Eighteen affiliates of MABA will work together to restore the lost glory of MABA and the national basketball squad in the next six years (2022 to 2028).
To achieve these goals, MABA’s president Dato’ Seri Lee Tian Hock has developed five pilot projects:
Modernising of MABA Building to Ensure Financial Stability
Established in May 1971, the 12 storeys Wisma MABA provides hostels for officials and players, office premises, the MABA secretariat, a fitness centre and a conference hall.
To improve, develop, and manage the property of MABA, MABA will carry out a modernisation of its building, not only to be self-sufficient but also to have more resources at its disposal to develop Malaysia’s basketball. Modernisation construction work will be open for bidding.
In-depth Grassroots Training
Focus on grassroots coaches and players training. It is important to increase the number of grassroots coaches in the country and also to improve the coaching standards of these coaches. In addition, continuity player training sessions will be held nationwide where players will be given quality training for all age groups.
Naturalised Player
The landscape of Asian basketball has been shaped by the presence of naturalised players for quite some time now, and that won’t change in the near future. The Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia are South-East Asian basketball powerhouses for having their own naturalised players, while Vietnam is not far behind. In addition, teams like Cambodia and Singapore continue to lurk as threats. These countries are expected to bring more naturalised reinforcements.
MABA is looking for suitable naturalised players to keep the national team competitive. This will require great assistance and approval from the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Launch of a Professional Basketball League
Organising and conducting professional leagues nationwide will help to position the game of basketball as a dynamic and popular sport in Malaysia.
Help to generate self-income for basketball athletes, and build a conducive sports industry ecosystem so that it can help boost the country’s economic growth.
A professional basketball league can also improve the players’ skills and experiences as well as further strengthen the national team.
Winning at the SEA Games
Both the men’s and women’s teams have failed to win any medals in the 5×5 basketball events at the 2019 SEA Games and will be looking to win back medals, especially gold, in the next six years.
The national team coaches will therefore develop a strategic training plan to achieve this goal.
Conclusion
For the next six years, MABA will lead Malaysia basketball into a whole new area, a period of “great development” that we all expect.
MABA will also be taking care of the welfare of retired personnel, including MABA national players, MABA national coaches and MABA staff during their lifetime. Providing incentives to and rewarding the MABA national players and the MABA national teams’ officials who have participated in the international championships for their remarkable achievement, great performances and outstanding results therein.