Last week, the Mongolian women’s 3x3 national team made history by winning the silver medal at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, an achievement that brought immense joy to fans across the country. Behind every great team is a coach who believes in them, and for Team Mongolia, that person is Canadian coach Steve Sir.
In this interview, he opens up about his basketball journey, coaching philosophy, life in Mongolia, and the pride he feels watching his players grow on and off the court.
-How did your basketball journey begin?
-I started playing when I was six. It was the first thing I ever fell in love with. Growing up in Canada, basketball was still developing. When Steve Nash made it to the NBA, things started to shift. My goal as a kid was to play Division 1 college basketball in the U.S., and I worked really hard for that.
I had a good 5v5 career, played in college, and then professionally for nine years. In 2017, I transitioned into 3x3, playing on the World Tour for Team Canada. At the same time, I was doing player development work in Europe and that path eventually brought me to Mongolia.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from great coaches who taught me the value of hard work, showing up early and staying late. That shaped the way I approach coaching now. I want to create a culture where players push themselves and each other. What we saw from the girls last week at the World Cup was exactly that.
-What are some differences or similarities between playing for Team Canada and coaching in Mongolia?
-Canada and Mongolia actually have a lot in common. Winters are long and cold, summers are short. The people are humble, hardworking, and they keep their word which is very similar to home. Of course, Canada is further along in terms of infrastructure and development in basketball. But seeing how much Mongolia has grown in recent years is really inspiring.
There’s strong leadership pushing the sport forward, and the results speak for themselves. The success we’re seeing now, especially on the world stage, is no accident. I love Canada, it’s my home. But I’ve really come to love Mongolia too. It’s an honor to play for Canada and coach in Mongolia.
-How would you describe the potential of Mongolian players?
-It’s been a privilege to witness the passion Mongolians have for basketball. It’s still a young sport here, but it’s attracting people every day. What I love most is the humility and work ethic. No showboating, just putting your head down and working.
The improvement over the past few years has been amazing. The men’s and women’s teams are keeping pace internationally. That’s the result of real commitment. 3x3 is evolving fast, and Mongolia is not falling behind.
Last week’s silver medal is the proof. This wasn’t a regional tournament, this was the World Cup. If anyone wondered Mongolia’s progress, I think that question’s been answered.
-Can you tell us about your coaching style?
-For me, it’s all about competing. Nothing worth doing comes easy. Whether it’s a shooting drill, a 1-on-1, or 2-on-2, I want the players to treat everything like it matters, because it does. Pressure yourself to win, to improve.
If you want to be great, you have to be obsessed with the process. That means showing up early, staying late, doing the extra reps. That’s how you separate yourself. I had coaches who taught me that, and now I try to pass it on.
I can be pretty hard on them sometimes. But it’s never personal. I don’t want to be a coach that just says mean things to the players. I don’t feel like that leads to improvement but that doesn’t also mean that we can’t be tough with each other.
-What are practices like for the team?
-We practice a lot. Preparing for the World Cup, for example, we made sure every session pushed the players hard. If practice is harder than the game, then we’re doing something right.
I emphasize communication. In 3x3, there are no timeouts where the coach can step in like in 5v5. The players have to talk to each other on the court. Mongolian players are often very quiet when playing, but I always use Canada as an example. Our practices are loud, encouraging, and energetic. I believe that builds chemistry.
-Do you face communication challenges?
-Sometimes, yes. 3x3 is so fast-paced, you're out of breath, you have short timeouts, and not everything I say in English translates smoothly. But Khulan does a great job translating in practice. Lhamka even teaches me Mongolian words sometimes, which is really helpful.
At the end of the day, basketball has a universal language. We demonstrate, we draw, we gesture. You always find a way.
-What’s kept you going all these years?
-Everyone faces moments of doubt or burnout. Two years ago, there was a big tragedy that really made me question whether I wanted to keep going. But I did. And now I tell my players the same thing. When you are up, it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be and when you are down, it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be. Those tough times are when we learn the most.
If something really matters to you, you’ll find a way. I see that in Khulan. When she’s frustrated, she doesn’t give up. We sit down, talk it out, make a plan together. That’s what it means to care about something deeply.
-What role do you think you’ve played in Mongolia’s 3x3 development?
-I first came to Mongolia in 2018 for a tournament with Team Canada and loved the experience. In 2022, I started working here full time. At first, I was the new guy, and everything was exciting. But once that faded, we got to work.
I think I’ve been a helpful piece, but I’m one part of a much bigger team. The leadership here has been incredible. Without their support, none of this would be possible. Bringing in someone with a different perspective was a smart move, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But I don’t see myself as the star. I’m just one of many helping this sport grow.
