In the history of Thailand basketball only one player has made the journey from the scolding concrete courts in South East Asia, to a Nationally ranked Collegiate powerhouse in The United States and that is former For the Love player and present coach Dominic Sriwichian. Dominic recently returned to his native province of Songkhla to share his experience with local youth players as well as encourage them to reach for greater heights as he has. Judging from the overwhelming response of the local schools, local basketball heads and southern Thai media his visit had a powerful impact on his former neighborhood.

Coach Dominic with Songkhla Students

‘It is wonderful for me to have the chance to come back to Songkhla and work with young players here,’ said the 204cm power forward Sriwichian. ‘As a young player I had no chance to really learn how to play basketball and had little idea of how I could use it to improve my life.  Fortunately, after moving to Bangkok I met For the Love coaches David Bobalik and Scott Stewart who worked diligently with me to develop me as a player and instill the vision of becoming something better.  Now that I have experienced success as a player I want to play a role in executing the realization of For the Love’s goals in developing young Thai players, and changing lives through our program.  I truly got a glimpse of what is possible here this week.’

For the Love during a 5 day trip to Songkhla conducted two ninety minute weekly basketball camps run in conjunction with one of Southern Thailand’s most famous schools, Mahawatchirawuth to pull off an amazing event the like of which had never been seen in the south according to both school and basketball officials.  The results of the camp were incredible as more than 300 Songkhla natives joined For the Love’s online community in just five days.

‘I am always surprised when I hear people say Thai students do not like basketball,’ said For the Love CEO David Bobalik, ‘nothing could be further from the truth.  The Thai people love basketball but they lack in opportunities to play and quality instruction.  So many times I hear about a group wanting to run a clinic or have a day to work with coaches but it is not that simple.  Putting in place a system that can be successful is not easy, it takes experience, time and know how.  Our two events in Southern Thailand are the first steps in a process of developing a full time year round program that will develop players, as well as train and mentor young coaches through a meticulously designed curriculum that is simple to follow and easy to replicate. Dominic is evidence that Thai players can be successful and that our program works.’

For the Love Songkhla

The kids in Songkhla could not have been happier with the opportunity to participate in this program.

‘I was so excited to have the chance to learn from American coaches,’ said Mahawatchirawuth student Patompon Chaimeeboon. ‘I had never before learned any of the things we learned this week. It was amazing I felt myself like a new player after just training like this for five days. I was also happy to see Coach David working hard to make our Thai coaches better. I think that is really important also.’

‘It was wonderful to see Pi Dominic down here, he is like a hero for us,’ said Mahawatchirawuth student Pornkanok Yodsudueam.  ‘To me it is incredible that a basketball player from our school is playing in The United States.  It really inspired me to work hard at basketball and do my best.  I think now many of the students here would like to be the next one to follow in Pi Dom’s footsteps.’

Coach David 1-on-1 with Player

For the Love has already planned a second event in Thailand’s biggest Southern province to select an all-star team to compete in a high level tournament in Phuket being organized by For the Love, and Thanyapura Sports Resort.  In addition to this several local coaches are already committed to the For the Love coaching development program and have begun training in an effort to truly develop the basketball in Southern Thailand.

‘At some point things need to start happening, and now is that time.  Regardless of who supports us or obstacles we face our group will continue to strive to develop basketball here and impact young lives for the better,’ said Bobalik. ‘There is a difference between issuing a press release to garner positive media and actually getting down and dirty.  We are about getting on the floor, getting into the community, building long lasting programs so that Thai youth players have a brighter future and chances they never had before.  Whatever that costs, we are committed to pay the toll to see more and more players like Dominic going from Thailand to the highest levels of basketball and education.’

‘I certainly want to see more Thailand players going abroad to play and get an education,’ Sriwichian added. ‘Five years ago I had no idea what I was going to do, today I sit here well on my way to completing a four year degree from The United States. I have already had the chance to practice with and learn from professional basketball players.  I want other Thai players to have the chance to realize their dreams if that is what they really long to do.  I believe in what we are doing with For the Love and will continue to be a part of changing the basketball culture here, that is not only a promise, but my responsibility as a senior of these young men and women.’

