BJSS Basketball Team Welcome Four Players

By Y.P. SIVAM
metrospt@thestar.com.my
Photos by DARRAN TAN

FOUR new recruits have beefed up the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) basketball team.

The quartet of Yong Hoon Peng, Tan Yew Wei, Lim Jian Yu and M. Sarvinthevar were selected based on their performance in last year’s Milo-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Under-12 basketball championships in Kuantan, Pahang.

Except for Hoon Peng, who is from Kuala Kangsar, Perak, the other three are from Pahang.

With the inclusion of the four Form One students, there are 12 players currently training under coach Chua Kok Kian at the BJSS. Three of them are in Form Three while the others are in Form Four.

The new recruits: (from left) Hoon Pang, Yew Wei, Jian Yu and Sarvinthevar.

Kok Kian said the four rookies adapted well to the systematic training programme.

“Training is twice a day for six days a week. The programme also includes weight training and gym workout.

“It is not going to be easy. Our vision is to groom competent players and represent the country,’’ said Kok Kian.

However, the coach has barred the players from taking part in 3-on-3 streetball competition which he felt would not improve their game. But he is in favour of five-a-side competitions.

Some players from BJSS had played in the recent Ayam A1 junior basketball league. To evaluate the players, friendly matches are organised with local sides.

Kok Kian believes the friendly matches would keep the players on the competitive edge as well as to prepare them for the National Under-14 competition.

Limbering up: The players involved in a warm-up session before training.

“The players will return to their respective states for the Under-14 competition. They have a bright chance to make an impact in the competition. I will also be there to monitor them.

“Then they have the National Under-16 competition later this year. But it will be quite difficult for them to get a place in the state teams as they will be competing against older players.

“Some may make as they have the skills and physique,’’ said Kok Kian.

However, the BJSS will be organising a four-team competition in December.

Besides BJSS, three other teams — one local and two foreign teams — will be involved in the competition.

Kok Lian said they were looking at four countries — Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — for the quadrangular.

“The first two countries to confirm their participation will be accepted. The competition will be an important one for the players from BJSS.

“We will have an excellent opportunity to evaluate their progress against some strong teams,’’ added Kok Kian.