Cagers caged
National players confused and hurt over MABA’S play-for-one-team ruling
Why would they want us to choose between club or country? The reason we joined the Dragons to play in the ABL is to improve and be better players for the national team.
— B. GUGANESWARAN
PETALING JAYA: The Westports Malaysia Dragons players are hurt and confused over Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba)’sdecision to stop national players from playing for both club and country.
The ruling has yet to be enforced but Dragons players, who make up the bulk of the national team, will have until the end of the season to make a choice between clubor country if they are called up for national training.
It is, however, a decision that has proven unpopular with the national players as eight of them make up the 14-man Dragons team playing in the on-going Asean Basketball League (ABL).
The decision was made last week by the national team training committee as they wanted the players to focus more on representing the country.
MABA secretary general Sim Sin Heng explained that the decision made by the committee has not been enforced and players and coaches under contract with Dragons will be allowed to honour their contracts.
“This rule will apply to everyone in the national setup, including coaches but we will allow a grace period for them to honour their contract,” said Sin Heng.
“For those involved in the ABL, this rule will only apply after the season ends, which is sometime in July. After that, if the players are called up for national duty, they will have to make a choice.
“The reason for this is because we feel that if a player plays for more than one team, there will be noloyalty and we want them to be fully committed to the national team.
“It is a tough rule but I hope all parties will understand that our stand is to develop basketball,” said Sin Heng.
Dragons captain B. Guganeswaran who also skippered the national team during the Jakarta SEA Games last year said that it was a puzzling decision by MABA.
“I really do not understand the logic behind such a decision. It is really hurtful to us players because all of us still want to contribute to the national team,” said Guganeswaran.
“Whywould theywantus to choosebetween club or country? The reason we joined the Dragons to play in the ABL is to improve and be better players for the national team.
“Playing in the ABL has given us additional exposure and we have certainly improved which is why this rule makes no sense at all.
“Personally, I have been with the Dragons for three years and if forced to make a decision, I would definitely stay with the Dragons because it is a better option for me.
“Moreover, I’m already 29 and I think MABA are looking for younger players so even if I decline to rejoin them, it wouldn’t change much,” added Guganeswaran.
Young shooting guard Loh Shee Fai also echoed his captain’s sentiments to stay with the professional outfit rather than just playing for country.
“I have also been with the Dragons for three years and I see it as the perfect opportunity for me to advance in my basketball career,” said the 22-year-old Shee Fai.
“But I still want to play for the national team and I will be willing to return if they are really short of players.”
“But first MABA will need to do something regarding this ruling,” added the lanky 1.92m Shee Fai.