Former CSU Los Angeles Player, Filipino American Joshua Munzon is playing for the Saigon Heat in ASEAN Basketball League

The Saigon Heat have picked up their pace in strengthening their roster for the upcoming ASEAN Basketball League season by signing Filipino-American, Joshua Munzon.

Munzon recently graduated from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) averaging a stat line of 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists during the span of 4 years at the NCAA Division II school. His signing with the Heat will be Munzon’s first professional basketball stint.

“I’m excited to have my first opportunity to play professionally,” Munzon says of this upcoming experience. “This has always been the ultimate goal throughout my basketball career. I’m blessed and thankful to have this opportunity and now it’s time for me to prove that I belong here.”

The 6’4″ guard was a vital piece to the CSULA Golden Eagles, starting all but 17 of 109 games. He is expected to bring the same all-around intensity, especially since he will be filling in the void left by Thai-American Moses Morgan who will not be returning to the Saigon Heat this season.

“I think Joshua brings a complete package,” Saigon Heat Head Coach Anthony Garbelotto says of what he expects from Munzon, “When we started looking at him and spoke to opposing coaches, they loved the way he competed, played defense and was a team player. Adding that to his impressive offensive abilities and athleticism, we think we have a great replacement for Moses.”

“Of course, it is going to be a tough task to replace Moses,” Coach Garbelotto continues on about which areas Munzon can help to improve. “But no one knew Moses before last season and in some ways, we think that Joshua can help us in those same areas. I think he could be a better facilitator and penetrator than Moses but only time will tell. As a Coach, you try to improve the team from season to season. We have made great improvements and we are excited about what Joshua can bring to this team.”

With the Vietnamese Basketball Association season nearing a conclusion, Munzon will soon join the Saigon Heat in it’s preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Basketball League. He won’t be coming in as a blank slate, looking quite well-prepared and armed with some early veteran guidance.

“I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the Saigon Heat,” Munzon says about the impression he has so far about his new team. “Everyone I’ve talked to about the team has spoken highly of their professionalism and that they take care of their players which was big for me. We also had the best fans in the league and it’s going to be cool to play in front of them.”

“I had lunch with one of my teammates, Lenny Daniels, and that was good for me,” Munzon says. “Not only to be able to talk to one of my future teammates but to talk to someone who has played professionally for several years. His advice was for me to be myself and play basketball. He told me to stick to what has gotten me to this point, soak in knowledge from the veterans, and grow as a basketball player.”

“Saigon Heat fans can expect me to give everything I have, every time my I lace up my shoes. I’m someone that takes a lot of pride in making plays and I’m excited to get the opportunity to show them what I can do.”

“As far as nicknames go a lot of people call me Munz,” He adds. “Which is a shorter version of my last name. As far as a cool nickname I don’t have one yet and hopefully that’s something that comes along this season.”

Joshua Munzon is primed for a debut when the Saigon heat kick off their ABL season early in December.

Source: ASEAN Basketball League – Saigon Heat signs Fil-Am Joshua Munzon