Nguyen Xuan Quoc: Nurturing a passion for basketball with a new direction in his career

At the amateur basketball tournament of the North Open 2023, orange ball fans witnessed the return of a familiar silhouette named Nguyen Xuan Quoc, but in a new role.

The original Vung Tau player once left a mark with his speed basket attack situations, making a great contribution to helping Thang Long Warriors win the 2017 VBA crown. But after a very serious knee injury, he gradually reduced the frequency of appearances. and retired no longer playing professionally.

Just a few steps from the Pedagogical Gymnasium, where Xuan Quoc made his name, he once again participated in a televised basketball tournament. This time, he is the captain of the Quang Ninh team.

The first time he was in charge of a major tournament, coach Nguyen Xuan Quoc showed a cool hand. He took the mining team to the semi-finals, and only succumbed to the champion candidate Hanoi, despite not much preparation time.

"I'm also very nervous, because from the beginning I didn't know where I could take this team. I'm happy to be able to help the team reach the semi-finals," coach Xuan Quoc shared.

"I am very surprised with this achievement, because I only have nearly 2 weeks to be able to bond the whole team, let the children compete more passionately, talk to each other more. 13 people have bonded and united to become a strong team."

The land of Hanoi once brought him to the heights of his playing career. Now, the capital is also the place where he began to create a new career at the age of 29 with the tactical sandal.

"It's been six years since I returned to this big basketball court, and led the Quang Ninh team to compete in Hanoi. Thanks to Mr. Hoang Ngoc Hai, who is also my current superior, I just got this opportunity."

However, starting a new direction does not mean that he forgets the feeling of being on the field and immersed in the cheers of the fans. Once announced to retire and get married, Quoc is still very active in training recently.

Besides daily work, he still attends tournaments to maintain his form

"Currently I am still practicing every day, and promise that one day I will return to Vietnamese basketball as soon as possible",   former player Thang Long Warriors replied with hope in his eyes.