Malaysia - Game over for Satya
The most recognisable face of Malaysian men’s basketball for nearly a decade, K. Satyaseelan (pic), has decided to quit the national team to venture into a new horizon. The 29-year-old from Sitiawan is the most experienced player in the senior squad and he took part in his fifth successive SEA Games in Korat last month and helped Malaysia clinch the bronze medal.
From thestar.com.my
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The most recognisable face of Malaysian men’s basketball for nearly a decade, K. Satyaseelan (pic), has decided to quit the national team to venture into a new horizon.
The 29-year-old from Sitiawan is the most experienced player in the senior squad and he took part in his fifth successive SEA Games in Korat last month and helped Malaysia clinch the bronze medal.
“I have been in full-time training with the national team for more than 10 years,” said Satyaseelan, who is arguably the best three-point shooter the country has produced in basketball.
“I’ve had enough and it’s time to move on and let the younger players take over. But I may still play for my state side if they need me. I am thinking of a different job ... maybe explore some business opportunities with the savings that I made.”
His exit is a big blow to Malaysian basketball and it cannot be denied that he has made his mark as an inspirational player since he broke into the national team in 1996.
Satyaseelan, who grew up in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood in Sitiawan and speaks fluent Mandarin, went on to become the first non-Chinese player to captain a national team – taking up the appointment in 2002.
The captaincy was handed to Koh Way Teck three years ago but Satyaseelan still remained a first-choice player for the team.
He has played in all SEA Games competitions since 1997 in Jakarta and all other international assignments Malaysia took part in. Among the high points of his international career were helping Malaysia win the South-East Asian Championship in 2005 and managing runner-up finishes behind the Philippines in 1997 and 2001.
National men’s coach Sim Sin Heng said that the Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba) appreciated Satyaseelan's contributions to basketball and he will be entitled to a RM10,000 gratuity.
“Anyone who has played for the country for the last 10 years is entitled to this reward. Satyaseelan will join four female players as the recipients,” he said.
“We will definitely miss the services of Satyaseelan. But we will welcome him back if he changes his mind and feels that he can still contribute to the team.”