Nha Trang Dolphins to have rematch with Hanoi Buffaloes 

After good performances at the beginning stage of the season, Nha Trang Dolphins are facing a big change in their squad. In the upcoming rematch with Hanoi Buffaloes taking place in Hanoi on July 6, Nha Trang Dolphins are predicted to have a low chance of winning.

Nha Trang Dolphins have been slowing down after tough matches against strong opponents Cantho Catfish and Saigon Heat. They're currently fourth in the standings with four wins and three losses, behind the Heat, Catfish and Hanoi Buffaloes. Still, it's not a bad showing for Coach Todd Purves and his players, especially considering that it's early stage in the VBA season and the teams ahead of them are experienced and top-tier clubs.

Nha Trang Dolphins player Jaylyn Richardson (left) in a match against Saigon Heat

However, a major hurdle for Nha Trang Dolphins this season has been the inconsistency of their foreign players. In 2024, Nha Trang Dolphins had an incredible foreign lineup with Madarious Gibbs, Robert Sampson and Dominique Tham. That potent offensive and defensive trio truly dominated, forcing top clubs like Hanoi Buffaloes, Cantho Catfish and even the eventual champions Saigon Heat to adjust their game plans. The trio powered Nha Trang Dolphins to a third-place finish, marking their second consecutive playoff appearance. Unfortunately, these players no longer play for Nha Trang Dolphins.

Meanwhile, early this season, Nha Trang Dolphins' highly anticipated foreign players namely Jaylyn Richardson and John Fields haven’t met the supporters’ expectation. Jaylyn Richardson, considered the team's top scorer, often performs well for only a quarter or two and quickly fading and often needing to be subbed out. John Fields, who is expected to be a solid defense for Nha Trang Dolphins and fill the shoes of Dominique Tham, has been often sidelined with injuries. Vietnamese-heritage player Brian Nguyen who joined the team at the start of the season, has yet to earn significant playing time under Coach Todd Purves.

These deficiencies affected Nha Trang Dolphins' recent performances and contributed to their streak of loses. In order to improve the team’s competence, at the end of June, Nha Trang Dolphins replaced John Field and Brian Nguyen with Mykal Jenkins (former player of Saigon Heat) and Max Allen (former player of Danang Dragons). 

The match against Hanoi Buffaloes on the away field on July 6 is predicted to be another tough match for Coach Todd Purves and his team, and the possibility of Nha Trang Dolphins winning is not high. Hanoi Buffaloes are showing good form with 7 consecutive wins and is leading the rankings. Coach Matt Van Pelt's team is showing high determination towards the goal of winning the tournament for the first time after 2 times reaching the final and only winning the runner-up position (2018, 2022). Meanwhile, it’s not easy for newcomer Mykal Jenkins and Max Allen Nha Trang Dolphins to quickly integrate into the team's playing style. Nha Trang Dolphins supporters still hope that Coach Todd Purves and his team will quickly overcome this difficult period so that they can quickly regain their form like they showed last season.

AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N