Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu, a legendary point guard in Vietnam and highly regarded as a VBA legend, recently participated in the South Korean reality TV show “Match Up.”

“Never did I imagine that I would be a part of South Korean game shows,” said Tu, who is known as Stefan Nguyen.

The program will be aired on South Korea’s SBS. Please tune in and watch me compete against South Korean basketball legends.

South Korea's 'Match Up' reality TV show. Photo: VBA
South Korea’s ‘Match Up’ reality TV show. Photo: VBA

Even though Nguyen, 31 years old, has retired from his professional playing career, he will be paired up with South Korean and international players and former players to contend for the ultimate prize of the show – a golden basketball.

Among the contestants are 100 national team athletes, former professionals, top-notch point guards, basketball enthusiasts, and international players.

They will be randomly divided into teams to compete against each other, with no consideration given to age, gender, or experience.

Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (L) poses with South Korean basketball icon Ha Seung Jin. Photo: VBA
Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (L) poses with South Korean basketball icon Ha Seung Jin. Photo: VBA

Ha Seung Jin, a 2.21-meter-tall former center for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, who became the first South Korean to play in the league and made history, will host the show.

South Korean-American basketball legends Lee Seung Jun and Tony Akins will also make appearances.

“Match Up” is set to premiere in mid-October.

“Thanks to basketball, I have had the incredible opportunity to meet and interact with the legendary Ha Seung Jin. It is a true honor,” said Nguyen.

“I hope that one day, I can bring these remarkable individuals to Vietnam to connect with our fans.”

Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (in red) and the Ho Chi Minh City team win a national 5x5 U16 basketball gold medal. Photo: VBA
Vietnamese former basketball player Stefan Nguyen Tuan Tu (in red) and the Ho Chi Minh City teams win a national 5×5 U16 basketball gold medal. Photo: VBA

Nguyen rose to fame after helping lead the Da Nang Dragons to a VBA Championship in 2016.

He then proceeded to represent the Vietnam men’s national teams at the 2017 and 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Da Nang Dragons.

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