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Mike Chan

A fortnight after helping Hong Kong Eastern win a second Asean Basketball League title, Chris McLaughlin is edging closer to staying with the team for the long term.
The Canadian import started all but two of the 19 games and averaged 18.1 points and 14 rebounds in 30-plus minutes every time he stepped on the court.
McLaughlin said part of his motivation in returning to the city was to find a home and a “longer-term situation”.
“I can say that I plan to stay with Eastern for the long term, the future is bright for this team,” he said.
Oliver Lee Shu-wing, the team’s administrative manager, said McLaughlin’s performances spoke for themselves, but the decision to retain the Canadian was a decision for head coach Zeljko Pavlicevic’s and the coaching staff.
“Personally, I am putting him in a very top position [when we are finalising our roster] for the local season,” Lee said.

With Eastern winning its second title, McLaughlin paid tribute to the “chemistry” among the teammates for the success.
“Our team came together very quickly, with Tonny [Trocha-Morelos] and O’Darien Bassett joining us not long before our first road trip,” he said. “But our whole team was on the same page and got along very well right away.
“Team chemistry is an extremely important factor in professional basketball and we had it right away. Once we were in Singapore on the first trip, I think all of us shifted our goal to first focusing on play-offs, but also winning the championship.”

The four-game winning streak in Singapore paved the way for rest of the season as the Hong Kong franchise, ranked second in the regular season, finished as the best defensive team.
McLaughlin, who was named the tournament’s best defensive player, said his first ABL season was a “special” one to remember.
“I always thought that I would be a good fit for this league and that it would be a great test of my abilities,” the 30-year-old said.
“Looking back on the 19 games now after winning, it was quite the journey and an intense season of travel. I think we were on the road away from Hong Kong and home for about 49 days.
“That in itself takes a lot of mental toughness and the fact that we won after such a grind makes it that much more special.”

If McLaughlin is to stay with Eastern, the Canadian centre is likely to experience play-off basketball for the first time in the local A1 Division league.
Since plying his trade in Hong Kong back in September 2019, McLaughlin – then playing for Nam Ching – never saw his team finished in the top four.
Eastern have won the city’s top domestic league once, in 2018. Then, in the club’s third season since turning professional, they recovered from a two-game deficit to beat South China 3-2.


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FIBA (International Basketball Federation)

Hong Kong Eastern close to signing Canadian import Chris McLaughlin to long-term deal

Chris McLaughlin

Chris McLaughlin (second from left) posing with the ABL trophy alongside O’Darien Bassett, Dominic Gilbert and Tonny Trocha-Morelos. Photo: Handout

Chris McLaughlin was one of the main reasons Eastern won the ABL title. Photo: Handout

Chris McLaughlin in action

Asean Basketball League: Hong Kong Eastern captain Chan Siu-wing praises team’s adaptability during title success

Hong Kong Eastern won their second ABL title in franchise history on Tuesday

Chan Siu-wing (centre) celebrates scoring a three-pointer in Tuesday’s 73-60 win over Saigon Heat. Photo: Handout

Chan Siu-wing (left) and Wu Cheuk-pan (middle) pose with Leung Ka-hin after winning the ABL championship on Tuesday. Photo: Handout

Asean Basketball League: Hong Kong club Eastern seal regional title for second time

Back-up point guard Oliver Xu in action. Photo: Handout

Dominic Gilbert played all 40 minutes to record 13 points and 10 rebounds. Photo: Handout

Asean Basketball League finals: Hong Kong Eastern storm back to put one hand on the trophy

Dominic Gilbert had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in Eastern’s 89-73 win over the Saigon Heat in Game 1 of the ABL play-offs finals. Photos: Handout

Oliver Xu came off the bench to finish with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

O’Darien Bassett finished with 22 points.

Chris McLaughlin finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday night.

Asean Basketball League: Hong Kong Eastern look to close out series against NS Matrix for play-offs final spot

Chris McLaughlin in action for Hong Kong Eastern against NS Matrix. Photos: Handout

O’Darien Bassett led all scorers for Eastern with 17 points

Colombian international Tonny Trocha-Moreles contributed 14 points and seven boards.

Chris McLaughlin chipped in 16 points to go with 16 rebounds.

Asean Basketball League: Hong Kong Eastern thrash Zamboanga Valientes to all but secure final 4 spot with 3 games left

Chris McLaughlin (right) and Oliver Xu. Photo: Handout

O’Darien Bassett scored a team-high 18 points against Valientes. Photo: Handout

Sport

Basketball

Hong Kong

McLaughlin averaged 18.1 points and 14 rebounds for side during Asean Basketball League season
Canadian believes team has ‘bright future’ after securing second ABL title in franchise history


Canadian import believes team has ‘bright future’ after securing second ABL title in franchise history.