-Do you plan to stay involved with Mongolian basketball long-term?
-I really hope so. I’ve been here four years now and feel very connected to the players and the mission. When they succeed, it means everything to me. That’s what coaching should be about. Helping players prepare for what’s next and celebrating when they reach it.
I hope we continue building, keep pushing, and see more milestones ahead.
-Can you share some of your most memorable moments?
-There are so many. Last week’s silver medal at the World Cup, of course. The bronze at the Asia Cup last year which was our first medal ever was also huge. Three years ago, I joined the men’s team and we won in Shanghai. That was the first time an Asia-based team had done that. It was unforgettable.
Then there are the small moments like practice sessions, road trips, inside jokes. The guys have visited my home in Canada for the past two summers, just like they’ve welcomed me into their homes here. These are friendships and memories I’ll always cherish.
-How has your definition of “success” changed from being a player to a coach?
As a player, success feels very personal. It’s your body, your sweat, your time. When you win, it’s amazing because you know how hard it was to get there.
As a coach, it’s more stressful in some ways because you can’t physically change the outcome. But when your players succeed, it’s an even deeper kind of pride. Because it’s a product of the players' hard work, and product of yours as well. Making a plan and putting your players through which you believe will be the best way to prepare them. And then there is times it doesn’t work they way you hope.
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-Congratulations on receiving the Nairamdal (Friendship) Medal. How did that feel?
-Thank you. I had no idea that was coming. I thought the medal ceremony was just for the girls. It was a huge honor, and I felt incredibly humbled. I’m thankful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to work here and trusted me with this role. To be recognized by a foreign country’s president, especially for a Canadian is a moment I’ll never forget.
-What have you learned from Mongolian culture that will stay with you?
-I’ve learned a lot about patience, and about the strength of community. Mongolians are incredibly supportive of one another. There’s a real team-first mindset here, and that means a lot to me. Being out here and having a chance to experience that over the last few years, has been really amazing.
I’ve also come to admire how people take time to think before they speak or act. That's what I’ve learned that from my players, and I hope to carry those lessons with me.
Finally, I think we need to celebrate moments like this. We won’t always win medals, and there will be hard times. We need to remember that players and people involved are working hard to represent themselves and the country. I would say support is a big thing.
Last week, the Mongolian women’s 3x3 national team made history by winning the silver medal at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, an achievement that brought immense joy to fans across the country. Behind every great team is a coach who believes in them, and for Team Mongolia, that person is Canadian coach Steve Sir.
In this interview, he opens up about his basketball journey, coaching philosophy, life in Mongolia, and the pride he feels watching his players grow on and off the court.
-How did your basketball journey begin?
-I started playing when I was six. It was the first thing I ever fell in love with. Growing up in Canada, basketball was still developing. When Steve Nash made it to the NBA, things started to shift. My goal as a kid was to play Division 1 college basketball in the U.S., and I worked really hard for that.
I had a good 5v5 career, played in college, and then professionally for nine years. In 2017, I transitioned into 3x3, playing on the World Tour for Team Canada. At the same time, I was doing player development work in Europe and that path eventually brought me to Mongolia.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from great coaches who taught me the value of hard work, showing up early and staying late. That shaped the way I approach coaching now. I want to create a culture where players push themselves and each other. What we saw from the girls last week at the World Cup was exactly that.
-What are some differences or similarities between playing for Team Canada and coaching in Mongolia?
-Canada and Mongolia actually have a lot in common. Winters are long and cold, summers are short. The people are humble, hardworking, and they keep their word which is very similar to home. Of course, Canada is further along in terms of infrastructure and development in basketball. But seeing how much Mongolia has grown in recent years is really inspiring.
There’s strong leadership pushing the sport forward, and the results speak for themselves. The success we’re seeing now, especially on the world stage, is no accident. I love Canada, it’s my home. But I’ve really come to love Mongolia too. It’s an honor to play for Canada and coach in Mongolia.
-How would you describe the potential of Mongolian players?
-It’s been a privilege to witness the passion Mongolians have for basketball. It’s still a young sport here, but it’s attracting people every day. What I love most is the humility and work ethic. No showboating, just putting your head down and working.
The improvement over the past few years has been amazing. The men’s and women’s teams are keeping pace internationally. That’s the result of real commitment. 3x3 is evolving fast, and Mongolia is not falling behind.
Last week’s silver medal is the proof. This wasn’t a regional tournament, this was the World Cup. If anyone wondered Mongolia’s progress, I think that question’s been answered.
-Can you tell us about your coaching style?
