Former Vietnamese basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu will make an appearance on a South Korean reality TV show alongside dozens of international basketball stars.

Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu, one of Vietnam’s most storied point guards and widely considered a VBA legend, recently competed on the South Korean reality TV show “Match Up.”

“I never thought I would participate in South Korean game shows,” said Tu, who goes by the name Stefan Nguyen. 

“The program will air on South Korea’s SBS. Check it out and watch me play against South Korean basketball legends.”

South Korea's 'Match Up' reality TV show. Photo: VBA

Though the 31-year-old Nguyen’s professional playing days are long behind him, the now-coach will be teamed up with South Korean and international players and former players to compete for the show’s ultimate prize – a golden basketball.

Amongst the contestants are 100 national team athletes, former pros, top-notch point guards, basketball enthusiasts, and international players. 

They will be randomly divided into teams to compete against each other, with no regard given to age, gender, or experience.

Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (L) poses with South Korean basketball icon Ha Seung Jin. Photo: VBA

South Korean basketball icon Ha Seung Jin, a 2.21-meter-tall former center for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers who made history as the first South Korean to play in the league, will host the show.

South Korean-American basketball legends Lee Seung Jun and Tony Akins will also make appearances.

“Match Up” is scheduled to premiere in mid-October.

“Thanks to basketball, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to meet and engage with the legendary Ha Seung Jin. It’s a true honor,” Nguyen said. 

“I hope that someday, I can bring these remarkable individuals to Vietnam to connect with our fans.”

Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (in red) and the Ho Chi Minh City team win a national 5x5 U16 basketball gold medal. Photo: VBA

Nguyen made a name for himself after helping lead the Da Nang Dragons to a VBA Championship in 2016. 

He then went on suit up for the Vietnam men’s national teams at the 2017 and 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Da Nang Dragons.

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