, I
sometimes have to lead to win the game," said Butler.
But even Butler's offensive abilities and aggressive approach alone
cannot guarantee success without teamwork, agreed Sneed.
"We have good locals in Ng Joo Lay, Helbert Legada and Teh Choon Yean,
so I am confident of a good showing," said Sneed.
The selection of foreign players lies in the hands of Brian Lester, who
is the co-ordinator (foreign players) of the MBL this season.
"I know all the teams in the MBL, their weaknesses and their strengths
because I have been following them for three seasons.
"Some of the teams needed shooters while others needed guards, so I gave
them players they needed to have well-balanced sides so that the losing
margins will not be too large," said lester. FACTFILE
TEAM OWNER: Datuk Tan Beng Tong; team manager: Ang Chin Cheet; coach:
Low Tong; local players: Teh Choon Yean, Oh Poh Aik, Helbert Legada, Ng
Chung Giat, Ng Soon Siong, Ng Joo Lay, Leow Leong Hing, Ng Choong Hwee,
Teo Wei Choon, Chew Teck Chai, Ong Kian Huat; foreign players: George
Butler, Chris Sneed.
Achievements: Last season, Johor Tigers easily denied Perak Red Eagles a
hattrick with an 86-81 win for the overall title at Stadium Negara. Johor
then went on to beat the MBL All-Stars team 104-98 in an exhibition match
to clinch RM10,000.
In 1996 - Johor lost to Selangor Dragons 93-90 in the semifinals.
In 1995 - Johor Tigers finished last in the preliminary rounds and were
the whipping boys.
(END)