Singleton Backs Local Talent for Asian Games and FIBA Pre‑Qualifiers

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s men’s basketball team is set to showcase fresh local talent, as head coach David Singleton emphasizes the rising quality of domestic players and their readiness for the international stage.

Head coach David Singleton believes Indonesian players have reached a level of quality that deserves international exposure. “It’s time for Indonesia to see new faces,” Singleton said in Jakarta on Monday, August 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the majority of call‑ups for the national training camp are players who have not been regulars in the squad, selected after long‑term monitoring in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).

According to Singleton, many local players possess the talent and ability to contribute meaningfully if given the chance. Preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre‑Qualifiers in Seremban, Malaysia, and the 2026 Asian Games provide that opportunity for names such as Fhirdan Guntara, Antoni Erga, Abraham Wenas, and Kelvin Sanjaya.

“I think it’s a great chance, because at the FIBA event, we’re calling up many local players who may not have been as popular before, but they are all very good,” said the American coach.

He added that the camp is also a platform to assess individual performances already evident in league play, with the main focus now on proving squad depth and the overall quality of the IBL.

Singleton, who also coaches Pelita Jaya Jakarta, noted that after the FIBA Asia Cup Pre‑Qualifiers (August 24–31), the team will continue preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan. Player composition may shift depending on team needs and the demands of the multi‑sport event.

He stressed that selections will be tailored to each tournament, with national team experience serving as a valuable growth opportunity for newcomers. ***