In the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball, a single shot can change a game, separating silver from gold. And at the recently concluded 15th Asia Pacific Cup, SportX’s young basketballers got a taste of just how fine those margins can be.
With a U18 Boys 3x3 silver medal and a fourth-place finish in the U16 Boys category, SportX returned from Singapore with more than just results. The campaign offered a glimpse of what can be achieved on the international stage while also showing them the areas that need improvement.
But how do you turn a group of unfamiliar players into a team capable of competing for an international podium? And what will it take to turn silver into gold?
In this conversation with Ekalavyas, SportX Titan’s coach Lokesh Shettigar talks to us about the lessons from Singapore and the roadmap for next year’s campaign.
What were the selection trials like, and what stood out to you about the athletes who tried out this year?
Coach Lokesh: It was a rich, mixed experience. Candidates came in from various basketball academies, having trained under a wide range of domestic and international coaches.
Our primary focus early on was assessing each player’s adaptability, overcoming subtle language barriers, and aligning their individual playing styles into a single unified team dynamic.
What key criteria guided your selection process when building the squad?
Coach Lokesh: Beyond foundational athleticism, strength, agility, speed, and court endurance, we evaluated core technical skills like ball-handling and shooting under pressure. Crucially, we prioritised intangible qualities: active on-court communication, leadership, and a coachable, team-first attitude.
Asia Pacific Cup: SportX U18 boys finish runners-up in Singapore
Singapore: SportX’s U18 boys’ basketball team finished runners-up in the 3x3 category at the 15th Asia Pacific Cup in Singapore, held from 19 to 21st October, while the U16 boys secured a commendable fourth-place finish after reaching the semifinals.
With players coming together for the fast-paced 3x3 format, how did you build court chemistry so quickly?
Coach Lokesh: We utilised structured trust games and active-listening exercises to build non-verbal synergy among unfamiliar pairings. We also established a standardised court language for quick screens and switches while leveraging existing player dynamics to set high standards for spacing and ball movement.
SportX introduced a revamped preparation program featuring an Olympic Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach and sports nutrition guidance. How did that impact the team?
Coach Lokesh:
“It was a game-changer. The Olympic S&C support gave our athletes professional-grade physical conditioning, recovery protocols, and injury prevention strategies. Paired with tailored nutrition sessions, it gave both the players and their parents immense confidence going into international competition.”
You oversaw all age categories across both 3x3 and 5x5 formats. What was the biggest challenge in preparing these teams?
Coach Lokesh: The main challenge was bifurcating our training plans to accommodate varying skill levels within the same age group. We had to ensure every player clearly understood their specific role while learning to play to the unique strengths of their teammates.
Reflecting on the results-U18 silver and U16 fourth place-how do you evaluate both campaigns?
Coach Lokesh: Both teams performed at an exceptionally high level and proved they belong on the international stage. The main lesson came down to small margins: maintaining absolute self-discipline, tactical composure, and focus during high-pressure crunch moments.
How did the standard of international competition compare to domestic play in India?
Coach Lokesh: The Asia Pacific Cup exposed our players to a significantly faster pace, higher physical intensity, and split-second tactical decision-making. It reinforced the vital importance of continuous off-ball movement, relentless defensive communication, and mental toughness against aggressive opposition.
SportX is expanding its academies across Mumbai and launching events like the Titan Cup. How important are these initiatives?
Coach Lokesh: Expanding our academies ensures year-round grassroots development, while domestic tournaments build the tournament temperament young athletes need to succeed internationally.
“Regular high-level competition is essential for bridging the gap between practice and match-day execution.”
What was your experience teaming up with SportX?
Coach Lokesh: Collaborating with SportX feels less like a traditional partnership and more like a shared mission. They set clear expectations while providing the operational freedom and robust analytical support needed to drive top-tier results.
What is the roadmap for returning next year to claim gold?
Coach Lokesh: We have proven that Indian squads can contend for the podium. To turn silver into gold next year, we will commit to earlier and longer prep camps, schedule high-intensity scrimmage games against physical sparring partners prior to departure, and place heavy emphasis on crunch-time game management.