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The Print
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Print
We've beaten some top teams in past, we must reach our full potential: India basketball coach
'I'm not real big on predicting finishes. All I want to do is reach our full potential. We've beaten some teams in the past that people said we shouldn't, and we're in that same spot again,' said Fleming ahead of the continental tournament beginning on Tuesday. India, currently ranked 15th in Asia, is placed in Group C along with 16-time gold medallists China (6th), 2022 semi-finalists Jordan (8th) and hosts Saudi Arabia (10th) in the FIBA Asia Cup beginning on Tuesday. New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) India might be the underdogs in Asian basketball but head coach Scott Fleming exuded confidence that this young team has the potential to punch above its weight, having beaten some big sides in recent outings. 'If we can get past the first round, then we'll set some higher goals. We're almost always the underdog, but we've beaten a couple of higher-ranked teams recently, and that's given us some confidence,' he said in an interaction organised by Fancode, which will stream the tournament. 'We know we're the lowest-ranked team in our pool, but that's the great challenge. We're here to win every game. My job is to get them to their full potential — then we'll let the score speak for itself.' One of the most talented players in the Indian team, Pranav Prince said a top-4 finish will be a realistic goal. 'We've been the underdogs for years now, and we're trying to overcome that,' he said. 'Realistically, we're here to win — that's the mindset. We treat every game equally and we've been preparing for this for almost a year. We're not here to hope or pray for anything. We're here to prove we belong. 'Top four or five is a realistic aim, but the goal is always to win the whole thing. We just have to work hard, play our best, and earn it — nothing's going to come from above.' On strategy, Fleming stressed the importance of adapting to opponents without losing identity. 'We have to be true to our style, but every game demands adjustments. It's not cookie-cutter basketball. We study film, prepare scouting reports, involve our staff and players — we can't be surprised by anything our opponents do,' he said. Reflecting on the selection process, Fleming said his decisions were based purely on merit and form. 'Well, the one thing you can be sure of is that I never make any moves from a political standpoint or who's from what state or whatever,' he said. 'I'm just trying to put the 12 on the floor that give us the best chance to win. Some of these players I've worked with earlier at the NBA Academy, and they've continued to improve.' He said he has retained a few veterans like Palpreet (Palpreet Singh Brar) and Muin (Muin Bek Hafeez) for their leadership, while others like Gurbaaz (Kanwar Gurbaaz Singh Sandhu) and Sekhon (Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon) have 'really bought into our system'. 'Selection is never fixed — it's based on current form, fit, and performance in camps. Just because a player isn't on this roster doesn't mean he won't be on the next. 'There are talented players who narrowly missed out, and I expect some of them to be part of the national team in the near future.' On the team's long-term potential, Fleming said the best is yet to come. 'We're just scratching the surface. Most of our top players are in their early 20s, and players usually hit their peak in their late 20s or early 30s. So while we're here to win now, this group has the potential to be one of the best teams in Asia within three or four years or less. 'Even though they're young, many have played big games — in the NBA Academy, in Hungary, in the U.S. — so this isn't all new to them. And we've got experienced players too. We've won three games in the last six months and we're building something strong.' Asked if he would have wanted more exposure games ahead of the event, Fleming said: 'Yes, we need as many exposure games as we can. Other teams are playing 10–15 games before the tournament. We had a good trip to Qatar earlier this year, but a few other matches didn't work out. That's something we need to improve going forward.' On the upcoming professional league in India, both the coach and player were optimistic. 'The pro league is going to be a really big thing for India — not just financially, but for the future of the sport,' Pranav said. 'Earlier, we stayed in shape only for camps or nationals, and then did nothing for six-seven months. But with a league, we'll have year-round motivation. It's been a dream for players like us to turn professional.' Fleming echoed the sentiment. 'I've been a proponent of a league since 2012. This time, BFI, ACG, everyone seems on the same page — and that's huge. Young boys and girls will finally have a pathway, Indian heroes to look up to, and a real chance to earn a living from the game.' PTI ATK PDS PDS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Reaching FIBA Asia Cup knockouts tough but India up for it, says men's basketball coach Fleming
Scott Fleming, the Indian men's basketball team head coach, said reaching FIBA Asia Cup knockouts won't be an easy task but exuded optimism in causing upsets. India, which is ranked 15th in Asia, is placed in Group 'C' along with China (6), Jordan (8) and Saudi Arabia (10). The tournament starts August 5 in Jeddah. 'Yes, China, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are better ranked than us. It's a huge challenge but we will go for upsets,' Fleming told Sportstar on Friday. The team trained at the National Sports Centre at Panaiyur in Chennai, looking to iron out different aspects of the game. 'We are good in perimeter shooting, which we will continue to do that. We are strengthening our defence and we have been inconsistent so far,' Fleming said. According to Fleming, qualifying for the Asia Cup has become tougher in the last two years. 'Earlier we used to beat weaker teams such as Bangladesh. Now it's become tough. We had to beat Kazakhstan and Bahrain to qualify this time,' he said. Indian captain Muin Bek said the team is aiming to beat Jordan and Saudi Arabia. 'One of Jordan's best players, Ahmad Al Dwairi (centre) is not playing. And in Saudi Arabia, there are no prominent imports,' the captain said. India played two away matches against Qatar earlier in July; Bek said that they have boosted the team's confidence.
