Coach Yoong Sze Yuin got back only half the squad that won Malaysia the women’s basketball gold medal in 2017.
It’s with a mix of youth and experience that Sze Yuin will go to the Philippines Sea Games (Nov 30-Dec 11) to defend their title.
Of her 12-member roster, only six players featured in the victorious 2017 KL Games campaign.
The six are captain Eugene Ting, R. Kalaimathi, Yap Fook Yee, Magdelene Low, Saw Wei Yin and Tai Chia Qian.
Six others: Chia Mun Yi, Lee Phei Ling, Tan Pei Jie, Hiew Ky Lie, Khoo Kar Syuen and Ho Ching Yee are set to make their Sea Games debut in Manila.
The surprise omission from the team is Sarawakian point guard Wong Mei Chyn. The 28-year-old was excluded despite being a member of the 2017 squad.
Sze Yuin, however, believes that a change of guard is inevitable as she aims to usher in a new era while defending their gold medal.
“There have to be changes at some point and I’m also looking to the future instead of just this Sea Games,” she explained.
“That’s the reason why I decided to give some of the younger players a chance this time as Mei Chyn is also already 28 this year.
“Of course experience-wise, this team are lacking in comparison to the 2017 selection.
“But on a more positive note, the younger players will have no pressure. They are also eager and hungry for success.”
Sze Yuin stressed that their recent training tour to Yamagata, Japan earlier this month, has been an eye opener for the team.
“The Japan trip was really beneficial as the players learned first hand how tough Japanese players are in terms of physical endurance.
“I feel we are definitely ready for the Sea Games challenge despite a bit of injuries picked up from Japan. It is now down to the team to rise to the challenge thrown at them.”
The women’s competition will feature only four teams: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines after Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia withdrew.