By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
The Singapore men’s national basketball team’s head coach, Neo Beng Siang, suited up as a player-coach for Cashew CSC. Former national player Gary Koh, who used to play for Coach Neo, also plays in the same team. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Senja-Cashew Community Centre, Sunday, May 18, 2014 — Head coach of the men’s national basketball team, Neo Beng Siang, suited up to join his friends and former players to represent Cashew Community Sports Club (CSC) in the recent Community Games basketball tournament.
Neo is well-known in the Singapore basketball fraternity. He had recently led the men’s national basketball team to their first SEA Games bronze medal since 1979.
The Cashew CSC basketball team is made up of mostly working adults, making it difficult for the players to get together to train together on a regular basis.
“We only gather everybody when it comes to the period of the Community Games. We lack training of course. Basically, everybody has their work commitments, and the students have their studies to take care of as well. When it’s time for the games, we gather everybody to come and breathe, play the game and have fun,” said Neo.
“The Community Games lets us stretch around, to keep fit and get together to bond. Off the court, some of us have our work, studies and individual club commitments. So without this tournament, we are mostly by ourselves,” added the 47-year-old player-coach.
Former national players, Michael Wong, 35, and Gary Koh, 27, also suited up for Cashew CSC. Both players formerly trained under Neo on the men’s national team, Singapore Slingers and Eng Tat Hornets basketball club.
“I think it’s an honour to be able to play with them. Most of the players on the team are my seniors. Wee Thye (#12) is my mentor and Michael (#11) is also my mentor in the national team. In this team, it’s like three generations playing together,” commented Gary.
The 27-year-old executive added, “The format of the Community Games this year is much better. Last year, I only played three games. This year it’s about five games. Of course, it will be better if there were nationals as well.”
Cashew CSC finished in second place in the North West District, after conceding 71–85 to Nee Soon South CSC in the final. This is the second time both teams faced each other. Nee Soon South were 96–57 victors in the previous group stage match-up.
Cashew CSC Roster
Nio Yuan Ming (#4), Ang Boon Huat (#5), Sng Wee Hai (#6), Neo Beng Siang (#7), Goh Zhung Kiat (#8), Koh Kok Siang Gary (#9), Kenneth Joel Chandran (#10), Wong Soon Yuh (#11), Lee Wee Thye (#12), Bernard Ng Wee Khuan (#13), Cai Wen Jie (#14), Ang Choon Yong (#15)
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