The basketball players of Heroes Den Bosch have become champion of the Netherlands for the 18th time. In the final of the Play-Offs, on Thursday, ZZ Leiden was won well in the own stiffly sold-out Maaspoort. It was the third victory in a row in the final for Den Bosch against the title defender. The last time Heroes became champion was three years ago, then also at the expense of Leiden.
In the final, Heroes played by far the best basketball of the season. In this decisive series, Defendant Leiden unexpectedly had no chance against the Dutch record champion.
Den Bosch won the first game more than on Sunday (85-72). On Tuesday there was a huge difference in strength (63-90). Thursday was the difference in the champion competition with more than 3000 spectators (86-67).
Large cleaning
A year ago Den Bosch was also the favorite in the final against Leiden, but then a lot went wrong. Last summer a major cleaning followed in the selection. Many new players were added, such as Internationals Luuk van Bree from Helmond (came from Leiden) and Menno Dijkstra from Standdaarbuiten. The start of the season was dramatic and Heroes was even last in the BNXT competition at the beginning of November, which led to a lot of murmur in Den Bosch.
After the arrival of international Terrence Bieshaar and certainly Charlon Kloof things went better and better in Den Bosch and the cup was won in March.
It is for coach Erik Braal and Clubbe owner and sports marketer Bob van Oosterhout from Gemert the second championship in Den Bosch. Braal has previously been champion of the Netherlands with Donar Groningen three times.