Shengyu and Calvin: Great experience to lose badly at adidas basketball camp

By Ian Chew

Calvin: Sense of brotherhood with the rest of the players the best feeling for the camp! (Photo 1 by Ian Chew)

Watching both Shengyu (SY) and Calvin Chia (CC) struggle against much better opponents at the adidas camp, I was actually glad! Not that I’m a sadist, but the intensity of play in Dallas showed just how much more they needed to improve.

Deficiencies they could mask here in Singapore when facing relatively weak teams were glaringly obvious against the athletic, skillful and amazingly quick players at the camp. This can only motivate them to attain the higher level of basketball standard they had witnessed at the camp. And being the nice and modest boys they are, they shared the same sentiments exactly in this interview!

How did you find this experience?

SY: It was truly an eye-opener! I was really amazed and impressed by the standard of the US teams. We’re really happy to be beaten by the best team in the world!

CC: Enriching, rewarding, great! The organisation and facilities were also superb! We get to stay at luxurious 5-star hotels and train at such a wonderful indoor gym (Dallas Integrated Athletic Centre). You couldn’t ask for more!

One thing you learnt from the camp.

SY: The intensity of play here at the basketball camp is ten times higher than anything I have ever experienced! I’m glad just to be here at the camp.

CC: Communication is essential in any team. It was difficult for us to communicate due to the different languages spoken. For example, the Koreans couldn’t understand English and needed an interpreter each time the coach talked to the team. We also had to translate for the Taiwanese players as well.

What were your expectations like before the camp?

SY: I was quite ill-prepared as I did not expect such a great intensity of play at the camp.

CC: I agree with that. We lacked competitive matches since our season (A Division tournament) ended and there is also no way we could get such practices in Singapore.

What impressed you most at the camp?

SY: The pure athleticism and maturity shown by the players. Compared to them, I still play like a kid! Also, the systematic style of play adopted here seemed to be understood by all the players, they just execute seamlessly in the match.

CC: Magnitude and scope of the camp. All the best under-18 players from all around the world were flown here, except the ones representing their country for the Olympics!

What are your personal goals after the camp?

SY: Sprint back more on defense. If I don’t defend well here, the coach will pull me out of the game immediately! I also aim to more serious in my play and intense in my training sessions. The right attitude towards the game is most important.

CC: Definitely more composure… and physical strength!

What does the future hold for you?

SY: I really motivated to train much harder. I hope to visit the gym much more and work on physical strength. But first I have to concentrate on preparing for my upcoming A level examinations.

CC: Do my country proud in international competitions!

Coach Ed Schilling of the USA team mentioned that Asians require more competition exposure and need to work on their strength and fundamentals. What do you think?

SY: I think it’s very true. Our players are definitely not as sound in our ball handling skills. We must defintely build up in our fundamentals.

CC: We need to develop our physical strength and tradition in basketball. There is a general lack of support for youth development in the local scene.

Any tips for boys hoping to make it for future camps?

SY: Go bulk up! You have to match the physical strength of the international players to some degree. Also, work on your fundamental skills. Forget the fancy basketball stunts of behind-the-back passes and crossover dribbles – you will never get the opportunity to use them in court!

CC: Buck up! Be humble and learn as much as you can – we are still relatively young and inexperienced in Singapore compared to the international players.

For more related articles, check out the adidas Nations camp 08 webpage.

Team USA overpowered the Asians in a 40-point blowout! (Photo 2 by Ian Chew)

Shengyu found the city of Dallas “nicer than expected”, but bemoaned the long travelling time! (Photo 3 by Ian Chew)

Making new friends, especially with the Asians was an enjoyable experience for both Shengyu and Calvin. Here the two Asian teams pose after their final game with each other. (Photo 4 by Ian Chew)

See video highlights of Asia Blue achieving their only win at the camp! They beat Asia Red (China) 100-83 on the final day.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4cvYIK7iwk

See also Shengyu’s under-basket miss under intense African pressure!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkCLW2O0mdw