The Hindu : Sport / Basketball : ‘They need to learn to play as a team’

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Saturday, Sep 22, 2007
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Sport - Basketball

‘They need to learn to play as a team’

Sports Reporter

Stacker says Vineeth is one of the better players
Says he plays “very smart” and has ability to improve

CHENNAI: “The boys are pretty good in individual skills, but not so good in team aspects. They need to focus on team oriented approach,” Australian basketball coach, Ian Stacker, said at the conclusion of the 21-day coaching clinic for the Tamil Nadu State probables at the JJ Indoor Stadium here on Friday.

“They need to learn to play as a team,” he said.

Stacker picked out Vineeth as one of the better players in the State. He said Vineeth plays “very smart” and he has the ability to improve with more exposure.

Harish Sharma, Secretary, Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and the chief guest for the valedictory function, praised the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association for being a pioneer in undertaking novel initiatives such as these.

Professional league

Talking about the setting up of a professional league in India, Sharma said, “this is not a one-time project. We are talking to some sponsors. We could start it next year.”

Explaining the format of the league, Sharma said it would be played on a home and away basis with eight teams, to start with, in the fray.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Indian coach Alexander Bucan of Serbia.

“It’s up to the Government of India to decide whether to renew his contract. We are pretty happy with him,” Sharma said.

Fate in balance

The fate of Indian basketball star E. Robinson still hangs in the balance.

The Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA) suspended Robinson last December as he had not attended the coaching camp for the National championship.

Whether his suspension will be revoked remains to be seen.

Recently, a special committee was constituted with the intention of solving this issue.

A final decision may be taken before the senior National championship in Puducherry in December.

“We are ascertaining certain facts,” said K. Thangaraj, one of the members of the special committee.

Speaking on this issue, Sharma, said, “whatever decision the TNBA takes, we’ll (the federation) abide by it.”

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