| James Kon |
BRUNEI national basketball team have left the country yesterday to compete in the SEABA Pre-Qualifier for Asia Cup 2021 in Nonthaburi, Bangkok being held from June 26-30.
The national team, led by Captain Benjamin Sim, is comprised of Khoo Chin Kai, Gideon Fong, Lim Chee Chuon, Tan Ye wei, Ahmad Termizi, Soon Kian Leong, Onn Jen Jao, Han Mimg Kwong, Jake Chong, Simon Chong and Md Zainul Ashyraf Hussin. Accompanying the team are coaches Lim Boon Teck and Haji Md Sofian Haji Md Yusof.
The team will start their campaign against hosts Thailand on June 26 at 3.30pm, followed by Indonesia on June 27 at 6.15pm. Brunei will also test their grit against Singapore on June 28 at 1pm, and Cambodia on the following day at 6.15pm. They will end their campaign against Malaysia on June 30 at 6.15pm.
Captain Benjamin Sim expressed gratitude and pride to represent the country for the first time.
“This is my first time representing Brunei. It is always an honour to represent the country and we will try our best in the competition.
“Although we didn’t have ample time to prepare, we have to make do with what we have and do the best we can. We are relatively new because we have not competed at this level very often,” he said.
Facing Thailand on their first encounter, the captain urged his team to keep the pressure on them.
“We just hope to play a competitive game with Thailand, because we know they are a very strong team.”
Benjamin Sim also highlighted the valuable contribution of an NBA G-League assistant coach Damien Cotter during a three-week coaching clinic.
“Damian has helped us a lot. I wish he could come with us to Thailand but he has other commitments. We did our best in preparation and he taught us his philosophy and system. Most of the guys are ready and is feeling confident with this system. Hopefully we can perform and make it competitive for every team,” the captain said.