Last week’s Player of the Week honors went to the very deserving Taiwan Beer small forward Tso Tsong-kai, who beat out Pure Youth Construction center Quincy Davis by a slim 29-21margin for the Super Basketball League’s coveted weekly distinction.
The former star out of Tsai Hsing Senior High School, who has had a bumpy career to say the least, having joined his fourth team in seven seasons, has finally solidified his role on the Brew Crew’s starting lineup with a consistent offensive output.
His recent scoring binge (23.5 points per game) was the main reason enabling the men in the familiar green to snap a five-game losing skid with a big win over the Dacin Tigers last week.
Photo: Courtesy of the SBL
Even though Taiwan Beer were not able to pull off the ultimate upset in their confrontation with the top-ranked Builders, with Davis and company reigning on the inside of the paint, Tso’s 18 points following a 28-point outpour earned him the nod from members of the Basketball Writers’ Association to land him his first-ever selection for the weekly award.
“It’s been one rough ride for me over the years, but I am glad that I found my spot on the [Taiwan Beer] starting lineup and have been able to contribute to my new team,” Tso said after learning the news.
“I’d like to thank the coaches for believing in me and giving me plenty of floor time to prove myself,” Tso added.
Tso and most of the Brew Crew will enjoy a little break over the weekend, as the league gets set to host the annual All-Star weekend at the National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport in Taichung, before regular-season action resumes in Sinjhuang, New Taipei City, next Friday evening.
Despite the All-Star weekend, Tso will likely maintain his normal daily workout consisting of strength and conditioning, as well as an all-out shooting session of between 500 and 600 baskets.
His continued success under the guidance of skipper Liu Jia-fa will undoubtedly make Taiwan Beer competitive, despite the departure of four starters from last year’s lineup.
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