‘We do have dreams, and we are willing to work for them,’ said Janturawat Santagarn. ‘Up until now we just did not have the chance to make them come true.’

If For the Love can continue to gain more support in realizing their dream, Ms. Santagarn may soon have that chance to realize hers.

Editor’s Note: For the Love would like to notice all Mahawatchirawuth school officials that helped to make this event possible. Mahawatchirawuth was responsible for covering all costs for this event as well as contacting television crews to cover the event. For thw Love would also like to thank Somngkhla basketball officials that worked in conjunction with For the Love as a part of set up and coaching.

For exotic travelers who have ever made the journey northeast of Thailand to the beautiful city of Vientiane, Laos, you would have unlocked the gateway to one of the world’s best kept secrets.  Vientiane or (Wiang-jan) in the native Lao language, lies a mere twenty minutes just north of the Thai border but despite its close proximity to its southern neighbor and a language similar enough that they can understand one other, Laos permeates it’s own unique and distinct culture and history.  Laos is well known for it’s lovely people, delicious food, and daily serenity, but one might be surprised to know the passion for sports that the Laotian people possess.  Recently on a trip to Laos to work with elite players in the Capitol city For the Love experienced not only Laos’ world famous hospitality, but also a chance to feed into the passion and development of those athletes.

For the Love during a recent trip to Laos worked with members of both the men’s and women’s National Team and was pleasantly surprised to find a talented bunch of players hungry for improvement and the opportunity to develop.

“I was extremely impressed with the Laotian players,” said For the Love CEO David Bobalik, who has a long standing relationship with Laotian Basketball Secretary, Alongkone Phengsavanh. “I am not sure I have ever seen a group improve more in one practice session than the group we worked with here.  At one point, in that practice we had a strength competition in which players maintained push-up position until failure.  One female player and one youth player lasted nearly eight minutes.  It was so incredible that I had to immediately stop to recognize those two for their effort.  That sort of desire coupled with improved teaching of players and coaches, Laos can certainly become a competitive basketball team in this part of the world.

” This is exactly what Laos needs,” said recently retired National Team player and now coach Lu Litthideth.  “It is wonderful for us to have the chance to learn from an accomplished group of professionals like For the Love.  I certainly endorse and support the development of a full time operation here that trains both Lao players and coaches.”

” I have presently been training with the Laotian team for eleven years, said Female National Team Forward Thipphaphone Phengsavanh. “This sort of practice is excellent especially for the women who often times don’t have this sort of opportunity.  I believe that with improved facilities, equipment, and training like this Lao players and teams can certainly be successful.”

Coach Bobalik shared the sentiments of Mr. Litthideth and Miss Phengsavanh, “I know of a Laotian player who immigrated to United States named Linda Sayavongchanh, she played four years at NCAA D1 Drake and excelled at that level.  Laotian athletes are not void of talent they just lack in quality structure and organization at a young age and still do not yet have access to the elite training and competition necessary to reach their potential. But the people here have showed me a lot in terms of natural talent, willingness to listen, and heart.”

When asked what his dreams were in the future one youth players responded, ” first and foremost I want to play for my country’s Men’s National Team.  To have the opportunity to play for my country is the most special experience that I could imagine.  I also have the dream to someday play in The United States, and maybe even the NBA.”

As outrageous as some might think that goal to be one Laotian player, Miss Sayavongchanh, has already played at the top university level in The United States, and was not too far from becoming South East Asia’s first professional basketball player.  With the cooperative efforts of For the Love and the Lao Basketball Association that dream might someday be realized.

“There is nothing that is impossible, said Bobalik.  “If I thought that these players had no talent or no drive to improve I would not be here. I am certainly committed to helping players in Laos as I have been here nearly twenty times.  I have played and coached all over the world and Laos is by far one of my favorite countries, I view them much the same way we view the underdog in The United States, they may not be big or tall, but they are competitive, dedicated, and they fight.  I would not be at all shocked to see a player from Laos play overseas at some point with the right program in place.”

