MANILA (SEABA Championship 2017) - The last time Chan Kek Thai played for Malaysia, it was in 2007 as one of the team's up-and-coming players. Ten years later, he is now the elder statesman.

Last night, Chan had a front row seat as his team got trounced by an undermanned Indonesia, 63-42. This he attributed to the numerous miscues of his squad. For him, their inexperience showed.

"We had a chance to win this game and the one against Thailand, but we lost because of turnovers and too many missed shots," he said. "As the only old guy here, I have to make sure that the rest of this young team learns to play together."

Things won't get any easier for Malaysia as they take on hosts and title favorites Philippines tonight, but for Chan, it's all about relishing the experience and the chance to play against the best in Southeast Asia.

"The Philippines is a great team, and it's a great chance for our young guys to see what world class is all about," he explained. "For me personally, I feel great to be on the same floor as guys like Romeo and Blatche. We don't get to play against those kinds of players everyday."

"They are the Southeast Asia champions, so we just have to do our best."Chan Kek ThaiChan Kek Thai

After absorbing back-to-back losses, Malaysia know that their chances of finishing on the podium are seriously in peril, but Chan is not focusing on that too much. Instead, he knows that there is a bigger picture, and that his much younger teammates are here to gain experience and continue their development.

One of the things they are preparing for is the Southeast Asian Games later this year, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur. As hosts, Malaysia are hoping for an historic showing, but for them to gobble up a medal, Chan knows the players have to be ready in every possible way.

"Everybody should be ready," he declared. "Nobody on our team should feel too comfortable about our position. We all have to train very hard, especially for the SEA Games."

Adding to the confidence surrounding this team's future is the fact that new management has taken over and injected the program with newfound vigor. This, Chan believes, will be very crucial as Malaysia pin their hopes on many of their young rising stars.

"I definitely feel we can be contenders because now we have better management of the national team," he shared. "We have people who are really supporting us, so the young guys have to take this opportunity to play at their best."

FIBA