From the Battlefield to the Basketball Court! 

This week on Buzz with Danu, we’re dribbling into an inspiring journey - one that started in the Sri Lanka Army and led to slam dunks on international courts! He’s a soldier-turned-national basketball star, a coach with global experience, and the man behind BE Sri Lankan Basketball Camp 2025! Keshawa Perera A.K.A. JJ.

Join me as we talk about his rise in the game, what Sri Lanka needs to level up in basketball, and why Don Showalter’s visit is a total game-changer! Get ready for some courtside wisdom and a few buzzer-beater laughs—because this one’s nothing but net! From Soldier to Star: A Journey Through Basketball on the Buzz today. 

1. Can you tell us about your journey from being a soldier to becoming a national basketball player and coach?

I joined the Sri Lanka Army in 2007 as a member of the Signal Corps Regiment Army basketball team. In 2012, I was honoured with Sri Lanka Army Colours and Defence Service Colours. I was also awarded the Purna Bumi Padakkama, North and East Operations Medal, and Eastern Humanitarian Operations Medal for my service.

While playing for the Army basketball team, I was selected for the Sri Lanka National Basketball Team and successfully toured India in 2011. In 2014, I joined the Colombo Basketball Club under Mr. Ajith Kuruppu, my first mentor, who encouraged me to take up coaching. That’s how I got my start at Colombo International School as a PE instructor for basketball under him.

2. What inspired you to take up coaching after your playing career?

After starting as an assistant coach at CIS and later at Gateway College, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching kids and sharing my knowledge with them. That passion led me to coaching roles at the Royal Institute International, British School, and Elizabeth Moir School in Colombo. Between 2015 and 2018, I had the opportunity to coach in Qatar, which exposed me to international coaching methodologies.

3. You’ve been involved in international basketball programmes—how has that experience shaped your coaching style?

I’ve had the privilege of participating in BAZN Camp (France, 2023), USA Basketball Snow Valley Summer Camp (Iowa, USA, 2024), and the USA Basketball Coaches Clinic (New York, USA, 2024). These experiences have helped me stay updated on the latest coaching techniques and allowed me to build relationships with some of the biggest names in basketball coaching.

4. What are the biggest challenges young Sri Lankan basketball players face today?

The biggest issue is a lack of international exposure—players and coaches don’t get many opportunities to participate in global basketball camps or clinics. Many young players are drawn to “fancy basketball” styles, but my experience overseas has shown me that international coaches emphasize fundamentals over flair. Another big gap is proper fitness and nutrition guidance, which is crucial for player development.

5. How do you think Sri Lanka can improve its basketball infrastructure to develop future talent?

Sri Lanka needs to upgrade its basketball arenas and invest in modern training equipment. We need to make coaching more interactive and engaging so that young players enjoy the learning process while improving their skills.

6. You are a FIBA WABC Level 2 coach—what does that qualification mean, and how has it helped you in your coaching career?

I completed my FIBA WABC Level 2 Coaching Qualification in 2018 in Qatar. It was organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation and accredited by FIBA, the global governing body of basketball. The programme covered advanced coaching methods and strategies, which have helped shape my approach to training players.

7. What role do you see events like the BE Sri Lankan Basketball Camp playing in the growth of basketball in the country?

BE Sri Lankan Basketball Camp 2025 is the third edition of a series I launched in 2017 and 2019. The previous camps were conducted by the late Coach Eric Gardow, who played a key role in mentoring me. This camp always aims to bring in foreign coaches to provide local players with high-quality training and exposure to international standards.

8. What advice would you give to young aspiring basketball players in Sri Lanka who want to take the sport seriously?

Focus on the basics! Fundamentals are everything in basketball. And, of course, practice, practice, practice!

9. How does mental and physical conditioning play a role in becoming an elite basketball player?

Success in basketball comes down to discipline, consistent training, fitness, and proper nutrition. Without these, even the most talented player will struggle to reach the next level.

10. Who are some basketball players, local or international, that have influenced your coaching philosophy?
    •    Locally: Roshan Randima Suriyarachchi (Former National Captain)
    •    Internationally: LeBron James

11. Can you tell us about Don Showalter and why his presence at the coaching clinic is significant?

Coach Don Showalter is the Director of Sport and Youth Development at USA Basketball. He has ten gold medals as a coach for the USA youth basketball team and has conducted countless clinics worldwide. This is his first time visiting South Asia, and his insights will be a game-changer for Sri Lankan basketball.

12. What key skills or knowledge will participants gain from this clinic?

Players will learn about:
    •    International game strategies
    •    Latest drills and techniques
    •    Team-building at an international level

For coaches, the clinic will focus on:
    •    Group training and individual training methods
    •    How to build team cohesion

13. Why is it important for Sri Lankan coaches and players to learn from internationally recognized figures like Don Showalter?

If Sri Lanka wants to compete at the international level, we need to continuously update our skills and coaching techniques. Learning from someone as experienced as Don Showalter will give local coaches and players invaluable insights into the global basketball scene.

14. What do you hope this camp will achieve in terms of developing local talent?

This camp will provide an opportunity for international coaches to spot local talent. Players might even get opportunities to attend global basketball camps, university scholarships, and USA Basketball coaching clinics in the future.

15. Are there any future plans for similar international collaborations in Sri Lanka to enhance basketball coaching and training?

BE Sri Lankan Basketball will continue to collaborate with USA Basketball and other international organizations to bring more high-quality coaching and training programs to Sri Lanka.

This conversation proves one thing—Sri Lanka’s basketball scene is ready to level up! With the right training, exposure, and support, we can take the game to new heights. Here’s to more slam dunks, game-winning shots, and future basketball stars making Sri Lanka proud!

Stay tuned for more exciting conversations on Buzz with Danu!