SHOALHAVEN Tigers product Darcy Harding has played a key role in helping his Australian Chinese Basketball Association (ACBA) Dragons win their second straight Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) International Invitational tournament.
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Harding, who recently won Thailand's World Basketball Invitation Tournament with the NBL1 All-Stars, jumped at the chance to compete internationally once again.
"I've been on a couple of trips with ACBA previously and have a very good relationship with them," Harding, who grew up in Batemans Bay, said.
"When I was hit up, I couldn't say no.
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"We were very confident going into the tournament, with the group winning it two years ago - so there was a bit of pressure to do it again.
"I think the competition this time around was another level up but with a few new additions to our group we felt we had a good shot."
Harding's confidence was warranted, as his side won all five of their matches at the October 22-27 tournament, including 96-77 Formosa Dreamers - in which Harding finished with 17 points and five rebounds.
The tournament win for Harding, who missed the final few matches through injury, was sealed with a 54-46 win against the Westport Malaysian Dragons.
"I played really well in my first few games but unfortunately did my ankle early in the third game and had to sit out for the rest of the tournament," he said.
"The boys did an amazing job of staying together and grinding it out.
"It's always a great feeling winning a tournament but to do it with the group of players and people around was special."
During his time on the court, Harding averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
"ACBA is well respected throughout Malaysia and always get invited to the best tournaments," he said.
"This one was very smoothly run and great exposure.
"So it's a credit to Malaysian basketball and MABA for doing that."
Harding, who has just completed two seasons with the Diamond Valley Eagles, is currently weighing up his options for next year.
"I'm currently just looking for a team to play for the upcoming NBL1 season," he said.
"Hopefully I'll have a contract signed before the new year."