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Singapore national basketballer Choy Ting and coach Rasic share their thoughts ahead of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup at Kallang. Discover how Team Singapore is preparing to compete on home ground.
As the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup returns to Singapore, all eyes will be on The Kallang’s OCBC Square, where some of Asia’s best street basketball talents will battle it out on the half court.
For Choy Ting, representing Singapore women's national 3x3 basketball team in front of a home crowd is more than just another tournament appearance — it’s a moment of pride, responsibility, and excitement.
“To me it’s a big honour to be able to play for Singapore,” she says. “I always take pride in playing my best, especially on home ground.”
With Singapore hosting the tournament once again, local fans will have the chance to witness the intensity of 3x3 basketball up close — a fast-paced, high-energy format that has rapidly grown in popularity across the region.
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The Energy of a Home Crowd
For athletes who spend much of their competitive season overseas, playing at home offers a rare boost.
“When we play overseas, the crowd is cheering for their own countries and sometimes we feel a bit demoralised,” Choy Ting explains. “But now that we are back in Singapore, we believe the crowd will be different and we will be energised.”
That energy can make a tangible difference in 3x3 basketball, where games are played over just 10 intense minutes.
Her message to supporters is simple: show up and be loud.
“Every cheer gives us strength. Please do come down and cheer for us.”
Her coach, Lazar Rasic, agrees that fan support can be a powerful advantage.
“I really appreciate the fans — they are the fifth player in our competition,” he says. “It is an honour to represent the country playing in front of such a great audience, and we will do our best to make them proud.”
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A Journey Shaped by Determination
Like many athletes, Choy Ting’s basketball journey didn’t begin with instant passion.
“In the beginning I wasn’t that interested in the sport,” she admits. “But because of my height, my teacher asked me to join.”
What started as a simple introduction soon evolved into something far bigger. Coaches and teammates helped ignite her love for the game, and years later, she now competes at the continental level.
The path, however, was far from easy.
For a period of time, Choy Ting balanced shift work with national team training, juggling job responsibilities while striving to perform at the highest level.
“There were days where I asked myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ There was work stress and all the psychological demand to excel during training,” she recalls. “But eventually I told myself: you are here, just do your best.”
That mindset has shaped her resilience both on and off the court.
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Teamwork at the Heart of 3x3
Fans new to 3x3 basketball will quickly notice the pace and physicality of the sport. Played on a half-court with three players per team, every possession is crucial.
But if there is one aspect of Singapore’s game that Choy Ting hopes spectators will notice, it’s the chemistry.
“If they don’t understand 3x3 yet, I hope they notice our teamwork,” she says. “Our communication on court and how we play with each other.”
For coach Rasic, Choy Ting embodies the spirit that holds the team together.
“She has a very strong character and fighting spirit,” he explains. “She is dedicated, very hardworking and very responsible.”
Beyond technical skill, he believes her biggest contribution is less visible but equally important.
“Definitely heart,” he says. “She is the heart of the team. When things are hard she will be on the ground fighting for every rebound.”
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Learning Through Challenge
Growth in elite sport rarely comes without setbacks. One moment that stayed with Choy Ting came after a difficult loss.
“I was very upset,” she recalls. “My coach told me: ‘You always think your way will work — why don’t you try my way? Maybe we will see new light.’”
The advice proved transformative.
“There are thousands of ways to get better,” she says. “Not just one way.”
Since then, the team has continued refining their tactical approach — a process that has helped them steadily improve.
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Preparing for Asia’s Best
The road to the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is demanding. Training sessions focus not just on tactics but also on the extreme fitness levels required for the explosive format.
“3x3 is very energy d,” Choy Ting says. “Maintaining that high level of energy for the full 10 minutes is something I’ve been working on.”
Coach Rasic emphasises that preparation goes beyond physical readiness.
“We are working hard like every year, focusing on our strengths and weaknesses,” he says. “But we are also preparing mentally for the competition.”
The team faces a challenging group that includes Japan women's national 3x3 basketball team, one of the strongest sides in the world.
“We will need to adjust our strategy,” Rasic explains. “But playing at home is a big plus.”
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Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond medals and standings, the tournament represents something bigger for basketball in Singapore.
According to Rasic, international events like the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of players.
“When young kids come and see this level of competition, it has a huge impact,” he says. “When the home team does well, it encourages even more young people to start playing basketball.”
It’s a message that resonates with Choy Ting, who understands the importance of role models in sport.
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Ready for the Moment
For Choy Ting, every tournament is a chance to test the years of training behind the scenes.
“We have been training for years,” she says. “Every big competition is a test for what we’ve been practising. Now it’s time to showcase what we can do.”
And with the cheers of Singapore fans echoing across Kallang, the stage is set for the team to give everything they have.
“Being able to fight for every ball,” she says, “that’s what will show our strength.”
The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is happening from 1-5 April. Come support Team Singapore!
Tickets are now on sale and available here.
