Taipei, March 13 (CNA) "March Madness" isn't just a term for American basketball, as both Taiwanese high school and university leagues are staging basketball tournaments in the coming weeks, and are expected to ignite the same fever among local fans.
The High School Basketball League (HBL) will hold its Final Four competition from March 14-17 at the Taipei Arena. The University Basketball Alliance (UBA) will hold its quarterfinal and semifinal competition from March 18-31 at two venues in Taipei.
For years, the term "March Madness" has been used in the U.S. to describe basketball fans' passion and the tremendous following of college basketball tournaments in the month of March. Taiwanese basketball, starting at the high school level, has been trying to transplant and integrate the American format.
"High school and university athletics are the final stages before athletes enter the professional level. It's why it's important and always exciting," said Minister of Education Tu Cheng-sheng at the HBL's pre-tournament press conference.
Tu is likely spot on, as almost all of Taiwan's top basketball players have played in high school and at university, where they blossomed and caught attentions. Ultimately, basketball fans follow their careers up to the professional level.
"I believe the student athletes will put on a good show and display the highest values in sportsmanship during the tournaments," Tu said.