Scott Flemming returns as Indian Men's Basketball Coach
Scott Flemming returns as Indian Men's Basketball Coach
Flemming was the catalyst for India's historic victory over China in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup and its gold medal performance in the 3rd Lusofonia games, beating Angola in the final.
In an unexpected but almost unanimously welcomed announcement, the celebrated former Indian Men’s National Team Coach Scott Flemming has returned for a second stint.
Flemming, who had held the same position between November 2012 to April 2015, had been working with NBA India as its Technical Director until recently.
‘Alchemist’ Returns
Arguably one of the most successful coaches in Indian basketball history, Flemming left behind a legacy that was unparalleled. During his two-and-a-half-year coaching tenure in India, Coach Flemming brought about tremendous improvement in the Indian Men's players and the team's style of play. He was the catalyst for India's historic victory over China in the 5th FIBA Asia Cup and its gold medal performance in the 3rd Lusofonia games, beating Angola in the final.
High Expectations
Flemming’s hiring follows weeks after Ekalavyas broke the story of the closure of NBA Academy India. Considering the headline grabbing successes in his initial go-around, expectations from Flemming in his second stint will naturally be high.
Flemming has shown himself to be an excellent culture fit in India, having lived in and embraced the country’s often-perplexing diversity, for over eight years.
However basketball fans in India will do well to be patient - considering that Flemming’s initial term was backed by the financial heft of IMG-Reliance till 2015, leading to better facilities and comfort for the national team players.
Matic’s term ends
Flemming’s appointment marks the end of Serbian Veselin Matic being at the helm of affairs. Initially appointed in 2019, Matic’s contract was renewed for three years in 2021.
Despite Matic’s vast and proven credentials, and sincere intentions, the men’s 5v5 team showed considerable decline in rankings during this period. Matic attributed attributed this initially to COVID, a persisting lack of competitive exposure because of the absence of a high quality domestic league, and non-availability of key players. Besides these factors, Matic’s tenure was also hindered by administrative issues stemming from the contentious transfer of power from one faction of BFI to the next.
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