| James Kon |
FIBA (International Basketball Association) called on the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) to set long-term goals to develop the sport in the country.
FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker, in an interview with the Bulletin, said the FIBA stands ready to provide value added assistance to help the association to reach its goals. Crocker was in the country to address the BBA committee and take a look at the facilities as well observe the training of the national team.
“One of the key things that we want to do is help the federation do better to manage basketball in the country and we need to ask the association on what they want to achieve and where they want to go,” said Crocker. “We want to help the association become better.”
“I hope to come back to have a conversation on how they want to execute their plan. I saw the facilities and the team preparation to get the context of the situation. I want to know what Brunei has to start a conversation on how to help the country develop basketball,” he added.
Speaking on the facilities, he commended the association for their progress. “I think the association has done a great job of having a good practice venue. The flooring is good and the infrastructure is being renovated continuously. I am pleased there is a good training venue and the base for the association,” he added.
NBA G-League Assistant Coach Damien Cotter is in the country to help shape the Brunei national basketball team for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification to be held from June 26 – 30 in Nontahburi, Thailand.
“Our role is to support the association and the national coach to get the team ready. Damien is here to share information and ideas for Brunei’s coach to build on. They will have a relationship for the rest of their life. Damian is a coach who will continuously contribute despite not being in Brunei,” said Crocker. “FIBA wants to see more people bouncing the ball than kicking the ball. This is a big ambition. In ASEAN, we want more people playing, officiating and coaching. We want to see a stronger performance from the national team and league.”
Speaking on coaching, he said, “We can have visits from experienced coaches and global training courses. Last year FIBA invited coaches from ASEAN to Singapore for a clinic.”
“There must be a strong federation that has consistent programmes to develop basketball and start young. In the Philippines, by the time the players are competing in the senior team, young players would have already played in 10 or 15 international games to enhance fundamentals and refine their game as well as learn tactics by the time they are seniors,” he said.