Indian hoopsters making waves

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Geethu Anna Jose and company have started well, clinching their maiden Asian 3x3 beach championship in Haiyang, China.

The talismanic hoopster is prepared to influence India’s chances at the William Jones Cup scheduled for July.

The Indian team was undefeated in the 3x3, defeating Thailand, Philippines, Mongolia and China and Geethu hints at the chilled out attitude in the team that did the trick. She hopes for a Haiyang encore when the 5x5 event bounces off in Taipei.

“We were totally chilled out for the 3x3. Our first game was against Thailand and we lost the previous meeting so it was payback time. After we defeated them, the feeling was like ‘let’s beat them all’,” says Geethu.

Unlike the conventional full-court game, 3x3 is a half-court affair with each basket fetching a point and outside shooting (3 points), buying 2 points. Geethu says it is a skill-based game that helps to sharpen one’s reflexes.

“Men’s team coach Kenny Natt says playing 3X3 will help us in the regular games. What we did was to try and enjoy our game and not become nervous. It always helps when you have a winning start to the season,” said Geethu.

India had won the South Asia beach basketball competition last year in Hambantota, Sri Lanka but Geethu considers this success better. “We beat China for the first time, which is a great feeling,” said the 26-year-old.

Geethu said she would not be going for the WNBA tryouts this year and might perhaps take a break after the William Jones Cup. "I am preparing for the William Jones and have not thought any further. I might take a break,”she said.

Meanwhile, it was another Malayali who had a role in the national team’s success in Haiyang. It was Prem Kumar, a resident of Thrissur who coached the team to gold. He will again be in charge for the upcoming event.

“It is a huge success, the girls played with real passion. We cannot say this win will be of any help in the 5x5 next month, but it certainly gives us a big morale boost. Geethu has been a driving force and she adds that positive energy to the team,” said Prem.