New Singapore head coach Arsego searching for leaders
SINGAPORE - New Singapore head coach Frank Arsego has revealed he will be looking for players capable of turning the South East Asians into a regional powerhouse in coming years.
SINGAPORE - New Singapore head coach Frank Arsego has revealed he will be looking for players capable of turning the South East Asians into a regional powerhouse in coming years.
The Australian play-caller took over from Neo Beng Siang, who stepped down as national team head coach after more than 12 years at the helm.
Basketball: New #oneteamsg national coach Frank Arsego shoots for @2017SEAGames final https://t.co/UPle7HwIqo pic.twitter.com/nRHfyTnttT
— ST Sports Desk (@STsportsdesk) June 7, 2016
Singapore narrowly missed out on a chance to qualify for the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge after finishing third at the 2016 SEABA Stankovic Cup last month. Arsego wasn't the head coach on that occasion, but he traveled with the team to Bangkok to have a closer look at the players he will manage for the next two years.
The 56-year is no stranger to Singaporean basketball. He was in charge of the Singapore Slingers for two years, starting 2008, and is also familiar with a number of current national team players.
Singapore clinched back-to-back bronze medals in the SEA games (2013 and 2015) but Arsego has the final at his sights for the next edition in 2017.
"My short term goal is to put together a team to maintain that ranking," he said. "But, as we get closer, I'm going to try and put the things in place to reach the next level... find some more guys who want that responsibility to take that next step. that's what I'm looking for."
One player in particular he highly regards and expects a lot from is Delvin Goh. The 21-year-old is touted as the future of the national team and his performances in Thailand solidified his role in the team, as he finished the tournament averaging double-double.
"The coach spoke to me before and it's nice that he remembers me. We can definitely catch up with the teams in the final and we will keep training hard to achieve our goal," said Goh.
FIBA