There’s a certain intent of intimidation attached to a scorpion tattoo. It’s rather common amongst Asia’s women hoopsters and there was a time when India’s top player, Geethu Anna Jose, says, it mightily frightened her.

On the eve of India’s debut in the top tier of women’s Asian Basketball Championship where they take on holders Korea on Thursday, however, Geethu says she is ready to puncture holes in some mighty reputations as she laughs away all those earlier fears. “Just looking at those tattoos used to make me feel wary of the tall, strong-looking players with whom we had to compete on court. Not any more. This time our preparation has been good, very different, and we’re not here to make up the numbers. I can sense the buzz,” says the captain, also India’s best centre in many years.

Big statement

The 24-year-old, now herself equipped with one-liners on her T-shirts which are a sort of reply to the opponents, with their well-paying, organised leagues, as well as skeptics at home who don’t expect anything better than a massive steamroll. Geethu insists she’s keen to make a bigger statement — a maiden semi-final berth.

“It’s an honour to lead at home and this is where I’ve played my best domestic basketball for in the inter-railways meet. The home climate, food, courts and the support, coupled with our preparations, mean that you can expect a few shocks,” she says, though India start at the bottom of the six-team ladder.

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