3x3 is an exciting format for Basketball

Sportskeeda had a conversation with India’s leading Basketball stars – Geethu Anna Jose (Capt. of Team India) and long-time team mate Anitha Pauldurai.

Geethu and Anitha, thank you for making the time to speak with Sportskeeda. Congratulations on your recent run of successes in the 3×3 format – in India, Asia and the Middle East.

Anitha, to you, our special wishes on your recent marriage.

Geethu Anna Jose

How is your season shaping up? What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Geethu: I think ABC is coming up in September /October at Bangkok. So, we will get ready for that and the other tourneys like Inter-railways, Sr. Nationals, All India Tournament, etc.

Anitha: The season is going well so far. I am preparing for a series of national and international events. Immediately though we have - PSG Trophy All India Basketball Tournament, which is starting 10^th August and the tournament in Chennai starting on Independence Day. Planning to do better & be successful in all walks of life – both sports & personal.

FIBA is actively encouraging the 3×3 format. And you two have been active on the circuit. What kind of changes do players need to make to succeed on the half court?

GAJ: I believe it takes substantial talent for players to play the 3×3 format and do well. The players should be very sensible and aware of the space around the court. It takes a lot of aggression and the ability to quickly forget any mistakes. It is important to always focus on the next step because it is such a very fast game. It feels as if we do not even have the time to check the score. Actually, I see 3×3 as a very interesting format for our game.

AP: Good players normally possess the qualities needed to do well in the 3×3 format – basic court skills, fast reaction on the field depending on the situation & the ability to shoot quickly. We have to basically focus on the normal qualities of good Basketball and improvise on the court to meet the needs of rapid and exciting format.

The two of you have been carrying the flag with great success for the past many years. Among the emerging talent, can you name two young players who you think hold the most promise for India in the coming years?

GAJ: Thank you for acknowledging our efforts. Both Anitha and I have enjoyed the privilege of playing a key role in the development of our team and the game in the past decade. I also hope that we have plenty more to offer in the near future. There are many promising youngsters; it is difficult to name just one or two players. But I do believe that players such as Shireen Vijay Limaye (Maharashtra), Poonam Chaturvedi (Chattisgarh), Jeena P S (Kerala) and Anjana have the promise to fly the flag for our country. We need to give them a chance to play in foreign leagues and develop their game. Let us try and make that happen.

AP: I believe there are many talented players, just to name a few I would pick Priyadarshini Venkatraman (Tamilnadu), Shireen Vijay Limaye (Maharashtra) and Poonam Chaturvedi (Chattisgarh) as the girls with great promise.

NBA star Chris Bosh is on a visit to India in July. Will you be around to meet him and participate in the tour?

GAJ: I would love to join. But let us see, since I am not certain about the schedules and the plan at this time.

AP: It is a source of great pleasure for me to meet a star like Chris Bosh. It also presents us an opportunity to gain some insight about key aspects related to the game from their rich experience. I love to constantly learn and improve, so I look forward to the chance to meet him.

Anitha Pauldurai.

The NBA commissioner was also in India earlier this year. Do you see this growing interest of NBA in the Indian market bringing some positive change for the game in India?

GAJ: Yes, definitely I would see that as a by-product of the high profile interest in the game in India. We can see that plenty of kids are beginning to fall in love with the game. They are eager to watch and play basketball, which is a great sign of positive energy. But the major limitation is that these kids have very limited opportunities. We need to give them a lot of support, since they are the future of Indian Basketball.

AP: The game has come a long way in India since the early days of my career. There have indeed been many enhancements during this exciting period. But I think we have a long way to go, and there is so much room for improvement to take the game to the next level.

This one is for Geethu. Anitha’s taken the leap of faith and married this year. Are wedding bells nearing for you as well Captain?

GAJ: Yes, I am looking forward eagerly to get married. The wedding will be this year and am waiting with excitement for “THE DAY”.

And this to Anitha – Can you please tell us a little about your man Friday? Also, with so much travel, how are the two of you balancing the demands of the sport and the desire to be together?

AP: Yes, I got married on 18^th March this year. His name is Karthick Prabhakaran. He is working in the SIT CBCID police department. I am really thrilled; frankly speaking, earlier I got support from my family, which laid a strong foundation for my career. And now I am lucky to have a husband who also supports my passion, which motivates me even more to do well and serve the country. Gladly, my in-laws too give me great support too, which I feel will be wonderful to help me move forward in my career. So far it has been easy to balance sports and my personal life.

The entire team at Sportskeeda wishes to extend their warm thanks for making the time to speak with us and share your views. We wish you many more successes along the road ahead.

3x3 is an exciting format for Basketball - Geethu and Anitha