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I just want to recap the past 10 days—a stretch that’s been pivotal for Malaysian basketball: A coaching reset. A roster shake-up. National teams kicking off their SEA Games campaigns.

If you’ve followed Malaysian basketball long enough, you know we’ve seen moments like this before. New coaches, big statements, fresh training camps—always with the promise that things will improve.

But watching everything unfold this past week, I found myself asking: Is this finally the moment things change, or are we just running in circles?

Let’s break it down.

Coach Ee Shya Takes Over: Can She Resurrect the Women’s Team?

On February 12, 2025, I brought you the exclusive that Coach Tan Ee Shya is set to take over as the new head coach of Malaysia’s national women’s basketball team.

One week later, on the first day of the training camp, twenty minutes in, and players were already exhausted.

That was Coach Ee Shya’s blunt reality check as she led her first session as head coach of Malaysia’s women’s national team.

"The training wasn’t ideal," she admitted. "After 20 minutes of defensive drills, they were already sprawled out."

Malaysia once dominated Southeast Asian basketball, winning 13 SEA Games gold medals. But those days are gone. The last championship? 2017.

Meanwhile, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia have embraced a modern approach—stacking their rosters with naturalized and mixed-heritage players. Malaysia? Still relying solely on local talent.

But what I respect about coach Ee Shya is that she’s not complaining.

She knows the challenge. And instead of making excuses, she’s setting the tone: No shortcuts. No fear. Just work.

Her goal? Two medals—one in 5v5, one in 3x3. And the color? Gold, if she has her way.

Some might call that too ambitious, given how much the competition has improved. But here’s the thing: If her players step onto the SEA Games court already doubting themselves, they’ve lost before the ball is even tipped.

Ooi Xian Fu’s Departure: Where Will He Land?

On February 12, 2025, I posted on my social media:

Chua Wai Kin, Chong Zhen Yang, and Ooi Xian Fu have left Rising Star—the first and only professional 3x3 team in Malaysia.

But the name on everyone's lips? Ooi Xian Fu.

The rumors are swirling:

• Word on the street is that new franchise KL Hornbills is courting Xian Fu.
• Freshly crowned MBL Champions Johor Southern Tigers have reportedly shown interest too—though any formal deal seems up in the air.

But Xian Fu isn’t rushing a decision.

"Right now, my focus is on the national team training camp. I’ll take a month to figure out my future," he said.

I respect that. He could’ve jumped at the first offer, but instead, he’s prioritizing his national team duties first.

Personally, I believe Xian Fu is one of the most talented players in the country, and I’ve always seen a big future ahead of him. I’m glad he’s taking the time to make the best decision for himself.

His next move could reshape Malaysian club basketball. Will he help build a new team? Join a championship contender? Or does he have another plan entirely?

For now, fans and teams will have to wait.

Men’s National Team: Can They Break an 18-Year Drought?

February 17, 2025. 26 hopefuls report for national team duty.​

They bring their gear. They bring their hunger. And they bring the weight of 18 years without a SEA Games medal.

Head coach Felton Sealey, 65 years old, isn’t here for empty promises. He lays it out plainly:

"Our goal is to get a medal. What color? We don’t know. But if we put the work in and stay focused, all things are possible."

Sounds good. But reality? Malaysia hasn’t won a SEA Games medal since 2007.

• Veterans Kuek Tian Yuan and Teo Kok Hou have stepped away, transitioning into coaching.
• 11 players opted out, leaving 31 still in contention.
• Without naturalized players (Tychique Bosango and Joseph Obasah are still in limbo), Malaysia faces a major size and talent disadvantage.

I won’t lie—I’ve heard the “we’re aiming for a medal” speech many times before.

But here’s what gives me a bit of hope: Sealey doesn’t just say it—he backs it up.

His first practice ended with extra running, push-ups, and plank exercises. And yes, he even demonstrates exactly how it’s done.

That’s the kind of lead-by-example mentality we need.

If Malaysia can’t win with size or athleticism, they’ll have to win with fundamentals, discipline, and relentless effort.

As Coach Sealey puts it: "They may outplay us, but they will never outwork us. That’s the Malaysian way."

The SEA Games are still months away, but the battle starts now.

Under the radar: Thailand’s Near Upset of Korea—A Warning for Southeast Asia?

On February 20, 2025, while all eyes were on China vs. Japan and Taiwan vs. Philippines, another game quietly sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia—Thailand vs. Korea.

Korea, an established Asian powerhouse, was expected to cruise to an easy win. Instead, Thailand nearly pulled off a massive upset, falling just short in a 91-90 thriller in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

The game looked over when Thailand once trailed by 15 points in the third quarter. Then, out of nowhere, 34-year-old Nattakarn Muangboon took over.

• He drilled six threes in the game and dropped a game-high 22 points.
• With 3:34 left, Thailand actually took the lead, 82-81.

The upset was within reach.

Then, heartbreak.

• With 2.5 seconds left, Thailand had a chance to seal the win at the free-throw line.
• Pongsakorn Jaimsawad missed both, and Korea barely escaped.

This wasn’t just a close game—it was a warning sign.

Thailand’s roster now features six mixed-heritage players, and they’re hosting the 2025 SEA Games.

Unlike Cambodia’s “American mercenary” team in 2023, Thailand is reportedly adhering to FIBA eligibility rules, allowing only one naturalized player per team—and that works in their favor.

Because outside of the Philippines, no other SEA nation has as many mixed-heritage players as Thailand.

And if Thailand is improving at this rate, where does that leave Malaysia?

If we don’t figure it out soon, we might not just be chasing Thailand—we might be chasing Vietnam and Singapore too.

Final Thought: Change Is Happening, But Will It Stick?

I won’t call myself an optimist just yet, but something about this past 10 days feels intriguing.

• Ee Shya isn’t afraid to set big goals.
• Xian Fu is making a move that could shake up the league.
• Sealey isn’t making promises—he’s making players run.

We’ve seen big talk before. But what matters is whether action follows.

Coaches and players can’t control the outcome, or the decisions or made by the management—but they can control their hustle. If they’re grinding at 100% every single day, I’ll accept whatever the scoreboard says.

Also, there’s a good chance the final 15–20 player rosters for both the men’s and women’s national teams will be announced in coming days, so stay tuned for more updates.

Sometimes, change is good. Let’s hope this time it sticks.

Thank you for reading, do let me know if you like this kind of weekly recap type of newsletter. Looking forward to hearing fro you.

— Jordan

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