I can’t begin to tell you how much passion I have for sports photography. I still remember the times Kun, KP and I would to go to almost every sports event out there from Triathlons to rugby matches and armed with our heavy DSLRs mounted on a tripod or monopod with long lenses.
However, I guess due to other commitments, photography hasn’t really been in our agenda whenever we meet lately. Although we still do reminisce about the good ‘ol days, I can’t help but wonder if I will be able to endue lugging around my heavy camera, lens and equipment and fire away. To be honest, I do miss those days.
Thanks to Nic (an old friend of mine), I was able to in some ways rekindle the love for sports photography again. He had earlier helped score some totally tight corporate box tickets for Lyn (my boo) and I for our first Singapore Slingers game as they hosted the Brisbane Bullets. Seeing how we enjoyed ourselves, he extended an invitation again for their last home game yesterday as they met up with the West Sydney Razorbacks. Since Lyn was unable to join us this time round due to sickness, I brought along my buddy Lennie, a fellow hardcore basketball fan to the game.
Sitting in a nice corporate box once again, we went straight for the beer and chips as the game begun. We met up with fellow bloggers like Andy, Vadalin, Sheylara and her Goonfather, Sabrina (whom I don’t usually talk to but know her online..yeah I know..weird) and Jean, amongst others. I also finally met Nic who was unable to make it for the previous game and his boo Precious (aka Hilliary).
Although we were having a ball during the game, I can’t say the same for the Slingers. They trailed since the first quarter of the game and I don’t remember a time they were ahead beginning from the second quarter. The Slingers were unable to take advantage of some runs allowing the Razorbacks to get back to their posts and couldn’t seem to break away from their defence. Although they do make some pretty good passes, I believe there is much work to be done in their teamwork.
Left: A ballsy acrobatic shot from Helms | Right: “No Charge”. Grizzard powers his way to the hoop
Left: Laying up the easy way… | Right: …or the hard way
Lackluster performance aside, the Slingers did try to make a couple of comeback runs in the fourth quarter but were unable to capitalise on some good plays leaving them with a 99-113 loss at home. One thing I think the team needs to improve on is their full court pressure, both in offence and defence. And I agree with how Slingers coach Gordie McLeod puts it, “We’ve struggled with opponents pressing us full court for the past few weeks. We’ve struggled to adjust to full court pressure, and we’re not doing well. We need to make progress.” All they need to so is just shake off the pressure.
Left: Razorback Darnell Hinson’s ankle breaking cross to cut through Janev’s defence | Right: No Fear!! Darnell fires away from the three-point line as Janev puts a stop to it
Left and Right: More layups from the Razorbacks
But it isn’t all that bad for a new team since entering the NBL last year. Sure they are rough around the edges but we will get there. Maybe not this year but perhaps, just perhaps we can at least get to the finals next year. Although Nic had invited me for the next home game on 2 Jan next year, I am afraid I will need to pass as I will be out of town. But I am looking forward to see the Slinger charge again. Until then, till our next meet up, all the best in your home games. More photos in my Flickr album here.
Left and Right: Let’s not forget the Slinger Girls 
Coming up very soon!! How Lennie made $500 in about 5 minutes. (He could have made more but let’s just stick to the $500 eh?) 
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