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BOYS’ JUNIORS 18 & UNDER
Last year’s 18 & Under division was the strongest it has ever been, and most of the top players have moved on to the Men’s divisions, but we hope that this year’s tournament will provide us with just as much excitement and tough competition as the 2007 version did. We begin with the New York USAB 18’s, the 3 time defending champions. Bill Chan will be seeking his unprecedented 4th straight title, relying on three returning All-NACBAIT choices- MVP 6-0 forward Menley Khuu, 6-4 center Andrew Lichtenstein, and heady PG Daniel Ng. But that’s not all that’s in the pantry for USAB, as little Joe Chin will be ready to take over at the lead guard position if a year of college partying has slowed down Daniel. The other big weapon for USAB will be Kevin Chang, one of the top players on last year’s 15 & Under title team. USAB looks like a good bet to get their 4th, as no team out there will match up with them in terms of sheer talent. The 2007 runner up, the Toronto CCYAA 18’s, loses their top players in Kevin Truong and Andrew Suen, but that doesn’t mean they won’t end up with a good squad. This all-star team constantly reloads each year with the best players in the Toronto metro area. CCYAA has made 4 consecutive Finals, so a 5th straight is only to be expected from Coach Jeff Fong. With 4 returning players (including superathlete Jeremy Sin), and the addition to monstrous Tian Zheng’s addition from last year’s Youth team, Toronto should be pretty good. The Philadelphia Suns 18 are in a definite rebuilding mode, after their best team ever took an early lead on Toronto in last year’s Semis and then rode the emotional roller coaster to a loss. With coach Jackson Fu taking over for Mike Mon after 4 years of building towards last year, a new system and new personnel are making things difficult for the few returning players. The top dogs for this team will be scorer Tommy Le and lefty Duck Fung. If the hometown crowd gets behind them, and depth is not an issue, the Suns could have an outside shot to reach the Semis.

2006’s other Semifinalist was the New York ISS Flights 18, coached by Anthony Yeung. They looked pretty darn good in capturing this year’s Pre-NACBAIT Classic, and they have basically owned every 18 & Under tournament held since last May. They star former USAB guard William Hu and All-NACBAIT center George Tang. But the real key to this team’ success will be 16 year old Pre-NACBAIT Classic MVP Jason Wu. This young chap has improved his game by leaps and bounds since last year. With his deceptive moves and surprising athleticism, Jason may find a way to get the Flights one very desirable trophy. This year will give them a better than good chance. The New York Young Life Rockits have a good amount of talent at all positions and will certainly be better than their Consolation Championship finish last year. Coach Mike Mei has taken the reigns from NACBAIT Top 25’er Kevin Low, and implemented a different style. Dennis Liew is the best PG in the division, and Jimmy Lau isn’t too shabby either. These 2 may form one of the strongest backcourts around this year. When you factor in the shooting of Cheuk Wong and the length of center Eddie Zhang, the Rockits have the pieces to make a run. Rounding out the division will be the Washington CYC 18’s, coached by Harry Guey Lee. This team has been looking towards this year for the past 4 years, as almost every player is now 18 years old. They have the game experience and the coaching know how to do what needs to get done. The floor general for this team will be Jason Lee, a 2007 All-NACBAIT pick. Defensive stopper Steven Lee and microwave Scottie Hsieh will make the backcourt the strength of this team. Big men Leo Ma and Raymond Lee are absolutely the 2 largest and most hulking presences in the division. Watch out for this team in a one and done situation.

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Titans Prevail 18U Div.

Canton China to Montreal

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