Tycoon coach says hard work starts now after first Hong Kong A1 Division regular season basketball title
- Tycoon and South China finish with identical record in extended 2021 season, but Chu Yiu-ming’s side stay top with a better head-to-head record
- Playoffs involving six teams will kick off next week, with finals to begin in mid October
Tycoon head coach Chu Yiu-ming insists the club will not stop in their quest for more honours after leading them to their maiden A1 Division regular season championship on Thursday night.
A 112-83 victory over Shung Tak Alumni Eagle at Southorn Stadium wrapped up a successful campaign for Tycoon – who were only promoted to the top-flight in 2017.
They topped the 2021 regular season – which was extended amid the pandemic, and resumed in July – with eight wins and one defeat ahead of the playoffs.
Heavyweights South China had the same record in the 10-team league, but since they lost to Tycoon 89-87 this summer, they had to settle for second place in the standings.
Chu – who was also Tycoon’s coach when they won promotion, but left when they began their journey in the top flight – attributed their success to a strong determination to win.
“We are the only ‘big four’ team that had never won the regular season, and the players were so determined to make it happen,” said the coach, who rejoined the club in 2019.