Wish you were here, Kobe

Towering tale: Former MABA vice-president Datuk Yeoh Choo Hock posing with his book after the launching ceremony. Inset: Choo Hock with LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. — FAIHAN GHANI/ The Star.

KUALA LUMPUR: NBA legend Kobe Bryant would have been in Malaysia if he had not lost his life in the horrific helicopter crash last week.

The American basketball legend was listed as one of the special guests at former Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) vice-president Datuk Yeoh Choo Hock’s coffee table book launch at a hotel here yesterday.

“I’m devastated by the news of Kobe and his daughter. I’ve invited him and he was supposed to attend this event, it really makes me sad, ” said the 76-year-old Choo Hock, who had built a friendship with Bryant over the years after meeting him during a 3-on-3 basketball meet in Italy.

Former physical education teacher Choo Hock is no stranger to the basketball fraternity - having held different top positions from local to the world level - before he slowed down in 2012 due to a stroke.

He was the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) vice-president (2003-2006); Commonwealth Basketball Federation (CBF) vice-president (1998-2006), FIBA Asia secretary-general, South-East Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) secretary-general and MABA secretary-general (18 years) and vice-president (2008-2011).

It all started with Choo Hock taking up the role as the national coach (from 1975-1989) and even leading the team to a gold medal at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 1989 - before he embarked on an administrative role.

“I’ve spent countless nights sleeping in my office. In fact, I think I slept more in the office than my house, ” said Choo Hock, who is currently the secretary-general Emeritus with FIBA and Asian Basketball.

“I’ve worked so hard to bring the basketball scene to where it is today. I have organised plenty of international tournaments, including the women’s World Championship.”

Indeed, he is a legend in his own special way for his priceless contributions and tireless work over the years to develop basketball at all levels.

All his contributions and challenges have been published in the coffee table book titles, “My Life, My Journey” to give an insight into his work at the local and international stage.

“I’m happy with the launch of this book. It feels amazing to see everyone, who have been part of my life, here with me today. I’m so grateful, ” said Choo Hock.

He, however, is not done yet.

Having worked with the United States Basketball Academy (USBA) president Bruce O’Neil to open 26 basketball centres all over China in the past, he now has plans to open another six centress in Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

“I have agreed to work on this project with Bruce because basketball is my life, I can’t just leave it like that.

“I will do my best to help Bruce in the USBA, ” said Choo Hock.

With years of experience behind him, Choo Hock has one advice for Malaysian basketball.

“I honestly don’t think it matters who is coaching the team, whether a foreigner or a local.

“We started our basketball scene with local coaches and I feel like there is nothing wrong by keeping it that way, ” he said.

“But in order for the local coaches to thrive, they have to dedicate their lives to this sport. It is the only way for this sport to prosper.

“We did so much to ensure the basketball league continues and to see it going strong until this day, gives me the assurance that this sport will remain big in Malaysia.”