GAME NOTES: GROUP A — Hong Kong Eastern (1-2) vs. Suwon KT Sonicboom (2-2)

Written by EASL

Jesse Lam

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Eastern tries to keep Final Four dreams alive against KT

January 4, 2025 — Southorn Stadium, Hong Kong SAR

Where to Watch:

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The Hong Kong Eastern and the Suwon KT Sonicboom tip off at 20:10 CST. Here’s where you can catch the game!

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Hong Kong SAR:

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Watch the game on HOY TV (Channel 76).

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South Korea:

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Watch the game through CJ Entertainment’s TVING (OTT).

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Outside These Regions:

Visit the ‘Watch’ tab on the EASL website to find streaming options in your area.

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Get Your Tickets

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Get your tickets now at https://www.ticketflap.com/hkeastern-easl-vssuwonktsonicboom.

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Storylines:

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Eastern Hanging by a Thread

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Hong Kong Eastern enters their matchup against KBL’s Suwon KT Sonicboom with a 1-2 record. As this is their only meeting during the Group Stage, the game will determine the tiebreaker between the two teams.

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Eastern must win to keep their Final Four hopes alive. If KT prevails, Eastern will be eliminated from contention. The Hiroshima Dragonflies, defending B.LEAGUE champions, hold the tiebreaker over Eastern after sweeping their two matchups earlier in the season. Even if Eastern, Hiroshima, and KT finish with identical 3-3 records, Eastern will be unable to claim a top-two spot in Group A.

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However, Eastern’s fate remains in their own hands. Winning their final three games to finish 4-2 would still secure a Final Four berth. For now, this game is a must-win for the Hong Kong squad.

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Captain Hoon is Back

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The injury-riddled KT Sonicboom has faced significant setbacks this season, including the absence of their star and captain, Heo Hoon. Sidelined since Nov. 11 with a fractured left thumb and a foot injury, Heo returned on New Year’s Day, helping KT secure a win against Busan KCC Egis with 11 points and seven assists in just 21 minutes of play.

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The 2020 KBL MVP had been crucial in his first two EASL games this season, averaging 19.0 points and 6.5 assists. His return provides a much-needed boost to KT’s Final Four hopes.

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Despite Heo’s return, KT faces a tough challenge. The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots hold the tiebreaker against them, and while Hiroshima has a better record, KT holds the tiebreaker thanks to their Dec. 4 victory over the Dragonflies.

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Heo’s impact is undeniable, but how will he fare against a healthier and determined Eastern team?

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KT Import Makes Debut

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Suwon KT Sonicboom’s new import, Ismael Romero, is expected to make his EASL debut on Tuesday.

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Since releasing the ineffective Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. in October, KT has relied solely on Rayshaun Hammonds as their lone import. Though KT signed Jordan Morgan as a replacement, Morgan played only two games before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury on Oct. 30 during a KBL match.

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Romero, a Cuban-born naturalized Puerto Rican, represented Puerto Rico at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he scored 12 points against eventual champions, the United States. The 6-foot-9 big man has spent most of his career playing in Puerto Rico and Mexico, with a brief stint in the NBA G League’s Grand Rapids Gold during the 2015-16 season.

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With Hammonds shouldering much of the workload, Romero’s adjustment to KT’s system could be pivotal. How will the big man impact the team’s push for the Final Four?