“Someday one of us will make it there,” said Miss Phengsavanh.

If this recent For the Love event and Miss Sayavongchanh’s own success services as any indication that day may not be too far away.

Editor’s Note: For the Love would like to give a special thanks to Lao Basketball Association Secretary General Alongkone Phengsavanh.  Mr. Phengsavanh has been a long time friend of For the Love and will be coming to Bangkok at the end of this month to discuss further plans for this upcoming year in Vientiane.

For the Love, Thanyapura, and Satri Phuket

Southern Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, spicy curries, and majestic, sprawling islands, but if For the Love has its way it won’t be long until Southern Thailand is also renown for its top notch basketball.  During a recent trip to Phuket For the Love’s David Bobalik working in conjunction with Virapol Cholvibul of Thanyapura Sports Resort, and Phuket Basketball Minister Saroj Angkanapilas, spent two days administering high level training for members of Satri Phuket, Phuket’s top boys basketball team.  Many of the skills and techniques taught in the two day practice were new to the Phuket players.

“   Many of the team and dribbling drills we performed in this training were unlike anything I had ever seen,” said 16 year-old Nick Pramanchasing.  “We were also exposed to new exercises that helped develop our athletic skills as well as our strength.’

Provincial coach Phiwanit Thiwanatisong added, “I would really like to see For the Love involved with training Thai coaches.   Many of the things that I saw today were excellent and we could take some huge strides in developing basketball if Thai coaches were more well versed in some of the more tactical aspects of coaching.”

While players in Southern Thailand might not yet be on par with their counterparts in Bangkok such as Bangkok Christian, Thewphaingarm, and For the Love Elite team, there was an impressive collection of talent on hand.  Most of the players in Phuket displayed good raw athleticism and strength as well as explosive quickness of which Thai athletes are well respected for.  In addition to possessing physical skills necessary to develop into good players, the Phuket players demonstrated a strong desire for improving, practicing in hot conditions and even outside one of the two days.

” While the players may not be at the level they need to be yet, they certainly were not lacking in natural ability or determination,” said For the Love CEO and head coach David Bobalik. ” I was extremely impressed with the players core strength, lateral quickness, and desire for improving. I certainly believe as we develop our program here in Southern Thailand you will quickly see a new age of athlete here in the South.”

” I was so impressed I plan to send our provincial coach to train in Bangkok with coach Bobalik,” said Phuket Basketball Head Saroj Angkanapilas. ” We will be hosting the next youth games of Thailand and it is important that our players have every chance to be successful especially competing in their home province.  Coach Bobalik has also offered to come to Phuket monthly to oversee the progress of that coach and our team, that is something that is greatly appreciated.”

Even the Warm-up is Intense

” That is why I am here,” said Bobalik. “We are passionate about giving these kids a chance to play the game at the highest level possible.  Our Thai managing director, Somgiat Sumpantarat, has dedicated his life to helping young Thai athletes, and I just follow his example.  If it is in our power to help these kids we are going to do our best to try and help them.”

It certainly was a successful first go around in Phuket for For the Love.  It will be interesting to watch the development of this team and For the Love’s operation in Phuket and the surrounding Pang Nga area.  In addition to For the Love’s work in Phuket they will also be running a development camp for players in Hadyai, Southern Thailand’s largest province July 25th through July 29th.  So it won’t be long before you can add ‘basketball’ to the list of things Southern Thailand is famous for.

Editor’s Note: For the Love would like to issue a big thank you to both Virapol Cholvibul and his Thanyapura Sports Resort.  They worked in conjunction with For the Love to make this event possible and are passionate about the development of sports in Thailand especially in Phuket.  For the Love would also like to thank Khun Saroj who was most hospitable and heplful during our first function there.

