Failed To Join IBL, Louvre Instead Becomes Indonesia's Representative In ABL

Louvre Surabaya (Photo: IBL)

JAKARTA - The basketball team from Surabaya, Louvre, had to give up hope of appearing in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) this season because it did not pass the verification. Even so, the Louvre's competitive spirit did not extinguish. Instead, they officially appeared in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

This good news was announced directly by ABL through their official Instagram account. In a post shared on Monday, the ABL informed the Louvre that they would be participating in the competition starting next season.

In his latest upload, ABL is seen showing off the Louvre Surabaya logo. In his statement, it was also explained that the Louvre would officially become the representative of Indonesia.

"The Louvre basketball club will represent Indonesia in the ASEAN Basketball League," wrote the official ABL account.

Still in the same upload regarding the Louvre's participation, ABL also included the name of Denny Sumargo. Yes, the former national basketball player who is now active as a YouTuber is listed as the founder and president of the Louvre Club.

"The Louvre are one of the hottest teams in Indonesia right now. They will be led by Denny Sumargo as the founder and president of the club," wrote ABL's statement.

"While the chairman (position) will be held by Chandra Putra Negara and Erick Herlangga," ABL added.

With the participation of the Louvre in the ABL event next season, it will make them the fourth Indonesian club to appear at the ASEAN level after ABL itself was vacuumed due to COVID-19. Before the Louvre, there were names like Satria Muda/Indonesia Warriors, Laskar Dreya South Sumatra, and CLS Knights Indonesia.

CLS Knights Indonesia itself became the last club from Indonesia to participate in the ABL in the 2019 season, where they managed to qualify to win the competition. Unfortunately, after winning by defeating the Singapore Slingers, CLS chose to withdraw.