When Singapore hosts the 3x3.EXE Super Premier at Sengkang Grand Mall on March 28 and 29, one of the most compelling stories on court will belong to 21-year-old Michael Keseven-Kankam – a basketball player whose journey is as layered as his identity.
Of Indian and Ghanaian heritage, Michael represents a new face of Singapore sport: multicultural, grounded, and quietly ambitious.
As he prepares to compete against some of the world’s top professional 3x3 teams, he also stands on the cusp of a packed international calendar, with the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup (April 1-5) and the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier (April 11-12) to follow on home soil.
For Michael, however, the journey began far from the bright lights of elite competition.
“I used to play a lot of football as a child,” he told tabla!. “But one day I tried basketball and realised I preferred the style and pace of the game.”
That decision, made around the age of 10, set him on a path that would eventually lead to national representation. Born in London but raised in Singapore from the age of two, Michael grew up in a culturally rich household. His mother, Faith, is a Singaporean Indian with roots in Kerala, while his Ghanaian father, Michael, a pastor, is a former professional footballer. His parents met in a church.
Sport, clearly, runs in the family.
“My sisters Shekinah (19) and Shoshana (14) used to play basketball, and my father played in the Nigerian National League for teams like Agip Oilers and Nigeria Ports Authority. That environment definitely influenced me,” he said.
Yet, it is his mother, a human resources professional, who remains his greatest inspiration. “She raised my sisters and me on her own and made countless sacrifices. Everything I do is motivated by wanting to provide for my family.”
Michael’s sporting journey has taken a decisive turn in recent years with his move into 3x3 basketball – a faster, more intense version of the game that demands quick thinking and relentless energy.
“I like the pace of it,” he explained. “It’s fast, unpredictable, and you have to make split-second decisions. There’s never a guaranteed winner.”
Having begun playing 3x3 at 17, he has only taken the format seriously for about a year – a relatively short time for someone now preparing to face seasoned professionals.
“This will be the highest level I’ve played at,” he admitted of the Super Premier. “Most of the teams are professional, so it’s definitely going to be a challenge. But we’re ready to learn and grow.”
Preparation has been intense. Daily training sessions, film analysis, and individual skill work have become routine as the young Singapore side looks to bridge the gap with more experienced opponents.
“We’re a young team, so our strength is our energy and work rate,” he said. “We may not have the size, but we make up for it with speed and effort.”
His confidence – something he identifies as a key strength – is tempered by self-awareness. “I know what I’m good at, but I also know I have to improve my game IQ, defence, and shooting. That comes with experience.”
That experience has already begun to accumulate. A standout moment came when he was selected to train in Serbia, widely regarded as a global powerhouse in 3x3 basketball.
“Playing against some of the best teams in the world was eye-opening,” he said. “It showed me the level required to compete internationally.”
Beyond the court, Michael’s life reflects a balance between discipline and grounding influences. He will graduate with a diploma in pharmaceutical science from Republic Polytechnic this May. He plays the drums at church – a passion he shares with his father – and spends his free time cycling, gaming, and connecting with family and friends.
“I think those things keep me grounded,” he said. “Basketball is important, but so is having balance.”
That balance was tested during one of the most difficult periods of his life – the loss of his grandparents within months of each other.
“It was very tough because I was very close to them,” he said quietly. “But it brought my family closer and reminded me to value the people around me.”
As Singapore’s 3x3 basketball scene gathers momentum – highlighted by a historic SEA Games silver medal and qualification for the Commonwealth Games – players like Michael are central to its future.
Next month’s tournaments – FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup and FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier – on home soil present both opportunity and pressure. Singapore will host top international teams, with World Cup qualification at stake – a milestone the national squad is eager to achieve.
“It means a lot to play these tournaments in Singapore,” Michael said. “We get to test ourselves at a high level and show where we stand.”
For him, wearing the national jersey carries deep personal meaning.
“It’s an honour,” he said. “You’re not just representing yourself – you’re representing your family, your community, and the whole country.”
