Captain of Easyway Basketball, Ben Sim (Picture: Courtesy of FIBA), moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1992 and returned to the Sultanate 16 years later.
He quickly settled in through the game of basketball and represented the country in countless tournaments.
There are still some years left in his tank to play at the highest level in the country and BruSports News took time to speak to the 36-year-old on his journey so far.
Q: How did it all begin for you? Where did the love of basketball come from?
A: It all started with my mom saying that she played basketball before and taught me.
This was around 1993 - 94 so I asked my parents to promptly buy a hoop right after that.
The love came as I kept seeing improvement with the more time I spent practising.
I didn't know many people so I spent most of my time playing in the backyard.
It was through basketball where I started meeting lots of people and that was the same when I came back here.
Q: How did your time in Canada help groom you into the player you are today?
A: I played as much as I could and I practised every day. I was exposed to a lot of great competition
Q: Which team are you a fan of and why?
A: Vancouver Grizzlies at the time because it was the hometown team.
Q: Which player has the biggest influence on your game?
A: Steve Nash because it was nothing flashy and he got the job done.
Q: Who is your favourite teammate?
A: Loaded question but I will say I love playing with guys that are committed and just want success as badly as I do.
Q: What is the most memorable game that you have played in?
A: During SEABA Pre-Qualifier against Cambodia because it could be the first official overseas FIBA win in Brunei history. Well one that was officially recorded of course.
(Brunei recorded a 69-58 victory over Cambodia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 SEABA Pre-Qualifer on June 29, 2018 at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand)
Q: You have played professionally with the Brunei Barracudas and also semi-pro with the Beruang Blazers, what is the best thing you can take out from playing on those teams?
A: The memories on and off the court.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A: Probably coaching or setting up a system to bring up the level of Brunei Basketball. Also playing some Veteran Cups.
Q: How do you think basketball can progress in our country?
A: We all have to work together towards a common goal. We got to build an infrastructure that is from the grassroots all the way up to the national team.
Q: What do you think makes a good basketball player?
A: Mindset first! Someone (Player) always doing everything they can to get better and do their role for the greater good of the team.
Q: Do you have any superstitions before playing any game?
A: My last shot during the warm up has to be a made shot. I can't walk off the floor till I make one.
Q: Anyone gave you any nicknames before? How did that come about?
A: Benny the knife was my name in high school because I always knew how to drive to the basket as a slasher.
Bentastic was pretty cool and people stuck with it.
Q: What’s the best tip you can give for anyone looking to start playing the sport?
A: When you are first starting off, pick a move you like to learn. Practice it, apply it in games then see what works and what doesn't. Master it.
Q: Anything you want to say to your fans and supporters as we end this interview?
A: Thanks to Boss Giap for sponsoring all the tournaments we have played in. Thanks to all our supporters that have attended and cheered for us over the years.
Also thanks to past coaches and committee members that have made it possible for us to play basketball in Brunei.
And thanks to you Chun for coverage on our matches over the years. It's always nice to have a record of things to look back on the memories.
