Chou Yi-hsiang (???), a shooting guard who has played for Taiwan’s national team and spent the past five seasons performing in China, is coming home.
Chou, who has frequently represented Taiwan in international tournaments, has been playing in the Chinese Basketball Association since the 2017-2018 season, most recently with the Beijing Ducks from 2019-2022.
He will join the P.LEAGUE’s Kaohsiung Steelers, the team announced Wednesday, but the 31-year-old shooting guard will first head to Okinawa before playing in Kaohsiung to report to the national team for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
Taiwan will play in back-to-back games in Okinawa, starting with a matchup against Australia on Feb. 25 followed by an encounter with hosts Japan on Feb. 26.
Leopards sign Thomas: The Taoyuan Leopards of Taiwan’s other pro basketball league, the T1 LEAGUE, said Friday they have signed American big man Elijah Thomas.
The team is hoping the 25-year-old 2.06-meter power forward, who most recently played for the NBA G League Windy City Bulls, will complement the Leopards’ 2.11m center Deyonta Davis to dominate opponents inside the paint, according to a statement issued by the club.
During his stint in the G league, Thomas averaged 6.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game in six games played with the Bulls in the 2021-2022 season.
TaiwanBeer HeroBears show: Excitement is expected in Taipei this weekend as star-studded music performances will keep fans entertained when the Taipei-based TaiwanBeer HeroBears host the New Taipei CTBC DEA on Saturday and the Taichung Wagor Suns on Sunday at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
Taiwanese Mandopop singer-songwriter Weibird (???) and Golden Melody Award winner hip hop sensation Leo? will perform on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The HeroBears normally play their home games at the University of Taipei’s Tianmu campus gym, but are playing at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium this weekend.
P.LEAGUE+ games: The P. LEAGUE+ will also have two games over the weekend, with the Kaohsiung Steelers hosting the Taipei Fubon Braves on Saturday and the New Taipei Kings on Sunday at Kaohsiung Fengshan Stadium.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel