Kerry Blackshear Jr. earns EASL October POTM, Heo, Cooley feature in TOTM

East Asia Super League (EASL) has announced its Player of the Month and Team of the Month for October. Hiroshima forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. took home EASL Player of the Month honors while also placing in the Team of the Month alongside Damian Chong-Qui (Macau Black Bears), Heo Hoon (Suwon KT Sonicboom), Pai Yao-Cheng (Taoyuan Pauian Pilots) and Jack Cooley (Ryukyu Golden Kings). 

‍

‍

Blackshear Jr. averaged 21 points, 10.5 rebounds and five assists for the undefeated Dragonflies across two games in October. The former Florida product also earned EASL Player of the Game awards in both outings. 

‍

‍

Although Chong-Qui and Heo’s respective teams have both lost a game this season, the pair have excelled offensively. Throughout all of Macau’s three games, Chong-Qui has finished with 20-plus points while Heo averages 19 points and notably tallied nine assists in KT’s season-opening 87-81 victory over the San Miguel Beermen. 

‍

‍

On Oct. 23, Pai emerged as an unlikely hero during Taoyuan’s blowout 91-70 road triumph against the Soniboom. The 6-foot guard recorded a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double to help the Pauian Pilots win in their EASL debut. In P. LEAGUE+ play, Pai has gotten off to a quick start, averaging nine points, 4.3 rebounds and five assists through three games. 

‍

Similar to its cross-country rivals Hiroshima, Ryukyu remains undefeated at 2-0, thanks largely to Cooley. Now in his second-straight EASL season, the Golden Kings’ big man most recently logged a monster 24-point, 19-rebound performance in Ryukyu’s 96-93 victory over Macau on Oct. 30. 

‍

‍

After eight thrilling matchups in October, EASL’s November slate promises more excitement with three games featuring five of Asia’s best teams. On Nov. 6, the Black Bears host the KBL’s Busan KCC Egis. Then, on Nov. 13, Clash of Champions Manila — an electrifying doubleheader of basketball action showcasing the San Miguel Beermen and Meralco Bolts — takes place at Manila’s PhilSports Arena.