New local boys see action for Slingers

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

The Singapore Slingers beat the Rain or Shine of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 97-72 last Sunday. Five new local players came off the bench — Tan Chin Hong, Ng Hanbin, Gary Koh, Brian Tan and Teo Chun Hoe.

In the starting five was new face American Marcus Skinner, who took over jersey number 35 of former player Michael LeBlanc.

Red Sports caught up with three of the new guys at the end of their first pre-season game.

Red Sports: Where did you come from and how did you get to join the Slingers this year?
Skinner: Previously I was playing in University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, a US college team for two years. Two weeks ago, my agent sent me information about them and told me that they’re interested. When they told me that, I was really interested as well, so here I am!

Chin Hong: I’m currently still studying in ITE. I trained with the development team for the past three seasons and I knew last October that I’m joining the senior team this year. This is my official first season and I’m probably the youngest in the squad this year!

Hanbin: I’m currently in National Service (NS) now. Last year I was playing for Temasek Polytechnic in the IVP and my coach Wong Hwee Liak has been recommending me to the Slingers. Thus Frank Arsego (last season’s Slingers head coach) made the effort to came down to watch me play and talk to me about the Slingers programme. After that, I joined the national team and eventually the Slingers two weeks ago.

Red Sports: Will NS affect your involvement in the ABL for the upcoming season?
Hanbin: In terms of games and training, I don’t think so but I won’t be able to join the morning gym trainings.

Red Sports: How’s the training and settling in with the new teammates so far?

Skinner: It’s real good, the teammates are real nice, they’re competitive all the time and I look forward to the season! Training’s been pretty good, we try to bring up the intensity every day and work hard in practice to get better.

Hanbin: Training’s tough but I’ve learnt a lot, definitely.

Red Sports: How you do feel about playing your first game for the Slingers today?
Chin Hong: I think we played quite well, everyone fought hard defensively and offensively. Everyone put all their effort into this game.

Han Bin: I was very nervous but I’ll do better than that (in the future)!