Basketball Federation of India (BFI) is keen to renew the contract of foreign coaches Scott Flemming for a period of another two years even as national federation is happy with his work.
India's male hoopsters lost 75-86 to Philippines and 41-76 to Iran in the group league stage to crash out of the ongoing Asian Games even before the knock-out rounds.
However as per BFI CEO Roopam Harish Sharma, the association will like to continue with the American.
"Scott's two-year contract ends next month but we are in talks with him for renewal. Obviously, he will also have to agree to our offer and we are satisfied with his work. We would want Scott to draw a long-term development plan and also work with the U-18 and U-16 national teams," Sharma told reporters during the launch of the Indian School and College Basketball League in association with IMG-Reliance.
The Indian men's team had defeated a formidable Chinese side only a couple of months back at the Asian Basketball Championships but the BFI CEO didn't feel that there has been a dip in form.
"Rome was not built in a day. We don't expect them to win each and every match. They are trying and I am not at all disappointed with their result at the Asian Games," said Sharma.
The new school and college league aims to tap talent at the grassroots and it is expected that 700 schools and 450 colleges across the country. The prize money although is not very attractive at Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
However the organisers have promised that the winning teams in each category will have their basketball courts completely refurbished. Similarly, the runners-up and third-placed teams will be given Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 for infrastructural development.