Morrison Academy Three Time Champs

Introduction: For the Love Basketball travels all over the Asian Continent teaching the game to young players, but there is one school that stands out in terms of having a special relationship with For the Love, which is Morrison Academy, situated in the small city of Taichung, Taiwan.  Morrison is a place considered special for both the people that live there and the quaint and tranquil area where it is located, but in addition to their wonderful community of expats, missionaries, and Taiwanese Nationals they have become renown for something else, which is arguably the most do minant school basketball program in East Asia amongst all American/International Schools.  For the Love wanting to recognize this special group of Seniors recently spoke with Head Coach, Dan Robinson, and Senior captains Adrian Kong and Sean Robinson.

For the Love: First let us congratulate you and the team on an incredible three consecutive Far East championships. Could you please outline for our readers the accomplishments of this team?

Dan Robinson: Our five seniors have been on varsity since their sophomore year and won the Far East each of those years.  By the end of their Sophomore year two of those guys were starting and a third was our sixth man. Their accomplishments include winning the CBL all three years and winning the Far East basketball tournament all three years. They had a total record of 90-11, and the only undefeated season in school history this past year at 35-0.

For the Love: How have you managed to maintain such a long period of excellence with such a small student body over the years?

Dan Robinson: Morrison has had a culture of overachieving for many many years.  Students work hard in studies and athletes achieve beyond their capabilities in sports as well.  We have a good basketball program in that PE classes and camps like “For the Love” get kids excited about the sport and focused on how to improve at it.  They begin competitive basketball in middle school and the high school program coaches are strong in background to teach them solid fundamentals.  Basketball is a very popular sport here and the school is a hang out place.  So you see kids playing it a lot.

For the Love: Describe the feeling of being on three Far East Championship teams and doing something even the Lakers couldn’t do by three-peating. Are any of the championships more special than the others?

Adrian Kong: It has truly been a fun and exciting journey. I wouldn’t have i

Morrison Senior Sean Robinson Drains a Three

magined winning three championships so the feeling to do what we did is utterly amazing. I think the first championship was definitely the most exciting just because it was the first, but the last one was the most special because we successfully three-peated and stayed undefeated.

For the Love: What would you say has been the biggest factor that has contributed to the success you have had as a team and what advice would you give young players in Asia on how they can become a champion?

Sean Robinson: The key was our intensity as a group. We were never complacent or happy with what we had done we always found ways to improve and wanted to make sure that no one could deny us being the best we could be. The post game atmosphere was so much different from any other team I have been apart of, we were very critical of ourselves and that would be my advice to other ball players, look at your game and critique it. Try to  figure out what you can do to become better. Then look at it from a team perspective and find out what holes you can fill by the improvements you make in your individual game.

For the Love: What was it like coaching your son on three championship teams? And Sean, what was it like sharing those championships with your father as coach?

Dan Robinson: It was like you dream it might be when you were here and I coached him as a youth player. Then he grew up and it happened that he was fortunate to be a part of such a great group. The memories I will keep from these three years I cannot say how special they are.  Hollywood could not have scripted it much better, to watch your son grow as a player, young man, and a part of a team like this is really special.

Sean Robinson: It means a lot because he is the guy who got me started on basketball and to share an experience like this it really validates all the work, for both of us.

For the Love: Morrison has a rich and proud basketball tradition in East Asia.  Where would you rank this team amongst all-time great Morrison teams and why?

Dan Robinson: That is true.  Morrison has had some great basketball teams. Actually, I played on one that went 41-1 and did not lose to another international/American school for 3 straight years. But I believe this team topped them all because of the basketball sense, compliment of talents, and dedication to each other and to playing the best they possibly could.  There were very few lapses throughout the season and the team chemistry was fantastic.  But where I would like to give them the greatest tribute was in the character they displayed.  More than a few coaches (almost all after getting blown out) paid high compliments for the humility and character our boys showed.  I attribute that to their faith in Christ and their desire to honor Him by playing hard by classy.

