Basketball: BAS aiming to raise standards in S’pore

SINGAPORE: The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) said it wants to raise the level of basketball professionalism in the country and hopes Singapore’s national teams will win a medal for basketball at the next SEA Games in 2015.

To this effect, the BAS has hired a new technical director from Australia, who has worked for the Asian Basketball Federation (FIBA Asia).

David Ong, president of the BAS, said: "He’s going to try and help us review the processes and look at player development. Not only the players but also the coaches, the technical staff and our referees (as well)."

In addition, the world’s top basketball entity, the NBA, has decided to set up a base here in Singapore.

Delvin Goh, a member of the Singapore senior men’s team, said: "NBA they got those really good trainers and professional trainers, and nutritionists as well. So I find that Singapore is kind of lacking in that area. So I hope that they would allow some NBA trainers to come here and train Singaporeans."

Mr Ong hopes that the BAS will be able to learn from what is being practiced in the NBA. He said: "What I do hope is that NBA could transfer some of the skills and expertise to us. NBA is world—renowned in terms of coaching, players, technical expertise.

"I know that they are thinking of a 3—on—3 tournament that’s coming up with NBA. We’re seeing more people coming together to play 3—on—3, especially youth. So we’re going to put a lot more effort in trying to have more tournaments that’s easy to organise and participate. And 3—on—3 is definitely one of them."

Some of the Singapore national team members get exposure and playing time by playing for the Singapore Slingers.

Michael Johnson, general manager fo the Singapore Slingers, said: "Last year, we went to the Broome outdoor tournament in Western Australia. And this year, there’ll be the Beijing Ducks, the Shanghai Sharks, the Perth Wildcats from Australian’s NBL will be participating, together with the Singapore Slingers. So there’s a very high standard of competition."

To encourage players here to embark on a career in basketball, the Basketball Association of Singapore said one of the ways to help players do so may include professionalising the Singapore National Basketball League in future.

—CNA/ac