By REDintern Tang Rei-En
Colin Lai with a free throw. “Colin is a sharp shooter — used to be and still is,” his teammate, KC, happily pointed out. (Photo 1 © Chong Ng/Red Sports)
Singapore Basketball Centre, Sunday, July 15, 2012 — “We’ve played together since I was 16,” said Mitch Tan with a big smile.
Seating to his left and right were his basketball buddies of more than three decades — Colin Lai (#7), Jason Ho (#9), KC (#15). Another buddy, Wee Khim Chai (#66), had left earlier.
“We started playing together sometime in the 1970s. We met while playing basketball at the courts behind Dunman Secondary School. There were a lot of people who played there and we just met while playing. After the school was demolished, we shifted to TKGS,” recalled Mitch.
When asked about their ages, they were all content to only give age ranges. “Late 50s,” said one. “Early 50s,” said another.
“We’re all from different constituencies, but we’re in the same Marine Parade cluster,” said Colin.
“Nothing beats passion. When it comes to playing for Geylang Serai, I sort of bring the team together. There are about 20 in our regular group. Some are younger, and some can only play a few games,” said Mitch.
“We would play a full court game, with a referee. We’ll hire our own referee. Geylang Serai used to hold their own tournaments. Otherwise, we would go elsewhere to compete,” added Mitch.
Mitch also pointed out that Colin and KC had once played for the National basketball team.
“Actually, Colin is currently playing for Singapore. He’s playing in the ASEAN Veterans games, in national colours! It was held here last year, right in this exact court,” enthused Mitch, grinning widely at his friend’s accomplishments.
“I used to be a football player,” said Colin. “But I changed to basketball. I was about 16-17, and I changed sports to join them to play.”
“Colin is a sharp shooter — used to be and still is,” KC happily pointed out.
“Yam Seng!” exclaimed Mitch. “They used to call Colin ‘Yam Seng’. When he was shooting, the crowd will cheer, and the people will always shout ‘Yam Seng!’”
“Maybe they were betting on me,” laughed Colin. “We used to play in the Gay World Stadium, and the crowd would come in after having a few drinks.”
It was evident that they were all very close friends, very comfortable with each other, and always ready to jump in to compliment each other, or boast of each other’s achievements.
Another memorable event was their inter-constituency win in 1989.
“We were the inter-constituency champion, under the Joo Chiat GRC,” said KC, beaming.
“We beat the 6-year champions, Hong Kah GRC,” said Colin. “We were all staying in different areas; in Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat, two of our team members were actually living in a kampong. KC suggested that we should play together to build a stronger team.”
Apart from KC and Colin, the other members of the 1989 Joo Chiat team were Teoh Chin Hong, who is currently the assistant coach for the Singapore national senior men’s team, and Ong Chee Kian, who also used to play for the national team.
“It was a very close game. We were the underdogs,” recollected KC.
“Both MPs came down to cheer for the teams. The difference in score was about 3 to 4 points I remember,” added on Colin.
The topic of conversation then went back to their days of playing for the national team.
“He played longer than me,” said KC, nudging Colin who was seated beside him. “I only played for one year because of work commitments, I had no time.
“Colin is still very active in the basketball circle. In fact, they’re all certified coaches, they’re all coaching,” said KC, gesturing at his team mates.
“One thing about basketball — friendship. After so many years of playing together, we’re all still so healthy and such good friends. We’re truly God blessed,” said KC.
“We’ve seen friends die in the court for the love of basketball. He was playing half way, when he just collapsed. We’ve also had friends who became vegetables because they got a stroke on court,” recalled Mitch.
“That’s why we need to exercise regularly as well,” said Colin.
“He plays 7-8 times a week,” teased Mitch, pointing at Colin.
“I play 5 times a week,” corrected Colin good-naturedly. “Some are just to have coffee with my friends. I’d play a match then have a cup of coffee after that.”
“After playing for the national team, they still decide to become coaches. You can see their passion there,” said KC. “Unlike young boys who just come and go in school teams, they’ve been playing basketball for so long.”
After all these years of playing together, the Geylang Serai players are definitely more than just a team, they are also a family.
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