The Thomian Basketball Team will be celebrating half a century of Basketball this year. The Ternion spoke to a few members of the team in order to obtain some insight into their world of sport.

Q: This is your fiftieth year at College. Is the team planning any celebrations to commemorate such a momentous occasion?

A: We discussed the probability of conducting a dinner-dance at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel; however, no plans are confirmed as yet. Also this year we’re making the House matches a major event.

Q: How do you feel Basketball has progressed thus far, at College?

A: Well, we’ve seen an increase in people who are interested in playing for the team, most definitely. The younger generation in particular seems to be keen on carrying on the legacy of basketball at College, and that is an encouraging thing. As far as equipment goes, our courts have been re-surfaced, and new boards and rings have been mounted.

Q: And what about progression in training?

A: Training is far more stressful than it used to be-Training schedules have got more intense, and mandatory daily exercise routines have been added to our schedules. All these add up to quite a high level of physical fitness.

Q: On a more personal note, why do you think anyone would choose to play Basketball in College?

A: Hmm… Several reasons. For one, basketball is the fastest sport in the world that you can play on your own two feet. Secondly, the standard of basketball at S. Thomas’ is relatively high, when compared with other institutions. Thirdly, since there are 15 players who can play on a team, the chances of one playing a match are higher than in any other sport. That is not to say that it is easy to get into the team-quite the contrary. However, it is truly a team sport.

Finally, basketball has universal appeal. It’s a global sport. It’s more than a sport now-it’s a culture. The NBA has turned it into an industry, and brands like ‘And1’ have intensified that image. Street ball, the way you talk, the things you wear, the way you play-it’s all part of the global culture that is basketball, and I feel that this draws more people into the sport, as time progresses.

Q: What are the Team’s goals for the near and not-so-near future? 

A: The most important match on our calendar this year is the Royal-Thomian, which is to be held in October. Our current team has only two members who are born in the year 1988. We have a very young team this year, and the match will probably be one that will be hard fought, however, we are certain we can clinch the trophy.

Our long term plans for the College team are quite simple. Since we have such a young team, we were planning to use this year to build up momentum for next year. Working with our ’89 born players, we plan to straighten up mistakes, so that next year, it will be a much more polished team that takes to the court. Maturing within the sport is quintessential in order to get anywhere in the long run.  

Since a majority of this year’s team will be staying on for next year, we were also planning on entering the U-19 All Island Basketball tournament next year. 

Q: What do you feel your strengths are this year?

A: Our speed, most definitely. We are one of the faster teams on the court, and that will be a huge advantage to us this year. Added to which, our general height is very formidable. Our starting four players have an average height of about six feet, and this will be a definite advantage our team will have going into this season. Added to our speed and height, the team is a very cohesive unit this year.

We work as a team very well, as we have trained with each other for over a year now.

The Ternion wishes the Basketball team all the best for the forthcoming season. May you win glory for your school and for yourselves!

Invictus.
Perpetua.