#Throwback Thursdays - Raffles Basketball 1981
- Interview with Ong Swee Teck
- Mar 24, 2016
- 2 min read
The first of our series of interviews where we find out more about how Raffles Basketball was like for the different batches through the years. Have a read and get a better sense of the good o' days. It truly is enlightening and encouraging to hear about how Raffles Basketball has evolved over the years.
For our first article, we will be hearing from one of our most ardent supporter and current BAS General Secretary, Mr Ong Swee Teck, RJC 1981. (Photo below: Standing, 3rd from right)

How was training like during your time?
Training was 7 days a week for most of the A Div Boys!! We spent 5 days during morning PE doing mainly ball skills, shooting and fast-break drills. During 3 afternoons, we would spend 3 hours doing team training - physical training for 1 hour, basic skills for 1 hour and team plays for the last hour.

On other days, it was mostly self-training. On Sunday mornings, we would play with old boys and other teams at Thomson Secondary. All the players enjoyed the training because we had one common vision - to win the national title for first time, especially after four defeats in five years in the National A Div Boys Finals. (Which they did win in 1981)

What difficulties did you face during your days as Captain and how did you seek to resolve them?
Back then, we only had 1 basketball court for 3 teams! That meant limited court usage for each team. We had to plan two sessions on one court every day.

During our ‘81 season, our National A Div Boys Final clashed with our RI Sports Day. We thus had to ask the Principal to grant us permission for our batch to support us in the final.
There was a lack of funds for the CCA (Back then, it was known as ECA - Extra-Curricular Activity). Thus, we raised funds through selling snacks, chocolates and biscuits. There was no teacher-in-charge or coach. We had to plan our own trainings.
What is one significant memory that remains of your basketball days in Raffles?

The self-discipline that was instilled in each player. For physical training, I did 10 rounds around the track at 7am within 20 mins, 50 push-ups and 50 sit-ups each day.
Finally, any words of encouragement for our Raffles Basketball Teams?
Remember always: You are playing for Raffles. Fight till the end.
(Interviewer) Thank you for your time Swee Teck and for your words of wisdom.
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