Nha Trang Dolphins enter semi-finals of VBA 2024

After 20 matches of the 2024 professional basketball tournament (VBA), Nha Trang Dolphins progressed to the semi-finals with 11 wins and 9 losses, placing 3rd on the rankings. This is the 3rd consecutive time that Nha Trang Dolphins have entered the top 4 in VBA. 

The last matches of the VBA 2024 group stage are taking place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The result of the match between Hanoi Buffaloes and Can Tho Catfish on September 12 will decide the teams’ places on the rankings. In the previous match between the two teams on September 9, Hanoi Buffaloes secured a victory with a score of 88-77 against Can Tho Catfish. With this win, Hanoi Buffaloes solidified their second place on the rankings with 13 wins, 6 losses and 1 remaining game; meanwhile, Can Tho Catfish dropped to 4th place with 10 wins, 9 losses, and 1 remaining game. If they win against Hanoi Buffaloes in the upcoming match on September 12, Can Tho Catfish will move up to 3rd place, which is currently held by Nha Trang Dolphins.

Nha Trang Dolphins (yellow jersey) playing Da Nang Dragons on September 6

The four already qualified team for the semi-finals include Saigon Heat, leading the rankings after 20 rounds with 15 wins and 5 losses; Hanoi Buffaloes rank 2nd after 19 rounds with 13 wins and 6 losses; Nha Trang Dolphins rank 3rd after 20 rounds with 11 wins and 9 losses; Can Tho Catfish place 4th after 19 rounds with 10 wins and 9 losses. 

Nha Trang Dolphins' best achievement was the 2nd place in the 2023 season. This season, Nha Trang Dolphins only aim for placing in the top 3 teams. This season, Nha Trang Dolphins have made significant changes to their roster, most notably parting ways with coach Predrag Lukic. They are now led by Chris Daleo, an experienced coach with good achievements while coaching Thailand’s national basketball team. In addition, the team welcomed two new foreign players, Joe-Junior Mvuezolo and Mykal Daveon Jenkins from England, who have competed in major leagues in Thailand, England, Austria, etc. This change caused Nha Trang Dolphins to face some challenges early in the group stage. However, as the season progressed, Nha Trang Dolphins players well displayed their strength and connection and finally secured consecutive wins against strong opponents. Most notably, Nha Trang Dolphins won two consecutive matches in the final rounds of the group stage against Da Nang Dragons (September 6) with a score of 94-79 and Hanoi Buffaloes (September 3) with a score of 100-72, thereby earning a spot in the semifinals.

Although they have only joined VBA for four years, with their investment for the players and their ambition to develop Nha Trang’s basketball, Nha Trang Dolphins are gradually establishing their position in Vietnam's largest professional basketball league.

VBA 2024 is joined by 6 teams including Saigon Heat, Nha Trang Dolphins, Can Tho Catfish, Da Nang Dragons, Hanoi Buffaloes, Ho Chi Minh City Wings. The tournament also changed its format, shifting from playing at home and away like in VBA 2023 to only playing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N