Interview with Benny Lam of Catholic High

BASKETBALL

Red Sports 5

Interview and pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

Benny Lam of Catholic High was recently voted into the Red Sports 5, an online poll conducted on this website where he received the highest number of votes for the position of Small Forward. Benny also received 186 votes overall to finish fifth among 118 nominated players.

Benny Lam with one of the prizes he won. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Red Sports: How long have you played basketball for your school?
Benny: I have played basketball for my school for 3 months. My teacher asked me whether I would be interested in basketball as I have a good height which can help the team. I accepted his request and joined the basketball team two month before the south zone tournament began.

Red Sports: What is your most memorable, happiest moment playing for your school?
Benny: The best match I have ever played is the national final (against Presbyterian High). I performed my best, and I felt really happy as I helped the team. Even though I fouled out, it was still the most memorable and happiest moment playing for my school.

Benny’s outstanding performance against Presbyterian High during the National ‘C’ Division Championship Final played a big part in the Catholic High win. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Red Sports: What is your favourite shot? Favourite team tactic?
Benny: My favourite shot is right under the basket as very few people can block me. And my favourite team tactic is playing 3 by 2. Our defence is quite difficult to break in and it is not as tiring compared to man-to-man defence.

Red Sports: How did you get started with basketball?
Benny: It all started in Primary 6 when my friends introduced me to the game of basketball by inviting me to the nearby basketball court to play. By seeing how good they were, they motivate me to be as good as them. But I stop playing basketball after a year until the school asked me to join the basketball team. I started basketball by practicing my under basket shots and some basic layups. After almost perfecting my basket shots and layups, my coach taught me some center moves and some power layups. And I kept practising the same thing.

Red Sports: What is the hardest thing you had to overcome as a school player?
Benny: I had to overcome the tough training we had, and also my studies.

Red Sports: Any advice to the juniors who are trying to break into the school team next year?
Benny: Always work hard during training, and your hard work will definitely be paid off.

Red Sports: Are you hoping to play on in the ‘B’ Division?
Benny: I was hoping to play in the ‘B’ division next year as my interest was already in basketball. But I had no opportunities to get in to the team as my HOD has decided that track & field and volleyball will be my CCA (co-curricular activity) and not basketball anymore.

Sadly, you won’t see Benny anymore in basketball. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

For more stories on the Red Sports 5, please go to:

Interview with Rachel Wang of Anglican High