The Hanoi Buffaloes bid farewell to their foreign player, Anthony January, two days before the 2023 VBA semifinals.

Recently, Hanoi Buffaloes, the Vietnamese capital city’s first professional basketball club, stirred concerns among fans as they announced the unavailability of forward Anthony January for the 2023 VBA semifinals.

“Due to an injury requiring rest for recovery, Hanoi Buffaloes officially exercise the right to substitute foreign players. The new addition to the team is forward Lenny Daniel,” the club said in their announcement.

Lenny Daniel plays for the Saigon Heat in the 2015-16 ASEAN Basketball League. Photo: VBA

Anthony January, a pivotal force propelling Hanoi Buffaloes to the 2023 VBA semifinals with a second-place finish in the group stage, has been a standout performer, leading both offensively and defensively with an impressive average of 25.8 points and 15.7 rebounds per contest, earning numerous MVP titles.

Lenny Daniel, set to fill the void left by January, is a familiar name to Vietnamese basketball enthusiasts, having previously played for the Saigon Heat in the 2015-16 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

“Lenny Daniel was one of the top scorers in the ABL. With a remarkable physique standing at 203cm, weighing 101kg, and boasting a versatile skill set, Lenny Daniel’s extensive experience will be a valuable addition to Hanoi Buffaloes in the upcoming journey,” the club said about their new recruit.

Lenny Daniel poses for a photo with fans. Photo: VBA

In his two-year stint in the Southeast Asian arena, Daniel earned the title of Best Player of Saigon Heat. 

Following his departure, he contributed his talents to various teams in the ABL. 

Prior to his return to Vietnam, Daniel garnered international experience in Bulgaria, Greece, Qatar, Argentina, Taiwan, and Uruguay.

Udun Osakue plays a key role in Hanoi Buffaloes’ victory streak of seven consecutive matches. Photo: VBA

In the 2023 VBA group stage, Hanoi Buffaloes experienced success after substituting forward Russell Smiths with Udun Osakue. 

The 1992-born Osakue, equipped with extensive experience and exceptional skills, has significantly bolstered Hanoi Buffaloes’ pursuit of championship glory.

ON Sports News, ON Sports Action, and the ON Plus app, and VTVcab, serve as the broadcasting platforms for the first semifinal game between the Hanoi Buffaloes and the Nha Trang Dolphins.

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