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Indian hoopsters have their task cut out in FIBA Asia Cup
Scott Fleming, the Indian men's basketball team head coach said the teams in Group 'C' in the FIBA Asia Cup beginning in Jeddah on August 5, are all higher ranked than India (Asia ranked 15) and it won't be easy at all to reach the knock-outs, but exuded cautious optimism. 'Yes, China (Asia ranking 6), Jordan (8) and Saudi Arabia (10) are better-ranked than us. It's a huge challenge. But we will go for upsets,' said Scott in a chat with The Hindu over a phone call here on Friday. On aspects that the team focussed on its training sessions at the National Sports Centre at Panaiyur here, Scott said, 'We are good in perimeter shooting. We will continue to do that. We are strengthening our defence. We have been inconsistent so far,' he said. Qualifying for the Asia Cup has been made tougher in the last two years unlike in the past, Scott said. 'Earlier we used to beat weaker teams such as Bangladesh. Now it's become tough. We had to beat Kazakhstan and Bahrain to qualify this time,' he said. India's captain Muin Bek said the team is focusing its energies to beat Jordan and Saudi Arabia. 'One of Jordan's best players, Ahmad Al Dwairi (centre) is not playing. And in Saudi Arabia, there are no prominent imports,' said the captain, while adding that the two away matches (July 8 and 15) that the team played against Qatar has boosted its confidence.
Press and Journal
30-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Tributes paid after sudden death of Pine Marten Bar and Scran owner Scott Fleming
Tributes have been paid to an Aviemore and Glenmore 'legend'. Scott Fleming, known as Scotty, has died at the age of 34. Hundreds have since paid tribute to The Pine Marten Bar and Scran owner, and people say he will be remembered for his 'kind soul' and 'great sense of humour'. He was well-known in the area, with many saying they appreciated his 'funny' posts to the Pine Marten social media pages. Scotty was also known for his generosity – including the time during the Covid pandemic, he gave away free Christmas dinners to those most in need. In a post to social media, the bar confirmed Scotty's passing. They said: 'We are so sorry to share this news with you all. We want to share this so that all are informed of what's happened. 'Please allow our community time and space to grieve and thank you for your support. 'Over and out, love from the whole Pine Marten Team.' His friends are now trying to find somewhere to donate an assortment of meat from The Pine Marten Bar. An additional post reads: 'There's an assortment of meat and what not here at The Pine Marten Bar and Scran that needs a good home. 'We all know our boy would've loved it to go to some good.' Scotty had owned the popular Pine Marten Bar and Scran in Glenmore since November 2018. Since that time, he had built up a name for himself and gained customers and friends around the globe. Scotty was even named as a 'Character of the Cairngorms' as part of a Visit Cairngorms project that celebrated the stories of the communities who live and work in the area. At the time of the project, Visit Cairngorms said: 'Having left school at 15 to work towards becoming a snowboard instructor in Canada, Scott came back home to 'sort my life out'. 'From being a 'lifty' at Cairngorm Mountain to working in local bars, he's now a co-owner of the legendary Pine Marten Bar in Glenmore. 'It's the people of the Cairngorms that have kept him here and his alternative, sociable and banter filled 'PR' exploits attract many others in turn. 'With such a vast area to explore he admits he is still to see most of the Cairngorms, 'even though I have lived here for almost 10 years!' 'Scotty is a true character in every sense of the word and he is very happy putting himself out there on film to entertain us through his brilliant use of social media. 'Not always fully clothed and very straight to the point, his sense of humour keeps us entertained and makes light of the tough world of hospitality.' Scotty's friend and co-worker Rodrigo Falcon went missing after they had been on a night out in December 2022. Along with the police, his friends organised various large-scale search operations in the area and raised the profile of his disappearance by speaking to the local and national media. Sadly, Rodrigo's body was eventually found in April last year on the outskirts of Aviemore. Friends as well as those who knew Scotty from social media and their time in the bar posted tributes. The post has hundreds of comments. Heather Meek said: 'Terribly sad to read this. What a character. 'Was a fun and caring person to be around in Canada and loved following his antics in the Spey Valley. Thoughts with his family and friends.' Steve Kennedy paid tribute to the bar owner, saying Scotty's Facebook posts 'always made him chuckle'. 'So very sad to read this, Scott was such a character, always made me chuckle with his FB posts, and made us feel so welcome on our visit,' he said. 'All my thoughts with his family and friends. A true loss to Aviemore.' Janis Bootle said everyone will remember his 'funny' fundraising efforts. She said: 'So sad, RIP Scotty with Rod now. 'We will all remember laughs and kindness shown to all in lockdown and all your funny fundraising efforts. Thinking of all family friends & colleagues at this time.' June McIntosh added: 'My heart goes out to your loved ones. 'Your passing leaves a huge void, but I'm so grateful for the memories we shared at Lossie. You were a shining star, and your memory will live on.'
