Coaches are the heart of SEAJBL — they’re the face, the voice, and the energy behind every session on courts across Singapore.
More than just teaching the game, they shape the culture, build connections, and inspire the next generation of ballers. Have a read to learn a bit more about some of our coaches at SEAJBL and why they are passionate about being on the sidelines assisting junior players. You can learn more about all our Singapore coaches [here]
Head Coach Sophia
Becoming a basketball coach has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. That dream started taking shape when I was 18, fresh out of ITE after completing my Fitness Training in Nitec. I landed an internship at a basketball club, and that hands-on experience lit a fire in me. From that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do full-time—and I haven’t looked back since.
Coaching isn’t just about teaching drills or running plays. What I love most is watching young players grow—not just in skill, but in confidence. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a kid nail their first proper shot or finally get the hang of a move they’ve been struggling with. Those small wins are big moments. And being part of that journey, guiding them as both a coach and a mentor, is what makes this work so fulfilling.
Every session reminds me why I chose this path. It’s not just about basketball. It’s about helping young people believe in themselves, develop discipline, and find joy in their progress. Coaching is my calling, and I’m just getting started.
Coach Daiyaan
Basketball has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been a lifelong companion since I first picked up a ball at the age of 8. What started as a childhood passion quickly evolved into something greater, propelling me through district-level games and onto the national stage. One of my proudest moments was captaining India’s Under-16 National Team, an experience that not only tested my skills but shaped my character. Representing India on international tours, including in France, was more than a dream come true—it was a turning point that taught me discipline, resilience, and the quiet strength of leadership.
Now at 30 and based in Singapore, I’ve found a new chapter in my basketball journey—as a coach. I volunteer at a local startup, mentoring young athletes who remind me of my younger self. Coaching, for me, goes far beyond the technical side of the game. It’s about helping players believe in themselves, foster team unity, and uncover their own potential—both on the court and in life.
What continues to inspire me is how basketball brings people together, no matter their background. It teaches you how to lose with grace, win with humility, and stay hungry through every challenge. As a coach, I feel incredibly grateful to share these lessons with the next generation. This isn’t just about developing athletes—it’s about shaping confident, grounded individuals who carry the spirit of the game with them long after the final whistle.
Coach Patrick
Basketball has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Just a short two-minute walk from my childhood home was a court that became my second home. I’d spend countless hours there—running through shooting drills, working on my handles, and losing track of time just enjoying the rhythm of the game. It wasn’t just a hobby. It was love.
My coaching journey started in the simplest way—teaching my younger brother the rules and basics of basketball. What began as sibling bonding turned into something more meaningful. I discovered how rewarding it is to help someone grow, to see their confidence build with every bounce and shot. It gave me a different kind of fulfillment, one that playing alone never quite did.
Looking back, one of my biggest regrets is not playing competitively when I was younger. I missed out on the energy of game day, the bond with teammates, and the thrill of testing my skills in real matches. That absence stayed with me—until I found coaching.
Coaching has become my way of reconnecting with the sport. It’s given me the opportunity to be part of the game again, not as a player this time, but as a guide, a mentor, and a motivator. I’m just getting started, but I’m excited about this path—one that lets me keep learning, keep growing, and hopefully, help shape a new generation of players who’ll fall in love with basketball the way I did.