Editor’s Note: For the Love has had a special relationship with this group of players over the years, working with some of them since their elementary years.  For the Love is authoring this article to recognize these young men for all their accomplishments it truly is a special group. Other member of that senior class include: Caleb Cristophson, Joel McKinley, and Calvin Lee.

Introduction: For the first time ever in Thailand, there will be an all-Thailand basketball camp for elite players of high school age.  These camps are common in The United States where top players come together for a week of instruction, competition, and learning at the highest level. For the Love is sponsoring this event which 50 of the top players in Thailand will attend to compete in the first camp of its kind in South East Asia.  For the Love recently met with CEO David Bobalik to discuss this unique and first time event to South East Asia, as well as the vision For the Love has for youth basketball in the region.

For the Love: Could you please explain the purpose of the ‘For the Love’ All-Thailand Camp?

David Bobalik: There are several reasons for holding this event.  The first is to allow elite players a format to improve and learn the game at a level never before possible here in Thailand or in South East Asia.  The second is to give the national basketball leaders a chance to few new ways of improving the game for Thai players and raise not only the level of play, but also the interest in the game, and to take steps to build off of that excitement we generate.  We have a specific plan that we want to integrate to improve the situation for players here of all ages in every part of the country.  This event is the first step in that process.

For the Love: Is it true that this event is being sponsored entirely by ‘For the Love?’

David Bobalik: Yes that is true.  During a recent trip to The United States I was motivated to overcome many of the obstacles we face here in terms of improving basketball for the next generation of Thai players.  To generate new educational opportunities through the game as well as life changing experiences that will help to mold the character of elite athletes.  This is a responsibility that I take very seriously and have a strong passion for.

For the Love: What are some of those obstacles you are talking about?

David Bobalik: In a city as big as Bangkok there are always a number of logistical issues to overcome.  People in the city are extremely busy as well and often times scheduling can become a problem.  At the end of the day though we need to start doing and stop talking. It is critical that in a position of leadership I am giving a maximum effort in this endeavor, some people will follow others won’t. One focuses one’s time, energy, and resources on those who are trying as well.  It is obvious that the kids want this event. We have player

Thai Athletes at Past For the Love Event

s coming in from probably the top three teams in Thailand and all of their coaches are really excited about it.

For the Love: Where will the players be coming from?

David Bobalik: Players will be coming primarily from four teams: Bangkok Christian, the four time defending national champions, Thewphaingarm, a school with a rich basketball tradition, Sripratum, and our own For the Love Elite team which has both Thai and non-Thai members.  I have spoken with both Coach Jo (Thewphaingarm), and Coach Thep (Bangkok Christian), as well as Khun Gasol (Sripratum Manager), they are all extremely excited for this event.

For the Love: Who will be there coaching the players?

David Bobalik: In addition to myself, and our regular coaches, For the Love will be bringing in Michael Moten, who works with us in The United States, and played professionally for fifteen seasons. He tried out with the Seattle Supersonics and played in Germany with Dirk Nowitski’s German team Wurzburg.  Bogdon Stoi, who presently coaches in the top division of the German professional league.  Robert Newson, a British native, who at the age of 26 was coaching a first division professional basketball team in Iceland, as well as Dominic Sriwichian, who is a former For the Love coach and player,

Coach David Bobalik with Thewphaingarm School Director

presently the first Thai born full scholarship basketball player in history.  So with an incredible eight man staff to work with 48 kids it should be an excellent week of hoops.

For the Love: Could you tell us a little bit about what the players will be doing?

David Bobalik: We will not say too much about that now, but I can assure that these players will be exposed to things they have never learned and it will be a great experience for both them and our coaches. We are really excited about having the chance to work with the best and honored that they are so eager to come and learn from us.

For the Love: Who has helped you in putting this event together?

