Dibuat oleh Admin. Pada 03 October 2025 - 10:14
Amidst the intense spotlight on the 5x5 National Basketball Team selection, we sometimes forget that there's always a simpler focus on other things. One of them is the 3x3 National Basketball Team. This sport, which will also compete at the SEA Games in Thailand, has actually been holding selections since last month. Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung sent Sandy Ibrahim Aziz as the sole delegate to compete for a spot there.
This Bandung native is certainly no stranger to the basketball scene, which uses a 15x11 meter court. As we know, Sandy was one of the Indonesian players who won a silver medal at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.
"Of course, I'm happy and excited to have the opportunity to be selected as one of the players fighting for Indonesia at the upcoming SEA Games. The competition is fierce because the selection process now includes many experienced players and talented young players," he said when met after training at the Popki Cibubur Sports Hall.
Sandy also stated that preparations this time around have gone quite well, as the players participating in this selection are generally already familiar with the 3x3 playing style.
"Besides focusing on the offense and defense systems provided by Coach Rama, what he's really been working on the most is the state of play. Almost all of the players currently in the selection process are used to playing conventional basketball, aka 5x5, so it takes time to adapt. Fortunately, this program not only gives us continuous training but also the opportunity to compete in international events, like yesterday's match in the Philippines and tomorrow's match in Taiwan," continued the player who has won three IBL titles with his junior high school.
When asked about his target for the upcoming SEA Games in December, Sandy clearly stated that he wants a medal. However, this requires a process and the hard work of everyone involved in the 3x3 basketball team.
"After returning home empty-handed twice, my hope is that if I'm re-elected, I'll return home empty-handed. Clearly, our highest motivation is to reach the podium, not just to compete. And I'm optimistic that with good preparation, hard work, and the support of the Indonesian people, we can make that happen," he explained.
"Furthermore, I personally hope that all basketball stakeholders in Indonesia will continue holding 3x3 competitions across various age groups. The rarity of competitions here is a very real difference between Indonesia and other ASEAN countries, as we know they regularly hold these competitions. If it becomes a regular event, I'm sure our dream of 3x3 basketball reaching the 2028 Olympics will become even bigger and more realistic," he concluded.
Good luck, Sandy Ibrahim Aziz!
