MIES (Switzerland) - The Indian men's basketball program has been on a roller coaster over the past decade. After the thrills of 2014-16 when they famously beat higher-ranked China, Philippines and Angola, and threatened the likes of Iran, the Young Cagers now find themselves back at the base of a steep uphill rebuild.
Throughout this phase, Head Coach Scott Flemming has been a constant presence across most of India’s major successes.
... this team has the potential to be in the top 5 in Asia in several years.
Last week, Coach Flemming announced he is formally stepping down after the conclusion of the ongoing Window 2 of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
India will be facing Qatar and Lebanon on February 27 and March 2. They are currently 0-2 and at real risk of early elimination, if they lose both games, and other results don’t go their way.
Comparisons with China
With Coach Flemming now moving on, the larger question in the minds of those tracking Indian basketball is, what’s next for their national team?
Can the world’s most populous country - that has shown undeniable flashes of potential - ever become a giant in Asian basketball, rivaling the likes of China?
"We are sometimes compared to China, but basketball is the No. 1 sport in China and they have a very strong pro league. It certainly would be our goal to get there some day," Coach Flemming said on the eve of his side's game against World Cup 2027 hosts Qatar.
"Our team is comprised of mostly players from 20-25 years of age.
"I think with a strong support system and capable coaching this team has the potential to be in the top 5 in Asia in several years," Coach Flemming added, before pointing out the challenge of having to frequently compete against Asian teams with many imported players from the Americas, Africa and Europe.
Promise of India's new basketball league
India's gearing up for the launch of its pro basketball league, a long awaited development that is set to revolutionize how the sport is viewed in the country. Coach Flemming shares in this optimism and feels the new league ('India Basketball League') will accelerate the growth of basketball in the cricket loving country.
"Two of the biggest needs in India basketball is a legitimate pro league and a development effort to train young boys and girls. There are no guarantees, but these are two areas that could elevate the game," Coach Flemming predicted.
Sustaining at the top
For a young roster, with an average age under 26, the future is remains bright, but the real question is whether any peak that is achieved can then become the base for irreversible and consistent climbs into Asia's basketball elite.
After all, the experience from 2014-16 shows how India's improvement was soon followed by a return to extended mediocrity.
"Based on the past that is a fair statement," Coach Flemming conceded, before adding, "There needs to be a coordination of all the invested parties to create consistency. Because there are so many players on this team in the same general age group, the chances of extended success is more possible."
Two of the biggest needs in India basketball is a legitimate pro league and a development effort to train young boys and girls.
"The national team needs to have extended camps without interruptions, as well as more exposure trips prior to the FIBA tournaments. I appreciate the ones we have had and hope those can continue against even stronger competition.
"There needs to be an intentional effort to start basketball at a young age (at least 10 years old and above). This can be done in the schools, local state skills camps, and national camps for under 14 years olds," shared Coach Flemming, on the long-term improvements he would like to see in Indian basketball over the course of the next 10 to 20 years.
Facing Qatar and Lebanon
Whatever positives the future of Indian basketball may hold, for now Coach Flemming's young squad's immediate priority will be to give him a winning send-off.
Standing in their way though, are two seasoned and battle hardened forces in Qatar and Lebanon.
That will require an upset - or two - of epic proportions.
FIBA