The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced that American coach Scott Flemming has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian senior men’s national basketball team. This is Flemming’s second tenure with the team, having previously led them from 2012 to 2015. During his earlier stint, he was instrumental in guiding India to some of their most significant victories in recent memory, including a landmark win over China at the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup and a gold medal at the 2014 Lusofonia Games.
BFI Secretary General Kulvinder Singh Gill expressed confidence in Flemming’s return, stating, “With his past experience and proven coaching abilities, we are confident that Mr. Flemming’s appointment will help elevate the performance of our senior men’s team on the international stage.”
Scott Flemming to bring in good things for Basketball Federation of India
Flemming, now 63, brings more than 38 years of coaching experience to the role. His most recent positions included Senior Director of Basketball Operations for NBA India and head coach and Technical Director of the NBA Academy India.
During his time with the NBA Academy, he played a key role in identifying and nurturing some of India’s top basketball talents, such as Lokendra Singh, Jaideep Rathore, Harsh Dagar, and Kushal Singh. These young players were instrumental in India’s fifth-place finish at the 2022 U-16 Asian Championship and their participation in the 2023 FIBA U-18 3×3 World Cup.
Flemming boasts of major experience
Flemming’s coaching career spans the globe, with stints in Sweden, Poland, Mexico, Jamaica, and various African countries, in addition to his work with the Indian basketball team. He also served as the top assistant coach for the Texas Legends, the NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, from 2010 to 2012.
Flemming replaces Serbian coach Veselin Matic, who spent over five years leading the Indian basketball team. Under Matic’s guidance, India reached the pre-quarterfinals in the 3×3 format at the 2018 Asian Games. With Flemming’s return, the BFI hopes to continue building on the progress made and achieve greater success on the international stage.
The Indian men’s basketball team recently suffered a 53-86 setback in a heated Group E matchup in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in front of their home audience. India, now placed 82 in the FIBA Rankings, will face Iran and Kazakhstan in November’s Group E qualifiers.
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