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