Benched in first 3 games, young center helps Singapore get 1st win

Lavin Raj. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Big man Lavin Raj admitted he was frustrated after being benched in Singapore’s first three games in the 2017 Seaba Championship.

“At first, I was disappointed that I didn’t play,” said Raj.

But the 16-year-old center finally got the break he was looking for on Tuesday, taking advantage of the extended garbage minutes in Singapore’s 85-32 victory over Myanmar.

Raj tallied 19 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 21 minutes on the floor as the Singaporeans nabbed their first win in four games.

“It feels good,” he said. “I’ve been training hard for this, and now after playing, I feel more confident.”

Playing with experienced teammates, the 6-foot-7 Raj shared he’s trying to perform at his best even during practices as he goes toe-to-toe with his older teammates.

Fortunately for him, he showed his coach Frank Arsego some flashes of his potential in the rout.

“I’ve been trying to adapt. The older guys are much quicker, much stronger, and jump higher, but I’m just training and training and training,” he said.

After his impressive showing, Raj hopes Arsego give him more opportunities in their remaining games against Thailand and Vietnam.

“I’m hoping to play the same way I did today,” he said.