David Bobalik: There are a lot of people that deserve thanks.  I would like to start by thanking the coaches and managers of all the attending teams.  I would also like to thank Steve MacArthur, the Athletic Director of Bangkok Patana School, where we will hold the event.  He has been a great guy to work with and many of these programs would have never happened had it not been for his like minded vision to provide the kids the best opportunities possible.  I would like to thank the guest coaches coming especially Mike, who was worked diligently on this project with me. And I would also like to express my gratitude to my regular assistant coaches, Dillon Berner, Carlos Iroung, Nolan Heron, Sukdev Goghar, and Coach Cooper, as well as Mr. Somgiat Sumpantarat.

For the Love: Will communication be an issue?

David Bobalik: Coach Dominic is fluent in both Thai and English, as am I.  Khun Somgiat will also be there to assist the foreign coaches and ensure their instruction is perfectly understood by all the Thai players.

For the Love: We certainly wish you the best in this endeavor.

David Bobalik: Thank you, we will do our best to ensure that the players of Thailand have a chance to achieve their potential.  We appreciate all the support we have gotten from Thai nationals and local basketball fans and parents.  Together we are building a bigger and brighter basketball community for tomorrow.

Editor’s Note: For basketball fans interested to see top foreign professional coaches working with the best youth players of Thailand, For the Love’s All-Thailand Camp will be held at Bangkok Patana School May 23rd through 27th, 6:45-8:45pm. For any further information please contact For the Love directly at davidb@forthelovebasketball.com.

Introduction: Three years ago For the Love (then East Meets West), twice brought over a group of NBA players for training and competition in both Bangkok, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos.  The second tour saw four former NBA players touch down in the Land of Smiles, however of all the people that came with that group two female player/coaches stood out amongst the rest as easily the most popular with our female players Kelley and Michele Workman, former players at Oklahoma University, did such a wonderful job

Kelley and Michele in Bangkok

servicing as role models for our young players, For the Love decided to sit down and talk with them about their experience in basketball and in South East Asia.

For the Love: Please give your brief history in basketball, high school, college, professional, and coaching.

Michele: We began playing basketball in fifth grade at age 11.  By the time we were entering high school we both realized that we were becoming really good players.  we had the chance to travel playing AAU basketball across the United States, and finished our senior year second in the state of Oklahoma.  The experience playing basketball in one of America’s top basketball conferences was an incredible one. After college I played briefly as a professional and won a championship in the SWBL, which was an amazing experience.

Kelley: I was able to play briefly with a professional team in the Southeastern part of The United States, and both Michele and I have spent time playing and coaching on professional tour teams around the world.

For the Love: What got you interested in playing basketball?

Kelley: My parents, I can remember having a basketball in my hands from the time I was five years-old. It was a big part of our family as our younger brother also was a talented player. When I was in fifth grade our school started a basketball team, I signed up, and fell in love with the game then.

Michele: I can remember watching my older cousin play and the atmosphere at the game and thought to myself, I could do that.  When I reached the latter years of elementary school we attended a basketball camp, made our school team, and it jus kind of developed from there.

For the Love: What was your greatest experience as a player?

Michele: As an individual I have had big games as both a high school and college player. Scoring 31 points in a game at Oklahoma would rank up there.  The team experiences are much more memorable, the big games we won, or having the chance to compete with like minded people in basketball.  My experiences overseas sharing about my faith and the game are experiences I will always treasure.

Kelley: It is so difficult to say. It would have to be all the lessons learned through the experiences that are actually most memorable as they stay with me until today.  Discipline, perseverance, confidence, and a strong work ethic are building blocks that have carried me through today.  Some personal milestones were leading The Big Eight Conference in 3 point shooting percentage my freshman year, as well as leading the team in charges one season.  I was the Sooner record holder for top single season three point shooting percentage for a few seasons at .529 percent, as well as being a Sooner-Scholar, an accomplishment I cherish as I know the important of being a student athlete. Those are things I am proud of.

For the Love: Describe your experience here in South East Asia.

Workmans and Coach Dave with the NBA team in Thailand

Kelley: The people were just so sweet and hospitable.  They really made us feel at home and in all my travels I would have to say that Thailand/Laos was one of my favorite stops anywhere in the world.

