KUALA LUMPUR (SEABA Championship 2017) - Malaysia have prioritized developing young talent over utilizing seasoned players in the squad they will send to the SEABA Championship 2017.

Based on the fact that more than a few key players and national team mainstays are absent from their roster for the sub-zone tournament to be held in Manila, Philippines from 12-18 May, Malaysia's chances of advancing to the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 or even finishing on the podium certainly take a hit. It's clear, however, that the squad has chosen to employ the long view, sharpening the country's promising young talents in preparation for more battles ahead, specifically in the SEA Games and in the new international game windows. Erstwhile head coach Chris Thomas will actually remain in Malaysia with the veteran members of the national pool, while coach Goh Cheng Huat will take care of the team in Manila.

The average age of Malaysia is just 24 years old, with veteran campaigners Chan Kek Thai and Chin Zhi Shin the only ones over 25 years old. The team are also going to be relatively wanting in terms of size, with Chan and up-and-coming forward Choo Wei Hong the tallest at 1.96m.

A handful of national team stalwarts are missing from the roster, most notably twin towers Kuek Tian Yuan and Kwaan Yoong Jing, both of whom stand around 2.02m. Other key players who won't make the trip to Manila for a variety of reasons (mostly due to injury) are wingmen Loh Shee Fai, Ma Chee Kheun and Wong Yi Hou as well as their top scorer in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015, Ivan Yeo.

Malaysia open their campaign against Thailand on May 12 before facing Indonesia then the Philippines on May 13 and 14 respectively. They square off against Singapore on May 15, Vietnam on May 16 and rest on May 17 before ending the tournament against Myanmar on May 18.

Only the top team after the single round robin will qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut, Lebanon later this year.

FIBA