Former Indian men’s basketball team coach Veselin Matic believes that India’s school system could be pivotal for sustained basketball growth if there is a shift towards structured coaching and enhanced grassroots programs. Matic, leading a program with ISSO Academy and FIBA, highlighted the strength of India’s school sports setup compared to the club system, emphasizing the need for regular competitions.
In Europe, basketball development often occurs through clubs, but Matic sees potential in India’s school ecosystem. The ongoing PE Educators Upskill Program, involving 15 educators nationwide, aims to elevate grassroots sports education through comprehensive training for coaches and educators. Matic, who coached India from 2019 to 2025, views this initiative as a significant long-term investment for Indian basketball.
Matic stressed the importance of sustained competitive structures in schools to elevate sports. He emphasized the need for regular matches among schools over several months to enhance the level of school sports. The Serbian coach highlighted the necessity of structured tournaments and competitions for the growth of basketball in India, pointing out the lack of continuity in player development after talent identification at a young age.
According to Matic, India lacks a robust second-stage development system for players aged 16 to 19, emphasizing the need for proper identification and development of talent. He expressed concerns about age-fraud issues in junior competitions and the excessive focus on winning tournaments over player development. The program by ISSO Academy aims to strengthen school sports ecosystems in India through collaborations, focusing on enhancing PE education at the grassroots level.
