After parting ways with import TJ Price, Hong Kong Eastern will be bringing in veteran Brandon Costner as his replacement.
Price, who averaged 20.0 points per game in two outings for Eastern, had been rumored towards being replaced dating back to the team’s pre-season scrimmages in China leading up to the start of the 2019-20 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) season. His lackluster perimeter shooting and decision making ultimately cost him his roster spot.
The player replacing him, Brandon Costner, has played around the world with stops in China, Japan, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, and the NBA G-league before landing himself in Hong Kong.
The 32-year-old American import last played in Japan’s B-League for the Yokohama B-Corsairs during their 2018-19 season, where he averaged 19.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 29 appearances.
Listed as a 6-foot-9 forward, Costner brings with him ample international experience and is expected to bring stability and leadership to a currently struggling Eastern team. His experience playing in and around Asia should allow him to adjust easier with the team.
According to a source close to the situation, the 2016 ABL Champions are also looking at additional import options available on the market and could be inching towards switching out Mike Holyfield and Trey Kell as well.
While a potential move involving Kell may seem questionable, as the import guard has been performing well thus far averaging 34.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest, Eastern has shown in the past that it isn’t afraid to make bold import decisions since its entry into the league.
Costner is expected to suit up against Mono Vampire Basketball Club on December 22 at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
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