TPBL Dreamers Retain Championship Foreign Player Core, Kao Po-kai Aims for Local Status

(CNA) Taipei, July 2 (CNA) The Formosa Dreamers of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) announced today their foreign player lineup is complete, with the entire championship roster re-signing to pursue a second consecutive title. "New Taiwanese" Kao Po-kai (Brandon Gilbeck) will aim to qualify as a local player.

The Dreamers staged a remarkable comeback in the TPBL Finals, overcoming a 1-3 deficit in the series to win three straight games and capture the team's first championship. They have now announced the re-signing of their entire foreign player contingent, including Finals MVP Benjamin Bentil, Brandon Gilbeck, Trey Thompkins III, and Aric Holman, as they push towards their goal of back-to-back championships.

Dreamers General Manager Han Chun-kai stated, "We are very happy to retain these four foreign players. They are all crucial components of the team's system and identify with the team's culture and spirit. We hope to build on our existing chemistry to continuously improve our competitiveness and move towards our goals for the new season."

Notably, according to TPBL regulations, "naturalized players who have obtained Republic of China nationality, have represented the national team, and have been registered with a single league team for 3 seasons can be considered local players." Kao Po-kai has played for the Dreamers for two seasons, so if he registers for two-thirds of the regular season games next season, he will gain "local player" status.

As the team's last line of defense in the paint, Kao Po-kai has not only been named Defensive Player of the Year and Block Leader for two consecutive years, but also selected for the All-Defensive First Team. He averages 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. With his stable rim protection and inside presence, he is an indispensable pillar for the Dreamers' interior game. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150702

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