SINGAPORE — After a month of rest and recovery following the June 5-16 SEA Games, the national men’s basketball team were back in training at the Singapore Basketball Centre this week to prepare for their next mission: The FIBA Asia Championship held in Hunan, China in September.
But the national team — bronze medallists at the SEA Games — could face some significant changes in their player and coaching line-up.
Veteran head coach Neo Beng Siang — who has helmed the side for 12 years — is considering stepping down after his contract with the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) runs out next February. Citing fatigue as a reason, Neo also wants to spend more time with his family.
Several roster changes are also expected in the 12-man team heading to the Asia Championship. Team captain Desmond Oh, twin towers Russel Low and Lim Shengyu, veteran point-guard Wong Wei Long, as well as Larry Liew and Wu Qingde — both players enlisted for National Service after the SEA Games — could give the tournament a miss.
Oh, 29, is considering his future with the national side as his pregnant wife is due to give birth in October, while Wong, Low and Lim are busy with work and studies.
This is the first time the national cagers have qualified for the Asia Championship since 2001, and they will compete in Group C against China, South Korea and Jordan. The top three teams in each group will progress to the next round, with the winner of the tournament qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.
Despite missing several key players, Neo, who is also due to negotiate his Singapore Slingers contract with the BAS, is taking things in his stride. “It is definitely challenging heading into the Asia Championships with several key players missing, but it is a good test for some new faces too to have a run and pit themselves against the best regionally,” said Neo.
“I am unsure if they (these players) will continue playing basketball after that and for how long because of their other commitments, but they will have to work it out.”
Neo said failing to hit the SEA Games’ gold medal target was not a factor in his consideration, as he said: “There was a lot of pressure from the home crowd, and expectations were high. Thinking back, it was a lot to take, although I enjoyed the atmosphere and the fans.
“For now, I want to concentrate on the FIBA Asia Championships. It has been a long time (as a coach), and I have missed out on a lot with my wife and three daughters. I may want to get away from basketball for some time, and who knows, I may come back with a fresher mind, and ready to face a new challenge again.”
With the BAS cutting its monthly salaries for full-time players after the Games — they are now given allowances for transport — training full-time with the team has also become more challenging. “It is obviously harder now to survive just playing basketball alone,” said national cager Chase Tan. “In a small team, if we lose one or two players, it is a big deal. But everyone here is united and has the passion, so it helps.” ADELENE WONG