-For me, it’s all about competing. Nothing worth doing comes easy. Whether it’s a shooting drill, a 1-on-1, or 2-on-2, I want the players to treat everything like it matters, because it does. Pressure yourself to win, to improve.
If you want to be great, you have to be obsessed with the process. That means showing up early, staying late, doing the extra reps. That’s how you separate yourself. I had coaches who taught me that, and now I try to pass it on.
I can be pretty hard on them sometimes. But it’s never personal. I don’t want to be a coach that just says mean things to the players. I don’t feel like that leads to improvement but that doesn’t also mean that we can’t be tough with each other.
-What are practices like for the team?
-We practice a lot. Preparing for the World Cup, for example, we made sure every session pushed the players hard. If practice is harder than the game, then we’re doing something right.
I emphasize communication. In 3x3, there are no timeouts where the coach can step in like in 5v5. The players have to talk to each other on the court. Mongolian players are often very quiet when playing, but I always use Canada as an example. Our practices are loud, encouraging, and energetic. I believe that builds chemistry.
-Do you face communication challenges?
-Sometimes, yes. 3x3 is so fast-paced, you're out of breath, you have short timeouts, and not everything I say in English translates smoothly. But Khulan does a great job translating in practice. Lhamka even teaches me Mongolian words sometimes, which is really helpful.
At the end of the day, basketball has a universal language. We demonstrate, we draw, we gesture. You always find a way.
-What’s kept you going all these years?
-Everyone faces moments of doubt or burnout. Two years ago, there was a big tragedy that really made me question whether I wanted to keep going. But I did. And now I tell my players the same thing. When you are up, it’s never as good as you think it’s going to be and when you are down, it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be. Those tough times are when we learn the most.
If something really matters to you, you’ll find a way. I see that in Khulan. When she’s frustrated, she doesn’t give up. We sit down, talk it out, make a plan together. That’s what it means to care about something deeply.
-What role do you think you’ve played in Mongolia’s 3x3 development?
-I first came to Mongolia in 2018 for a tournament with Team Canada and loved the experience. In 2022, I started working here full time. At first, I was the new guy, and everything was exciting. But once that faded, we got to work.
I think I’ve been a helpful piece, but I’m one part of a much bigger team. The leadership here has been incredible. Without their support, none of this would be possible. Bringing in someone with a different perspective was a smart move, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But I don’t see myself as the star. I’m just one of many helping this sport grow.
-Do you plan to stay involved with Mongolian basketball long-term?
-I really hope so. I’ve been here four years now and feel very connected to the players and the mission. When they succeed, it means everything to me. That’s what coaching should be about. Helping players prepare for what’s next and celebrating when they reach it.
I hope we continue building, keep pushing, and see more milestones ahead.
-Can you share some of your most memorable moments?
-There are so many. Last week’s silver medal at the World Cup, of course. The bronze at the Asia Cup last year which was our first medal ever was also huge. Three years ago, I joined the men’s team and we won in Shanghai. That was the first time an Asia-based team had done that. It was unforgettable.
Then there are the small moments like practice sessions, road trips, inside jokes. The guys have visited my home in Canada for the past two summers, just like they’ve welcomed me into their homes here. These are friendships and memories I’ll always cherish.
-How has your definition of “success” changed from being a player to a coach?
As a player, success feels very personal. It’s your body, your sweat, your time. When you win, it’s amazing because you know how hard it was to get there.
As a coach, it’s more stressful in some ways because you can’t physically change the outcome. But when your players succeed, it’s an even deeper kind of pride. Because it’s a product of the players' hard work, and product of yours as well. Making a plan and putting your players through which you believe will be the best way to prepare them. And then there is times it doesn’t work they way you hope.
-Congratulations on receiving the Nairamdal (Friendship) Medal. How did that feel?
-Thank you. I had no idea that was coming. I thought the medal ceremony was just for the girls. It was a huge honor, and I felt incredibly humbled. I’m thankful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to work here and trusted me with this role. To be recognized by a foreign country’s president, especially for a Canadian is a moment I’ll never forget.
-What have you learned from Mongolian culture that will stay with you?
-I’ve learned a lot about patience, and about the strength of community. Mongolians are incredibly supportive of one another. There’s a real team-first mindset here, and that means a lot to me. Being out here and having a chance to experience that over the last few years, has been really amazing.
I’ve also come to admire how people take time to think before they speak or act. That's what I’ve learned that from my players, and I hope to carry those lessons with me.
Finally, I think we need to celebrate moments like this. We won’t always win medals, and there will be hard times. We need to remember that players and people involved are working hard to represent themselves and the country. I would say support is a big thing.