Earlier today, the Indian senior men’s basketball team comfortably secured bronze at the 21st Best Mart 360° Super Kung Sheung Cup International Basketball Invitation Championship concluded a short while ago in Hong Kong. Southern California Fukienese Association Basketball Team (USA) beat SCAA (Hong Kong) 88-82 to claim the trophy.
India beat Hong Kong 90-60 to finish third
India had no trouble whatsoever against Eastern Long Lions, Hong Kong. With as many as four players scoring in double digits, India had an exceptional second half to make what appeared to be a close game, an eventual no contest.
The Hong Kong side was within striking distance 30-33 at the half, before India enjoyed 32-19 and 25-11 scoring periods to win 90-60. Hong Kong’s Poon Chi Ho hit four straight threes to start the game (6 threes overall for 18 points) but couldn’t prevent the loss.
India’s third place finish is perhaps its best ever at this event, going one better than when it finished 4th in 2010.
India suffer 89-93 heartbreak in semis
Late last night (17th December), India suffered a 4 point heartbreak vs Southern California Fukienese Association Basketball Team (USA). India captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi led from the front and fought valiantly with his 35 points. But the USA team showed grit, especially in the fourth period, and outscored India 25-16.
India enjoyed a 6 point lead at the end of the first quarter before USA came fighting back to trail 45-46 at halftime. The third quarter saw India move ahead again before the final period ended the game in USA’s favour.
RESULTS
3rd- 4th Place Match (on 18th December): India (Amritpal Singh 24, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 23, Rikin Pethani 16, Pratham Singh 10) bt Eastern Long Lions (Hong Kong) (Poon Chi Ho 18, Christopher Barnes 12, Lee Ki 10) 90-60 [20-17, 13-13, 32-19, 25-11]
Semifinals (on 17th December): Southern California Fukienese Association Basketball Team (USA) (Taylor Statham 26, Donald Lee 21, Van Girard II 10) bt India (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 35, Rikin Pethani 21, Amritpal Singh 17) 93-89 [19-25, 26-21, 23-27, 25-16]
Squad
The 12 member roster was finalised during the National Coaching Camp at National Basketball Academy (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), which took place from 28th November onwards. During the Indore camp, former Australian National Women’s team assistant coach Mr Damian Cotter paid a visit, conducting special training sessions. His visit was coordinated with the assistance of Bengaluru-based sports management company Pursuit India Sports & Entertainment Private Limited.
“Ours is a settled line up and we have been performing well against top Asian sides in the last few years. We are hopeful of winning both our league matches and progressing to the semifinals,” said Head Coach S Bhaskar.
Groupings
Group 1: National Team of Malaysia, Guangxi Wei Zhuang Basketball Club (China), National Team of Hong Kong (Eastern Long Lions)Group 2: National Team of Hong Kong (SCAA), National Team of Singapore, Southern California Fukienese Association Basketball Team (USA)Group 3: National Team of Thailand, National Team of India, National Team of Hong Kong (Winling)
Immediate history
Southern California Fukienese Association won the 20th Super Kung Sheung Cup 2015.
India’s History at the Championship
India last participated in the 17th iteration of the Championship in 2010 and reached the semifinals, before eventually finishing fourth, behind SC Fukienese Association, Philippines and Hong Kong.
About Basketball Federation of India
The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball.
BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships.
Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has, to its credit, produced several international players of repute and among them 17 have been bestowed with the Arjuna Awards.
Earlier in June 2015, 19-year-old Satnam Singh Bhamara made history by becoming the first Indian national to be drafted by an NBA team, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks.
