National School Games Athlete Feature: Stanley Kok Zhong Lin

The Athlete Features shine the spotlight on talented young athletes from Sport Singapore's ActiveSG Academies and Clubs as they compete with passion and determination in this year's National School Games, striving to achieve their personal best and represent their schools with pride.

In this article, we hear from Student-Athlete: Stanley Kok Zhong Lin

I'm Stanley Kok Zhong Lin, a student athlete currently attending Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School. Basketball is my game, and I proudly hold the positions of Point Guard and Shooting Guard on our school team. 

This year's National School Games took our team on a wild ride as we battled through the Qualifying Rounds in the North Zone B Division championships. Our journey may not have culminated in a triumphant march to the National final, but the lessons we learned along the way were far more valuable than any victory.

(Our B Division Boys and Girls team celebrating the win of our B Div Girls over North Vista Secondary School in the North Zone B Division 3rd and 4th placing)

Let's rewind to the start of my basketball journey. Picture little me tagging along with my dad to his friend's basketball club in Malaysia. As soon as I saw those players showing off their skills, my jaw dropped faster than a missed free throw. I knew I had found my calling, and boy, did I fall head over heels for this game! Who would've thought that a simple trip to Malaysia would turn me into a basketball fanatic? Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it?

For the past two years, I've been an active member of the ActiveSG Basketball Academy, specifically the U16 division at Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall. The training atmosphere is so electric that it could power a whole stadium! I've experienced eight seasons so far, two in the seasonal league and six in the development center. The coaches are incredibly patient and friendly, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth. Not to mention, my teammates are kind-hearted individuals who treat each other with respect, making our bond on and off the court truly special. The camaraderie we share is what makes this journey so enjoyable and unforgettable - it's like a secret sauce that takes the game to a whole new level of awesomeness.

Among the various aspects of training, I find myself particularly drawn to the drills and scrimmages. Engaging in drills with my teammates not only enhances our individual skills but also strengthens our team chemistry. We might stumble, but we always find a way to laugh it off together. It's like a comedic ballet on the court, with a dash of friendly competition.The collective effort we put into completing these drills brings us closer together and elevates our performance. During our intense scrimmages, we analyse each play with our coach, discuss areas for improvement and celebrate the brilliant moments we create together. It's through this process of continuous growth and teamwork that my passion for basketball continues to flourish. 

Playing basketball for my school has also taught me invaluable life lessons. It has cultivated self-discipline and time management skills within me. Balancing my academic commitments with rigorous training sessions has required careful planning and organization. The challenges I face both on and off the court have allowed me to discover the depth of my potential and understand that hard work, resilience, and determination are essential for achieving greatness. 

(Our team photo after our first win in the NSG2023 season!)

As I immerse myself in the world of basketball, I draw inspiration from both local and international players. Locally, I admire Jackson Mah for his incredible athleticism and precise shooting ability. His style of play truly captivates me and motivates me to push my own boundaries. When it comes to foreign players, my ultimate idol is Tyrese Haliburton. His basketball IQ and exceptional playmaking skills make him one of the best in the world. I aspire to develop the same level of understanding and creativity in my own game. 

My ultimate dream is to join the Singapore Slingers as I dribble through life and chase my dreams. However, I'm fully aware that this journey won't be easy. There are countless talented players out there who share the same ambition as I do so  know that I must work harder than ever to achieve my goals. The path to success will demand relentless dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in myself. But I'm ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for it is in the face of fierce competition that true champions are born. 

As we student athletes continue to weave our stories through the National School Games, I want to remind ourselves that dreams are not just fleeting thoughts but the very essence that propels us toward greatness. I'll keep pushing my limits, fueled by passion, as I discover the heights we can reach. 

(This is our team photo taken on our last game in this year's National School Games)

If you're interested in finding out about our ActiveSG Basketball Academy and its offerings, check them out here

Celebrate youth sport with ActiveSG Circle's coverage of National School Games 2023 here 

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Cheer on the school teams and student athletes here 

(Photo credits: Stanley Kok Zhong Lin)