Team Sri Lanka took flight to China and Mongolia, for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2019 and the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2019, respectively. It was an ill-fated twofold foreign assignment as the teams failed to record even a single win.

Statistics – Sri Lanka Men`s Team – FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2019

Points Per Game** SL vs. Chinese Taipei SL vs. Kyrgyzstan SL vs. Vietnam Total Points
Arnold Brent 08 06 02 16
Gayan De Croos 00 00 01 01
Pawan Gamage 02 03 12 17
Kisal Cooray 00 01 02 03

 

Click and Read: FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2019; Sri Lanka bids farewell

Statistics – Sri Lanka Women`s Team – FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2019

Points Per Game** SL vs. Philippines SL vs. Japan Total Points
Anjalee Ekanayake 01 03 04
Solange Gunawijeya 00 06 06
Prasadi De Croos 03 00 03
Benika Thalagala 02 02 04

 

SL vs. Philippines SL vs. Japan
Total Shots 31 30
Made Shots 05 16
Total Possessions 40 33
Points-Per-Possession 0.15 0.67

 

Click and Read: Egypt and China takedown Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Women`s Team – FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2019

Points Per Game** SL vs. Egypt SL vs. China SL vs. Ukraine SL vs. Mexico Total Points
Taniya Perera 03 02 00 04 09
Hazeena Abdul 03 00 00 00 03
H.K Thisari 01 02 04 03 10
Malmi Hettiarachchi 00 01 00 02 03

**Stats courtesy: www.fiba.basketball

  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball

 

Stats are facts, let us look at the facts. This open review will not criticize any player on why a certain player scored and another one failed. This evaluation will also not challenge any selections or the integrity of the selection process in the tournament. The facts will relate the narrative, the readers will decide.  

Over and over, many times, we have boasted about the blooming 3×3 basketball culture of Sri Lanka. Since the initiation of this format by FIBA (world governing body for the sport), the isle has been represented in almost all the major tournaments. From the U-18 level to the senior level in both men`s and women`s categories, from regionals to world competitions, Sri Lanka has participated.

  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball
  • Sri Lanka in action at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2019 | Photo Courtesy: FIBA.basketball

 

The number of tournaments that the country participates in each year should increase in a growing format. Unfortunately, it has been the other side way around in this case. The direct placements for the international tournaments are drawn based on the federation ranking points. For 2019, Sri Lanka is qualified to participate in 3 tournaments. Two have been ticked off and in September, the country will play in the U23 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

Click and Read: FIBA 3×3 Rankings, how does it work?

So, is Sri Lanka Basketball going the right way?

In the corporate field, businessmen build and execute strategies to achieve their business goals. In any field of work around the globe, a similar practice is followed in accomplishing one`s targets. The commonly used yard-stick to measure the success of the strategies are the statistics. The data will determine whether the strategies have triumphed or should be re-aligned on the drawing board.

Click and Read: Not intimated by bigger opposition – Pawan Gamage

It is imperative that we see the facts stated through stats with an open mind to better ourselves. Above are the stats of the National 3×3 teams in two top-tier, elite competitions. The stats will be the judge as to whether the national 3×3 strategies have been successful or not.

Sri Lanka launched its brand new 3×3 tournament, the open-pick-up games for the top 100 players. For the U18 level, Kobe Cup will be the selection tournament. The core strategies can be right or wrong, but, it is important that the facts are evaluated at every corner to gain a broader perspective. Based on the re-evaluation, step-back outside the D, hit the drawing board and re-align the strategies if required.

  • Action from 3x3 Open Pick-Up Games
  • Action from 3x3 Open Pick-Up Games
  • Action from 3x3 Open Pick-Up Games
  • Action from 3x3 Open Pick-Up Games
  • Action from 3x3 Open Pick-Up Games

 

The question will always re-surface, “Is Sri Lanka Basketball going the right way?” irrespective of the result. If it is bad, then to turn the tables around, if it is good, how to be even better. However, it is the administration’s obligation to raise the question and to tweak the process, to keep moving forward.

If not, the blooming 3×3 basketball culture of the paradise island will set sail towards extinction.