Our protagonist Nichula Liyanage is an athlete who reached the pinnacle in basketball, and continues to aim higher, to reach the horizon and beyond, to go forth and conquer the unthinkable zenith in his sporting discipline. He is the first Sri Lankan hooper to play in the Australian League after his recent signing for PaRBA United (Palmerston regional basketball). 

Nichula was Sri Lanka’s number one-ranked 3x3 (three-on–three) player in 2017, and captained the under-23 national side in 2019. By clinching six most valuable player (MVP), five best offensive player, and two best defensive player awards in his professional stint so far, he has shown his prowess to the entire sporting community in the island nation.

Currently pursuing his MBA at the Charles Darwin University, Nichula is vividly described by his club PaRBA United as a player who combines the love for basketball and business, a sharpshooter on the court, a strategic thinker off the court, and a dedicated coach to young up-and-coming players. 

From humble beginnings at the Karlsruhe Hill of Wesley College, Colombo, to the Bamba Brigade of St. Peter’s College, to his icing on the cake at Gateway College, and finally, donning the Sri Lankan national jersey, Nichula’s school and sporting journey has come a long, long way. Let’s swim through his nostalgic voyage.  

Nichula and basketball… How and where did the love story blossom?

So, this is actually really funny. I've always been good at cricket and I've always wanted to play cricket. But my dad kept saying: “Putha (son), don't do something that everyone is doing.” And he said why not basketball. So in fourth grade, I went for my first basketball practice session and I hated it. And I didn't want to play basketball. I actually ended up playing badminton. But when grade five came, I hit a growth spurt and grew 5'8”, and then my dad pushed me to play basketball again, and the rest was history. It was so easy to play basketball being taller than the rest. Once I started dominating, I got addicted to the game.

Who or what inspired or continues to inspire you in life?

Honestly, my life inspirations – or what gets me going through life – would definitely be my parents, my closest friends, and my ex-girlfriend. They've pushed me and been my go-to throughout everything in life.

Tell us a little bit about your favourite childhood memories, friends, etc…

My childhood was pretty fun. I played every sport in Wesley College. I watched Sirasa cartoons every evening at 4 p.m. I studied hard to be amongst the top five of the class every term. I ate whatever I wanted to eat. I slept whenever I wanted to sleep. God, I miss being a child.

Tell us about your recent signing in Australia, and how big it is to be a Sri Lankan out there?

Let me explain the hierarchy in Australia. The National Basketball League (NBL) is the top league where even National Basketball Association players play. Second comes the NBL1, and then is The League. After The League, you have Divisions One to Seven. We've had players playing for Division One, but no Sri Lankan has played for The League before.

I earned my opportunity at a trial that was given to me. I had a good day when I shot seven or eight threes, and the rest is history.

Basketball is so different over here in Australia. It's all so methodical and beautiful to watch. I'm adjusting well, since I'm a shooter. Unlike in Sri Lanka where some coaches didn't know how to use my potential, right now I feel confident. I'm smaller and weaker than the guys here, but since I'm shooting lights out, I fit into their system. And I love playing here at a high level – and as a Sri Lankan. It surprised everyone here that there are good basketball players even on a small island, which I'm super proud of to be representing

What's the scariest moment in your basketball life or sporting career?

I'll tell you the scariest, and also the one that still gives me nightmares. The scariest would be when I was representing Sri Lanka in a tournament in Malaysia; I got elbowed, broke my cheekbone, and lost sensation in my face for about a month. My nightmare would be my under-19 finals game against the Asian International School. I got injured in the last minute of the game when the scores were 52-52. I always wonder how the game would have turned out if I somehow avoided injury.

Coaching and giving back to the community, you are adored by your students. Could you recall how your time while coaching was in Sri Lanka?

I love coaching. Having learned from over 10 coaches in my career, I try to take the best out of them and pass it on to the kids. My passion is inspiring kids to be better both on and off the court. That feeling – watching kids you train become better, or win at games, or even represent Sri Lanka – that's my biggest prize. I always go to the extreme to teach them every possible inch I can, while making the process extremely fun. Which is why they love me back, I guess. (Laughs)

What’s the proudest crowning glory moment in your sporting career?

That was captaining the Sri Lankan team that beat the number eight-ranked team in the world, Hungary, in the under-23 3x3 championships.

Looking back in time on the journey of becoming who you are today, and setting off towards the future, any special people you want to thank? 

Looking back on my journey, there have always been many ups and downs, but that's again a part of life. I was taken under the wing of Praneeth Udumalagala, who eventually became family. He brought out the best in my coaching career and even pushed me in my basketball career. There are quite a few coaches like Rasitha Fernando, Panduka Ranasinghe, and even Tharindu Fernando, who have believed in me during my schooling career as well. And always, I wouldn't be where I am without my family backing me whenever, from day one.

And what's your final advice to young basketball players of our island nation?

My final advice for young kids is simple. Believe in yourself, believe in what you can do. Don't let anyone else define your life. Hard work beats talent every time. Trust the process.