Passion and commitment shines through in IVP competition

BASKETBALL

Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Games 2007

Story by Red Sports reader Ian Chew. Pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

What motivates the players of the IVP teams to compete with such passion and desire?

That was the question I was pondering after covering close to two hectic weeks of IVP basketball games where teams were sometimes required to play four matches in four consecutive days!

Ong Seng Huat of Temasek Polytechnic. He successfully closed down three-point specialist Bandar Tjetty of NUS to help his team to victory during the IVP basketball championship final. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Having witnessed and written numerous reports of basketball matches from the primary to the tertiary scene, I can certainly state as a matter of fact that the level of competitiveness and intensity in the IVP competition far surpasses that of the A, B or C Division competitions.

Coach Tan Jing Yang of the Temasek Polytechnic team provided me some insight into this phenomenon.

"I remembered it was really tough for me as a player to represent my university as the competition was so tough. There were many good players and it was an honour to be selected into the team. Since we had to fight so hard in order to make it into the team, we were naturally very determined to help our team succeed in the IVP competition."

Lim Min Jie of Temasek Polytechnic concentrates on a free throw. The TP team showed the same concentration in the last two quarters to prevent NUS from coming back successfully. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Darrel Chua, captain of the current runner-up NUS team holds a similar view.

"I think that the sacrifices made by all the team members made us really want to put in our best efforts and achieve a good result. Imagine us having to train four times a week in the evenings during our semester on top of all our lectures and tutorials! We definitely don't want to see our efforts go to waste!"

A case in point was when NUS lost the basketball final to TP. The distraught NUS team could hardly pick themselves up to collect the prize, while grown men were seen with tears in their eyes! In fact Darrel also confided that he could hardly sleep the night after the loss, just thinking of what happened in the game.

He also added that the camaraderie among the members of the team helped a great deal.

"A lot of us in the team came from the basketball playing circuit in junior colleges and we were already quite familiar with each other. On top of that, most of us currently stay in university halls and that helps us get to know each other better. In fact, we often go out for meals together after training as well," he explained.

Bandar Tjetty of NUS. Every time the ball was in hands, the only thought in most minds was, “Three-pointer!”. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Bandar play any more since the all-too-short IVP basketball championship is now over. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Bandar Tjetty, a fellow NUS team member as well as hall mate of Darrel, also pointed out that maturity in age and the culture within the school helped to shape the team spirit as well.

"Perhaps we become more sensible in our thinking and are more disciplined as result, as compared to our teenage years."

"Personally, I have also learnt a lot about playing basketball as a team in the university from my seniors and my previous coach. Previously, in my junior college days, it was more like streetball where you play for fun. Here I learnt to play defense as well as to adopt an aggressive and never-say-die edge to my game. For all the improvements in my play, I truly appreciate the work they have invested in me."

Lee Rongtzuu of NUS. I found him hard to photograph – he moves too fast. 😉 © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

With no obvious benefits like monetary rewards or fame, the passion, commitment, hunger, team spirit and love for the game that drives these players on is truly admirable. This amply proves that the sports scene in schools is truly alive and kicking!

With this I would like to use this space to acknowledge the commitment and efforts of all athletes shown in this competition. To you I say - well done and keep up the spirit!