Adaptability
The purpose of this blog is to highlight adaptability. Recently, I accepted a short-term role preparing the Syrian national basketball team for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. After discussing the opportunity with my agent, I committed to a four-week period leading into two qualifier games.
At first, I was hesitant—especially coming from Australia—but I reminded myself that adaptability is one of the most important qualities in sport. Versatile and volatile environments are the norm, and we don’t always have access to the best tools or ideal conditions. That’s where true coaching happens.
For many players, this was a completely new environment. Strength and conditioning wasn’t something they were accustomed to, so I focused on teaching the fundamentals, educating them on load management, and integrating structured physical preparation into their basketball culture. I also met with coaches, club staff, and key people in the basketball community to help them understand the value of a proper performance framework.
I felt a genuine responsibility to build trust and help them buy into this side of the game. My approach was comprehensive: lifting sessions, load management strategies, scheduling, game-day warm-ups, minor injury rehab planning, and long-term athlete development.
Another thing I have been noticing—slightly outside the main topic, but still relevant the lack of game-day structure in parts of Asian basketball. Often, there is no clear plan: long periods of waiting, players doing their own thing, and very little coordination among staff. In reality, all staff should be working together to create a smooth, organized pre-game process that prepares athletes both physically and mentally.
Another major difference I observed was what happens after the game. Many low-minute players tend to leave immediately, just like the high-minute players. But in the NBL, there is a defined culture and structure around post-game workouts. Low-minute players complete targeted loading sessions to ensure they don’t fall behind the high-minute players and remain physically ready for the next match. This model maintains readiness and keeps the entire roster at a competitive level.
Below is a small example of my organized game-day warm-up routine—something I used to keep players focused and avoid unnecessary chaos.
https://www.kagsportscience.com/s/Game-Sheet-SYRIA-Blog.pdf
One thing this experience reinforced is that you can have the best technology and the most advanced tools, but coaching on the floor and connecting with athletes is what truly matters. A mentor of mine once told me, “Coaching happens on the floor—only then can we call ourselves strength and conditioning coaches.” That message has stayed with me throughout this journey.
This experience reminded me that adaptability is everything: being able to adjust, connect with different personalities, and work effectively in any sport environment.
Thank you for reading.