Michele: I would have to echo what my sister said and add that it was a joy to learn about the Thai way of life and culture.  It was wonderful for me to spend time with Thai people and to have the chance to teach Thai children the game of basketball, they were all so attentive and respectful and eager to learn.

For the Love: What were some similarities and differences in Thai basketball and that in the USA?

Michele: I saw that Thai players loved to push the ball and play as a team, much the same way we do.  They are very agile and quick and effective at getting in the lane and to the basket.  Basketball in Oklahoma has players with a little more size which can change the way the game is played. we may have different styles but both can be effective.

Kelley: Thai players share a passion for the game.  All players are agile and quick and very versatile which is a huge advantage for Thailand basketball.  Back home we are fortunate to have solid coaching and opportunity to the play the game from a young age.  Thai players have the chance to be great since they have the passion and love for basketball.

For the Love: What words of encouragement would you offer to young boys and girls playing here in South East Asia?

Kelley: I would encourage that if you desire to do something in your heart then go after it.  Pursue it with passion, perseverance, hard work, and the proper approach to mastering the fundamentals that will make you a great player.

Michele: Dream big and work hard to accomplish your goals.  Having a dream but setting no goals is not enough.  You need to dream, set goals, decide how you can accomplish them and then just go after it!

For the Love: What are you presently doing and could you see yourself back in basketball anytime in the near future?

Michele: I currently work with youth in our local Church here. My playing days are behind me, but I will always have a passion to share the game I love with young people, that will never go away.

Kelley: I am currently working as an assistant to an Executive Pastor at my church working with infants, children, tweens, teens, and young adults.  I won’t play professionally anymore but will always share my experiences and knowledge with youth.  I am passionate about instilling hope in them and helping them to build strong moral character, the most important trait of all.

Editor’s Note: Kelley and Michele twice came to South East Asia when For the Love was known as East Meets West.  They are forever a member of the For the Love family and young players across this region who had the chance to learn from Kelley and Michele are better for it and hope to see them return at some point.

Thailand Championships

Information: This is a great opportunity for all Thai International School players.  In early June, For the Love will be sending their elite teams to the regional portion of the Thai Youth National Basketball Championships in hopes to qualify for the National Tournament.

Who: Any boy born 1993-1999, or girl born 1996-1999 can participate.

Why: To give all talented and passionate players a chance to play with and against the best competition in the country.

Tryouts: A tryout session will be held this coming weekend at Bangkok Patana, please see the link below at our events section for all details.

http://www.forthelovebasketball.com/event.php

Thank you to all serious players and we will see you on the court this weekend!

The For the Love Elite team basketball team comprised of a collection of Bangkok’s top international players scored a major upset by knocking off Thailand’s four time defending national champion Bangkok Christian 71-55 at Bangkok Patana International School. For the Love avenged their lone loss of the fall season by showing vast improvement in both transition defense and half court execution on offense.

Early in the game Bangkok Christian known for its strong defensive pressure struggled to contain For the Love wing players Drew Clarkson(ICS) and Jin Lin (TCIS). After falling behind early 22-10, Bangkok Christian quickly switched to a 2-3 zone. The second and third quarter saw For the Love get the ball inside to post players Matthew Shephard(NIST), and Zach Johnson(ICS). As For the Love went in to the half leading 39-28.

The third quarter saw each team struggle offensively as the defenses tightened Bangkok fell behind by as many as twenty points before making several three point field goals in the quarters final minute answering the offensive production of For the Love reserve forward Ricky Canullas and found itself trailing by a mere nine points heading into the fourth quarter.

The final frame saw Bangkok Christian employ full court pressure in an attempt to close the gap. For the Love point guard Harry Wangphanitkun (TCIS) did an excellent job of handling the pressure finishing two lay-ups early in the quarter and controlling play for most of the quarter. Both Shephard and Clarkson also played a big role in relegating the vaunted BCC press and when the final buzzer sounded it was For the Love found itself on the top end of a 71-55 score.