For four days in Singapore, the game felt bigger.
The 15th edition of NBA Basketball Without Borders Asia, the NBA and FIBA’s premier basketball development and community outreach program, returned to the region for the first time since 2010. Sixty of the top U17 prospects—30 boys and 30 girls—from across Asia-Pacific were invited.
Among them, two young Malaysian players—Jolin Ting Pei Wen from Sarawak and Ellie Chen Yi Tin from Sabah—quietly carried their hopes onto the hardwood.
For most Malaysian hoopers, opportunities like this are rare. But here they were, sharing the floor with not just the best teenage talent across Asia, but also current NBA stars and WNBA legend.
Jolin Ting Pei Wen (Photo: BWB Asia)
From East Malaysia to the Elite
Jolin, 17, remembered feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. “I was really happy to meet new friends and learn more about the game,” she said. “Things like how to control the ball better, how to defend.”
Both she and Ellie had previously represented Malaysia at the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup Division B, but this camp was a whole new level.
Hosted at the Singapore Basketball Center, BWB Asia 2025 featured a lineup of world-class coaches: 2024 NBA champion Derrick White (Boston Celtics), 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Duop Reath (Portland Trail Blazers), WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro—a 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee—and four NBA assistant coaches: Vinay Bhavnani, Jared Dudley, Ronald Nored, and Khalid Robinson.
The program was led by Patrick Hunt, President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches, with Katherine Babcock (Memphis Grizzlies) serving as the camp’s athletic trainer.
Beyond the court, players took part in life-skills workshops, leadership sessions, and social responsibility programs—an experience designed to develop not just players, but people.
Ellie Chen Yi Tin (left). (Photo: BWB Asia)
A Moment That Stuck
For Ellie, the turning point came during one of the scrimmages. She grabbed the rebound, pushed the ball coast to coast, and finished with a clean layup that tied the game. “I was just happy it went in,” she laughed, still buzzing from the moment. “It was a big challenge. Back home, we don’t usually get to play at this level.”
That moment stood out. But the real takeaway, both girls said, was internal.
“I learned I need to be braver,” Jolin shared. “Don’t be too timid. Don’t hide in the corner—just attack.”
Ellie nodded in agreement. “When it’s open, you just have to go for it. Pass with confidence. Drive with confidence.”
Jolin (front row left) is part of the winning team. (Photo: BWB Asia)
Victory for one, growth for both
On the final day of camp, the awards were announced. Abdulla Mousa, son of Qatar legend Yaseen Mousa, and Australia’s Tarynn Bond took home the individual MVP honors. But Jolin’s name wasn’t left out.
Her team—the Golden State Valkyries—had gone undefeated in the girls’ scrimmage tournament. They were crowned camp champions.
It wasn’t a solo accolade, but it meant everything.
For a girl who once hesitated to drive or speak up on the court, now she was part of a winning unit coached by NBA professionals, competing with the best in the region.
The Seeds of Self-Belief
Back in Malaysia, both girls will return to school and prepare for the upcoming U20 league. They hope to be called back into the national team system. But whatever comes next, something has changed.
Ellie has her breakout moment. Jolin has a championship. And together, they carry a renewed sense of voice, presence, and belief.
Basketball Without Borders wasn’t just a camp. It was a mirror—reflecting not just where they are, but who they could become.
They arrived as quiet observers. They left as fearless players.
As Jolin put it best: “Be brave. Don’t hide.”
That lesson alone might be the most important thing they’ll ever learn on a basketball court.
