Leon Kwek (SIN) - photo credit (Kuk Thew)
24/02/2017
Asia
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Kwek honored to have Singapore across his chest

SINGAPORE (SEABA Championship 2017) - When Leon Kwek first played for Singapore at the SEABA U18 Championship 2014, nobody really took much notice. Kwek did not stand out for his size or athleticism, but his energy and hustle made him an invaluable member of the Singapore youth team despite their not being able to advance to the FIBA U18 Asia Championship.

Kwek actually made his debut at the continental level for no less than Singapore's men's national team, playing for them in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015 in Changsha-Hunan. What made Kwek's participation special was that he was just a wide-eyed 19-year-old at that time, and he was, not surprisingly, one of the youngest players in the competition. In spite of his inexperience, he was able to perform well and become a solid contributor for the Singaporeans, averaging close to 8 points and 5 rebounds per game while also shooting 50% from the field. For Kwek, donning the Singaporean national colors is an honor second to none.

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"I think whenever you are given the opportunity to carry the flag across your chest, it's always a privilege," he said. "But also it comes with the pressure of living up to the expectations."

Ever since his debut in 2015, Kwek has become a mainstay in the senior Singapore national side, playing for them in the SEABA and SEA Games competitions as well. The last edition of both tournaments were held back home in Singapore, where he and his teammates played well beyond expectations. This time around, the SEABA Men's Championship will be hosted by Manila and the SEA Games will be in neighboring Malaysia. Kwek, who knows all too well how it is to play in front of a hostile crowd, is relishing another chance at giving glory to his country, although he knows it will be an uphill battle.

"As the last edition of both SEABA and SEA Games was played in our home country, for me playing in Manila and Malaysia this time would be a different environment," he explained. "But I am looking forward to be part of the team again if given the opportunity."

Opportunity is a golden word for Kwek. He is not only part of Singapore's men's national team, but he is also a vital cog in the country's lone professional club team, the Singapore Slingers, who are currently doing quite well in the ASEAN Basketball League. For these chances, Kwek is filled gratitude, knowing full well that doors like these are not opened for all players his age. He is aware that he has made occasional mistakes playing both for the national team and the Slingers, but he is just thankful for the faith his coaches have placed in him.

"I think it started of with the faith that was given from the coaching staff when I first got off at the age of 19," he said. "It's pretty tough to give someone like me the amount of playing minutes that I had because of how raw I was, but I grew in the process."

The 1.88m wingman is aware that the odds are stacked against Singapore this year, what with Gilas Pilipinas playing at home while other SEABA contenders like Thailand and Indonesia are expected to be reinforced by naturalized players. Still, Kwek knows he and his teammates are ready to play for so long as they have their flag emblazoned on their kits.

"You are representing the country on your shoulders," he said. "Definitely, it would be key to give our best and hopefully end up with the goals being set for us."


FIBA