Jakarta, IO – Indonesian men’s national basketball team coach David Singleton has a big task: preparing the team for two prestigious events: the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, August 28-31, and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September. Coach Dave has already selected his team; 12 players have been prepared and will depart for Seramban, Malaysia, to face the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers.
Indonesia will compete in Group C against Singapore, Hong Kong, and host Malaysia. “We want to win all our matches and advance to the next round. The players are ready and eager to fight,” said Coach Dave after national team training at Dewa United Arena, Banten, Monday, August 24.
“We have selected the players to go to Seramban. There are several newcomers to the Indonesian national team, such as Antoni Erga and Argus Sanyudi. Anthony Beane Jr. is a naturalized player,” he said. While each country is only allowed to register one naturalized player in the FIBA competition, the Asian Games will allow players who have been naturalized at least three years ago to play.
Continuous improvement is essential. “As a coach, of course, we want to do our best and continue to improve our players’ abilities and find ways to develop their game. However, with such a short preparation time, we are very grateful to have this opportunity,” said Dave.
Dave said the players have worked very hard and strived to improve themselves in detail and in several small ways. “I like the team chemistry. I like the energy they show, and I’m happy to see how we’re becoming more unified as a team,” he explained.
Read More: Football: Championship League Kicks Off On September 11th Under PT Liga Utama Indonesia
Asian Games
The squad that will travel to Seramban will be different from the one that will be fielded at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. By being able to field naturalized players, the team’s strength will likely increase, even though the opponents they will face in Japan will be tougher.
“I hope Marques Bolden can play at the Asian Games, as will Derrick Michael Xzaveiro,” Dave hoped. Bolden is a naturalized player, while Derrick is an Indonesian. Both currently play in the Japanese League. Lester Prosper is also currently in the national training camp.
At the upcoming Asian Games, Indonesia is in a group with formidable nations, namely Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. “We are honored to be playing in an event as big as the Asian Games and to face such formidable teams. We will strive to give our best,” he said.
Ahead of the Asian Games, we certainly hope that our efforts in Seramban will yield the desired results. Keep up the good work, Indonesian basketball! (rp)
Indonesian Players for the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers
- Antoni Erga
- Ali Bagir
- Yudha Saputera
- Rio Disi
- Argus Sanyudi
- Reza F. Guntara
- Hendrick Xavi Yonga
- Kelvin Sanjaya
- Dame Diagne
- Pandu Wiguna
- Fhirdan Guntara
- Anthony Beane Jr
SCHEDULE
Friday, August 28: Vs. Singapore
Sunday, August 30: Vs.Hong Kong
Monday, August 31: Vs. Malaysia
