Goa’s Unbeatable Hoopsters: YMCA Knights

The sport of basketball has experienced its ups and downs in Goa. Though there are tournaments organized, the lack of good facilities and opportunities for players has seen many Goans walk away from their passion for the game. However, this did not stop the YMCA Knights from going against the odds and pushing their way to the top. Understanding the game as a player, understanding the game as a team, from the pro perspective, from the coaching perspective, these experiences have helped the team stand out among the others in the state. The diversity of the team’s experiences has proven to be their strength over the years, winning multiple championships. They have won multiple basketball tournaments in the state of Goa including the last State championship in the year 2019 organized by GBA. Every player in the team is a highly seasoned champion at every level, where they have a peerless track record of skills and success. They are not just a team, but a family. If you don’t know about YMCA Knights at this point, then you’re living under a rock.

Other than being Goa’s Number 1 Basketball team, they also have organized 6 editions of the YMCA Knights Basketball Tournament, to promote the sport of basketball in the country. From these tournaments, 5 of them were invitational tournaments that featured Indias top teams including IOB, Cochin Customs, Central Railways. Post-Covid they have planned to organize the 7th edition of the tournament with some of the top Indian teams. At Goan Insider, we sat down to have a fun conversation with the entire team to learn about their journey to success and future plans. The excerpts of our conversation are below.

Tell us a little about Y.M.C.A. Knight’s. How was the club formed and who plays for the club currently?

The club was originally called the “Dark Knights” and consisted of the U-17 team of Don Bosco Panjim batch of 2009-10. Thereafter, within a year of causing upsets in the Men’s Category, we were approached by YMCA Panjim to play under their banner. Thus, we became YMCA Knights.

Our current roaster

1. Dillano Marchon
2. Abraham Menezes
3. Nihal Fernandes
4. Flobert Monteiro
5. Daniel Vas
6. Terence Vaz
7. Charles D’Souza
8. Felipe Alvares

Coach: Clyde Lobo

How has the club evolved since its inception? 

We started out as a group of youngsters trying to prove a point. But as time progressed, our players left for their careers and new players joined in. The team is now a mixture of youth and experienced players.

Currently, Knight’s is the number 1 basketball club in Goa. How did you and the team achieve this?

We won the 2019 state championship and have the most tournament wins from the year 2018 onwards. Recruiting experienced players to blend in with the remaining players has taken the team a long way.

Is there any player in the club who is considered as the MVP? Why?

All of our players have an equal role to play in the team. Every player values and respects each other’s role, so there is no one particular MVP. We have different players stepping up and performing in every game.

Tell us about your YMCA Knights Basketball Tournaments you have organized

It is Goa’s biggest basketball tournament and is recognized all over India. We are 6 editions in and we get inquiries from all over the country requesting us to invite top teams for the tournament.

What does a Knight’s basketball training session look like? 

Given the fact that there is not much scope as a basketball player in Goa, our basketball practices are recreational activities. We put in two hours max, with about an hour being a game.

How does the team stay motivated after losing a game?

We are a family, and not just a team. Win or lose, we go out for team parties and dinners. Whether we win or lose, we analyze our mistakes and work on improving them.

How does the team deal with the pressure of having to perform in front of the crowd?

The team is experienced now, and there are absolutely no nerves. At the end of the day, it is 5 on 5 and the crowd really has no role.

Does the team have any rituals that they must perform before a game and why?

We meet up for dinner the previous night before every game to plan our strategies.

Which has been the best/ memorable game the club has played? Tell us more about it.

There have been many highlights, but the one that stands out is the 2019 Goa Basketball Association State Championship. Our team won every game by more than 17 points, sweeping all the competition. 

Where in Goa does your team train? Are there good facilities for basketball in the state? 

We train at Don Bosco Panjim and Goa University Outdoor court. Apart from the Don Bosco Indoor court, there isn’t any other indoor court available for players to practice.

With games coming to a halt due to Covid19 what are the plans for the club post the pandemic? 

We plan on getting back to playing basketball. Sports are good for the mind and body, and most importantly we enjoying playing basketball.

We also plan on organizing some more massive basketball tournaments and getting some of India’s top players down to Goa again.

What do you think the Government of Goa should do to improve basketball not only as a club sport but as an overall sport in the state? 

• Invest money in the sport, by investing in indoor facilities, coaches, and players.
• Providing job recruitment offers for basketball players.

How can our readers stay connected with the team and it’s activities?

Follow us our Knights Goa Instagram page to stay updated.

What is the ultimate dream for the club? 

We are living our dream of winning tournaments and promoting Goa all over India.

Do you have a story to share with the world? Send us an email at contact.goaninsider@gmail.com