Bobby Knight of Sri Lanka Francis D’ Almeida turns 75 today

by Rex Clementine

Legendary US basketball coach Bobby Knight has been an inspiration for those who play the game of basketball having invented new tactics and brought success to many of his teams. Similarly, Francis D’ Almeida changed the way how the game of basketball was played in Sri Lanka with innovative methods. He turns 75 today.

For decades, local basketball coaches had used the zone defence, but it was Francis who introduced the man to man strategy first and his teams were unstoppable having employed this method. With full court trap defences, Francis changed the coaching philosophy in Sri Lanka and today most successful coaches in the island use the man to man strategy.

Francis had tremendous successes coaching Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, St. Benedict’s College and Ananda College.

Like Bobby Knight, there were occasions when Francis lost his cool on the court at the erring referees but one does not quite recall throwing of chairs. But expletives, yes there were plenty and you picked up new words too from him.

Francis’ highest achievement as a coach was when he guided the Sri Lanka under-18 team to finish sixth in the FIBA Asia Youth Championship held in Korea. He also coached Sri Lanka Youth Women’s team and was the Head Coach of the senior men’s and women’s teams. While Bobby Knight excelled on the court, Francis’ contributions to the game went beyond the court as he was a successful administrator having served as Secretary and Vice-President of SLBF for several years.

The modern generation may know him for his music, but his efforts to promote the game of basketball are unparalleled.

Francis was a pioneer in forming three key associations of Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, namely Coaches’ Association, Referee’s Association and Mercantile Association. The three bodies are vital parts of local basketball having offered jobs for so many who are involved with the game and more importantly lifting the standards of the game. He has been also instrumental in forming several district associations in far off places. His association with the game goes beyond half a century.

Francis is known for his generosity spending his earnings from basketball coaching on his players in looking after their needs.

The Island

wishes him all the very best.

Ad multos annos.