Sri Lanka’s under-18 Basketball team will be leaving the country tomorrow, July 3, to Bangalore, India to participate the South Asian Basketball Championship which is the qualifying tournament for the 23rd under-18 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Championship in Qatar.
Young lions are set to go up against strong contenders India and Bangladesh to claim the championship for the first time in history and to be the sole participant from the South Asian region at the Asia Championship.
Speaking to ThePapare.com, head coach of the under-18 squad Mr. Panduka Ranasinghe said that the team is confident and determined ahead of the tournament and on the right path to win the championship. He said that the squad underwent 44 training sessions continuously within last two weeks to improve their skills and abilities to beat Indian and Bangladeshi giants.
“When India and Bangladesh use the height of their players to advantage, Sri Lanka team will use their speed as a strategy to score and defense frequently against the opponents. Basic strategy will be penetration, pass and shooting with aggressive defense. We will not be concerned about the points that opponents have scored, instead the team will target a given score and achieve the target within a quarter.” said Mr. Ranasinge.
Head coach of the under-18 squad Mr. Panduka Ranasinghe
Mr. Ranasinghe said that each player in the squad are key players and aware of their duties for the team. According to the Head coach, the squad comprises with three point guards who are exceptional shooters with a higher conversion rate which allows Sri Lanka team with an edge in defeating Bangladesh and India. The Squad consists of twelve talented young basketeers from Asian International School (AIS), Colombo International School (CIS) – Kandy, Gateway International School, De La Salle College, Royal College, Maristella College, De Mazenod College, St. Joseph’s College, St. Benedict’s College and St. Peter’s College.
“Selection of the squad was solely done by a selection committee of Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF). As the coach I am happy with the given squad. All Island Schools under 19 tournament was conducted in April to identify and select players to represent Sri Lanka at the South Asia tournament. Height, Ball handling, shooting and ability to defense were the main areas that the selection committee considered in selecting players.” said Mr. Ranasinghe.
He said that motivational speakers and renowned sportsmen joined the youngsters during training sessions to boost up their morale and confidence prior to the tournament. He added that the key for the young squad to win matches is to enjoy every minute of the game without taking pressure upon the shoulders.
Umair Naleer from CIS – Kandy told ThePapare.com that the Sri Lanka squad is bigger in heart even though the lads are physically smaller than the Indians or Bangladeshis.
“Three sessions a day is not easy, we have given everything we got and we have what it takes to win the tournament as a team. We have improved a lot within the last two weeks and each and every player in the current squad wish to leave a legacy behind as the first Sri Lankan team to win this tournament. Big picture is to play at the Asia tournament but we are concentrating on what we have now (South Asian Basketball Championship).” said Umair.
Dimitri Grebe from AIS said that the head coach has always been positive and optimistic and sees the brighter side which built confidence on them to use their physical abilities and skills to play against big lads in the tournament.
Julian Gunasinghe from Royal College mentioned that the squad extend their gratitude to the Basketball federation for the immense support during last two weeks in preparing for the tournament.
Sri Lanka under 18 Basketball Squad:
Praveen Anthony Ganlath (AIS), Kavinda Kashi Juliyan Gunasinghe (Royal College), Dimitri Sean Grebe (AIS), Nichula Nadeeja Liyanage (Gateway College), Shalin Kanishka Casiechetty (St. Benedict College), Anushka Dilan Chathuranga Warnakulasuriya (De La Salle College), Nimesh Fernando (De La Salle College), Vishwa Alessio Sumanasekera (St. Peter’s College), Prasanga Stephen Peiris Wettasinh (St. Joseph’s College), Vishal Milinda Fernando (Marisstella College), Mohamed Azzan (CIS – Kandy), Mohamed Naleer Umair (CIS – Kandy)
Standby:
Pasan Jithmal Liyanage (Gateway College), Lahiru Rukshan Perera (De Mazenod College)
