With clutch shooting and relentless determination, NYCU stormed ahead early and held firm against OCU's late push—securing a historic first champion on the grand stage.

“This Moment Is Unreal!” – The Wei-Ming Chen Redemption Story

For Wei-Ming Chen, this victory was more than just a championship—it was the culmination of years of perseverance. Once a bench player in UBA Division I, he struggled for playing time at Chung Yuan Christian University. But instead of giving up, he found his stride in professional 3X3 basketball, proving his ability on a different stage.

Now, as a graduate student in NYCU’s Department of Biotechnology, Chen has emerged as the driving force behind his team’s unbeaten run to the title. In the final, he played every second, shooting 12-of-21 from the field, including 6 three-pointers, and wearing the legendary No. 21 jersey of his idol, Li-Huan Cheng.

“I’ve been a huge fan of NYCU basketball and Li-Huan Cheng since high school,” Chen said, holding back emotion. “I actually applied to NYCU’s athletic program years ago but didn’t get in. Now, I’m here, wearing No. 21, winning a championship in Taipei Arena. This moment is unreal!”

Wei-Ping Chen and captain Hao-Ping Chen set the tone early, draining 4 three-pointers in the first half.

Wei-Ming Chen, NYCU’s championship hero, completes his journey as he leads his team to an undefeated title run—wearing the No. 21 jersey of his idol, former NYCU star and current head coach Li-Huan Cheng.

NYCU’s Rise to the Top – Led by Legends

This championship was a decade in the making. NYCU had previously competed in Division I but struggled to maintain its status, bouncing between divisions. However, under the guidance of head coach Cheng Li-Huan, the program has risen again.

Cheng—a former Taiwan national player and pro baller—once led NYCU’s leap to Division I as a player. As a coach, he’s completed the mission he started years ago. “Winning a championship is never easy, but this group made it happen,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”

Alongside NYCU alumnus and assistant coach Chung-Chiang Chen, Cheng has instilled a winning culture, pushing his players to compete at the highest level. Not only did NYCU claim its first-ever general division title, but their Division II squad also made the Sweet 16.
“Next year, we’re going bigger,” Cheng declared. “We aim to move up to Division I and defend our general division title. NYCU basketball is back!”

What’s Next? Wei-Ming Chen Eyes Pro 3X3 Career

With a championship ring secured, what’s next for NYCU’s star guard? Wei-Ming Chen, already a professional 3X3 player, has no plans to slow down. Balancing both game formats, he’s determined to keep pushing his limits. “The schedules don’t overlap so that I can handle both,” Chen said with a grin. “I’ll talk to my coach about the next step, but I’m definitely looking for my next challenge.”

And just like their MVP, NYCU isn’t stopping here. With an unbeaten season, a historic title, and a statement victory at Taipei Arena, they’ve rewritten their basketball legacy—but this is only the beginning. The team is already setting its sights on bigger goals, aiming to move up to Division I and defend their title next season. The future of NYCU basketball is here—and it’s looking unstoppable.