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The picture on the left shows Eugene, Adrian, Elden and Nicholas of the Ultrasonics...

In the lives of seven young men, that was a momentous occasion. They might have been too young to know what real friendship is really about, but one thing, one passion, held them together – basketball. The seven of them were schoolmates. Driven by their passion for the game, and inspired by the superstars of the NBA at the time such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, they congregated as often as possible to participate in a youthful struggle for basketball dominance. Even after they parted ways to different secondary schools, nothing could, and nothing would, dampen their spirits and youthful enthusiasm. Saturdays would see them at the basketball court at Marine Parade shooting hoops, three pointers and attempting lay-ups. They took on any and all challengers. Many times they faced opposition of far superior standard and teamwork. But the Ultrasonic spirit and determination does not falter. Time and again they were beaten narrowly after a bruising encounter. But each time, with every defeat, they came back stronger and more determined. Although none of the boys would ever possess the talent to be an NBA player, much less an international in Singapore, they were still not lacking in ability. Tenacity, determination, a never-say-die fighting spirit and a lot of luck would see this team through their many challenges.

Control of aerial superiority fell on the able shoulders of the tall and lean centre of the team, Adrian Chia. His responsibility was to dominate the boards and be an overall offensive and defensive weapon. Possessing a height which many would desire, at 1.88m,adrian was a threat to any opposing team. Fiery, determined and with what some would say, a confidence bordering on arrogance, Adrian dominated the court at marine parade with a mixture of skill and steel, and an odd elbow in the ribs here and there. Adrian often likened himself to the greatest NBA player of all time – Michael Jordan.

Next in line would be the incomparable Eugene Moey, often comparing himself to former NBA superstar Ervin ‘Magic’ Johnson. Although the disparities between the two are striking and the similarities nowhere to be found, Moey was nevertheless still an essential member of this Sonics team. A repertoire of tricky moves and a quickness which none in the Sonics could probably rival made him a fearsome adversary. An all-rounder, he threatened with his dribbling and shooting. Originally considered the best of the best in the Sonics.

The tag of Mr. Reliable belongs to Lee Kan Wee. With steady ball control skills and a good shot, the Sonics generally relied on him to calm things down when the going got tough. Steadying the ship when the seas got rough is arguably Kan Wee’s greatest strength. Provides the ammunition for his team-mates to gun the opponents down. Of course, his deadliness at three-point range cannot be discounted. Many a time, with the game looking lost, an Wee has stepped up to deliver admirably from downtown, carrying the Sonics to a victory which might not have been without him. Overall his contribution to Sonics triumphs and achievements has been immense.

If Adrian is the body, Eugene is the arms, and Kang are the legs, then Gerald must be the brain in the head. Lacking pace but more than making up for it with his intelligent plays, Gerald is considered – not without much debate, of course – the best shot in the Sonics. His size plays a major part as well. He goes into thick of the action where the elbows are flying and the bodies are colliding. Providing assistance in the area of rebounding and lending some flair to the attacking prowess of the team are some of his other strengths.

Enter Mr. Versatile, Loh Wei Lueng. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Wulong’ by his friends, Wei Lueng is the Great Wall of China for the Sonics. A strong defensive ability, and not lacking the courage to get rough and rollin', he is seemingly fearless when it comes to tussling for the ball, and is extremely effective in unsettling an opponent, as many have discovered. Next to Adrian, arguably the most effective defense the Sonics have. And also considered second only to Gerald in shooting.

Every team needs luck. And who better to provide this, than Mr. Tyco, Elden Low. Lacking any sort of pace, his sluggish and often slow movements on the court serve to deceive the opponent and lull him into complacency. In truth Elden’s height gives him a great advantage over others. His accuracy from close range (read: under the basket) cannot be discounted. And his greatest asset is, of course, his tyco-ness. That takes nothing away from him, for, even the greatest basketball teams in the world need a little bit of luck here and there.

Nicholas Chia is a hidden talent, possessing the all-round skills of every player on the Sonics roster. He can shoot, he can dribble, pass, rebound, play defense and generally is a very useful player. Without him, the Sonics lack someone who can do it all, a someone who gives the opponent something to think about, confusing him, while the other sonic teammates finish them off. His contribution is valuable to the success of the team.

The Sonics quickly gelled as a team. Their greatest nemesis was the Spitfire. Time after time the Spitfire would defeat them. But as each game passed, the smell of victory became stronger and stronger. Finally the Sonics would be able to overcome their hated foes and triumph in a great battle of wills and skill. It was arguably the Sonics greatest triumph, having finally vanquished their longtime enemies who had held a thrall over them for so long.

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Above...The Ultrasonics Official opening ceremony..

Above.. Elden having some chips during a basketball session.

Photos taken at our primary school above and below in our semi-formal attire.

Above are photos our primary school days. One at Adrian's place and the other at our classroom in Tao Nan Primary.

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