As Johor Southern Tigers prepare for the Basketball Champions League Asia-East Qualifiers, the roles of their three foreign imports are beginning to take shape.
With the trio expected to fly in this week, the Tigers’ coaching staff already has a rough blueprint of how each player could fit into the team’s plans on the Asian stage.
From scoring punch to defensive energy and interior size, the imports appear to form a complementary trio aimed at boosting the Malaysian club’s competitiveness.
Hill expected to lead the offense
Among the three imports, 6-foot-5 American shooting guard Ahmed Hill is expected to shoulder much of the scoring responsibility.
Head coach Yong Kian Ann said he has studied Hill’s game extensively and was particularly impressed by his explosiveness and ability to create offense.
“He has great explosiveness. We hope he can help the team score in crunch time,” Yong said.
Hill arrives with strong credentials, having previously led the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in scoring, and is likely to serve as the Tigers’ primary offensive weapon.
Lewis brings athleticism to the wing
Another intriguing addition is Scottie Lewis, the athletic wing who had a brief stint in the NBA.
While the coaching staff is still evaluating his current form, Lewis’ physical tools immediately stand out.
“There aren’t many recent official game videos of him, so it’s difficult to make a full evaluation right now,” Yong said.
Even so, Lewis’ reputation as a high-level athlete suggests he could play an important role defensively while also providing energy in transition.
His speed and mobility on the wing could give the Tigers a different dimension against stronger Asian opponents.
Geramipoor anchors the paint
Standing at 7-feet tall, the British born Iranian center Aaron Geramipoor is expected to bolster the Tigers’ presence in the paint.
Yong noted that the team has been looking to improve its rebounding and physicality inside, areas where Geramipoor’s size and strength could provide immediate help.
At the same time, the coaching staff is aware that certain matchups could test the big man’s mobility, meaning the Tigers will need strong defensive coordination around him.
Building chemistry before the tournament
The Tigers’ roster is still coming together, with some players yet to fully join the team.
As the imports and local players begin training together, the focus will be on developing chemistry and establishing a clear playing rhythm ahead of the tournament.
For the Tigers, the three imports represent more than just reinforcements — they are a key component in the team’s attempt to elevate its competitiveness on the regional stage.
Whether the trio can deliver the expected impact will become clearer once the team begins competing.
Tigers already assured of next round
Under the BCL Asia-East Qualifiers format, the top three teams in each group advance to the East Asia Final Round.
However, with only three teams in the Southeast Asia group, the Southern Tigers have already secured qualification for the next stage scheduled in May.
The situation effectively gives the team additional time to integrate their roster and refine their system before facing tougher competition later in the tournament.
The East Asia champion and runner-up will ultimately advance to the final stage of the competition.
