3x3 cagers may be small in size but they have big aims

PETALING JAYA: They may be smaller in stature, but the national men’s 3x3 team are looking to make a big impression when their campaign at the Commonwealth Games begins today.

Malaysia will be making their 3x3 basketball debut at the Games as they start their Group B campaign against Fiji at the SEC Centre Glasgow.

Head coach Ee Kee Lip said the team aimed to make it to the semi-finals, but admitted that their size difference compared to other teams would be a challenge.

“We know we are undersized, that’s for sure,” said Kee Lip.

“Our goal is to get to the semi-finals. That’s important for us. We have to have a target to work towards.”

He is, however, confident that Malaysia’s shooting skills will give them the edge as he leads the team, composed of captain Chong Zhen Yang, Chang Zi Fueng, Ooi Xian Fu and Ting Chin Hong in Glasgow.

“The competition will be physical but we are a shooting team, so we will rely on that as well.”

Malaysia will play three matches on the first day as they face Kenya and Singapore after the opening match against Fiji.

They will then take on defending champions England and Jamaica on Monday.

Kee Lip added that the team had settled well in Glasgow, but playing three matches in a day would be something new for them.

“Previously the most we have played in a day for a 3x3 competition is two matches, so this will be new for us, but I believe we are prepared for it.

Meanwhile, Group A has Australia, Guyana, New Zealand, Nigeria, hosts Scotland, and the Cayman Islands.

Group winners will advance directly into the semi-finals, while teams in second and third will advance to the quarter-finals.