“Trainings are tough, but they are fun too!” – an interview with the Unity basketball team (Part 1)

By Lai Jun Wei.

The Unity Secondary basketball team was started in 2000 under then principal Mr N. Satianathan. Since then, it has evolved into a team which has proven formidable both at the zonal and national levels.

This year, the C Division Girls team overcame all odds to emerge as champions in the C Division Girls National Basketball Championship. Like many other teams, the Unity team comprised of people from various different backgrounds coming together towards their common goal - to become champions.

The team and trainings

The team has training sessions three times a week, each being three hours long. They usually conducts trainings in school under the watchful eye of their coach Mr Ng Choon Hong, who is also the current head coach of the semi-professional basketball team, the Cagers.

Typical training sessions includes some running, drills on lay ups or free throws, and friendly matches within the team. Named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2008 season, Ramona Wong (Centre, Sec 2) said, "I love trainings that involve the learning of new basketball tactics, playing matches and shooting foul shots. I get to learn new things which can help me during my matches and by playing more, I can get to apply these new tactics. Also, it's because training will not be so tough!

"I like free throws as it’s easier. Also it will be a very important skill in tight matches," added Janice Ong (Point Guard, Sec 1). Pamela Loh (Point Guard, Sec 1) remarked, "Trainings are tiring as we have to carrying medicine balls and run rounds outside the hall; skipping too. But we cheer while running and encourage each other when we see anyone tired. The team spirit made me feel confident. Trainings are tough, but they are fun too!"

Despit being a championship team, not every one had prior playing experience in primary school. Liow Hui Ting (Centre, Sec 2) joined basketball only after entering Unity Secondary. "It was part of my dream to be a basketball player but my primary school, Jing Shan Primary, did not have a girls' basketball team."

Elsa Devi Handika (Guard, Sec 1) also came from Jing Shan Primary and could only play school basketball at Unity. She has liked basketball since 10 years old.

Certain foods were usually out of the question before a game. Au Li Jun (Centre, Sec 2) avoids "hot" foods like chilli. "I know it sounds funny, but when we are playing the match, my stomach will feel uneasy. There will be this hot feeling and cause me to not perform to what we expect," she shared. Ramona on the other hand will sleep early and do some muscle relaxation exercises to calm her nerves.

Team captain, Siti Amnah (Shooting Guard, Sec 2) said, "It’s all in the mind. I normally tell myself and my team mates that warming up and proper stretching is very important. During the warm up session, we must score in our very first layup as this will boost our confidence. I normally tell myself to chill, play well and win the game. I read some prayers too at times. The night before match, sleep early!"

But basketball was not always the calling for these players. Ramona for one used to play badminton. "I became interested in basketball when I was in Primary 5. I thought it was a cool thing for girls to play basketball so I joined."

Siti also joined basketball due to curiosity. "When I was in Choa Chu Kang Primary, I joined basketball when I was in Primary three just to try out." Similarly for Li Jun. "I joined because I felt like trying. My friends also told me to try out basketball when I was in Primary 6, so I went ahead."

Under the influence of friends many of the girls took up the sport. For some, basketball runs in the blood. Pearlyn Chung (Forward, Sec 1) took up the sport under the influence of her sister who was also a basketballer. "When I was in Primary Three, I used to go down to the basketball court to play with my sister. After awhile, I realised that basketball is really fun and I decided to take it up as a CCA. Soon, I fell in love with it and continued to take it up as a CCA in secondary school."

Jessie Foo (Centre, Sec 1) also took up the sport under the influence of her cousin. "When I was young, I often stayed back after school to watch my cousin have her basketball training. Her stunts were cool and I thought it was stylish. When I started playing, I got the hang of it and from then on, I loved basketball."

Related stories:
Part 2 – "I wished that the game would end soon…" – an interview with the Unity basketball team
Part 3 – “It’s mind over matter. If you can overcome the negative thoughts and think positively, you’ll succeed."
Ramona Wong – C Girls Basketball MVP