NBA: A Look at Emerging Indian Talent in Future Basketball
NBA is one of the world’s biggest and most successful basketball leagues. Some of the top superstars across the globe and the United States have carried the legacy of this league. This has made the NBA one of the most viewed leagues in the world.
The National Basketball Association was created in 1949. Now 30 teams, 29 from the USA and one from Canada are part of this premier basketball league.
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Over the years, the NBA has expanded globally. They are trying to spread the game, especially in South Asia. These nations are a hub for other top global leagues. They did open some academies and collaborated with a few schools in countries like India.
NBA: Indian basketball players
The National Basketball Association decided to expand in the large and growing market of India. In 2008, NBA legend Robert Parish visited India as a part of the NBA/WNBA Hoop School Program. 2015 was the year an Indian player made his mark on the biggest stage. In 2017, India on Track (IOT) collaborated with the NBA to form NBA Basketball Schools to train kids. More than 12 centers were set up across some of the biggest cities in India.
Two preseason games between the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers were held in 2019. These two played at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai. This was the first time teams from North American sports leagues played in India.
Here are a few superstars who have made it to the biggest basketball league.
Sim Bhullar
The 7 ft. 3 inches tall Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to feature in the NBA. Bhullar jumped on the scenes in the 2014 Summer League for the Sacramento Kings team after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft. Kings added him to the preseason roster but was released after two games.
In 2015, Kings signed Bhullar on a 10-day contract. On 7 April, 2015, he became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Sim Bhullar made his debut against Utah Jazz and scored two points.
Satnam Singh
Satnam Singh became the first Indian player to get selected in the NBA draft. Singh was picked up by the Dallas Mavericks as the 52nd overall pick. However, his journey in the NBA was short and now Satnam is a professional wrestler.
Amjyot Singh
Amjyot Singh was a part of the 2014 NBA draft. He played in the G-League for Oklahoma City Blue.
A couple of players have taken Indian basketball to another level.
Ulhas Koravi Satyanarayan
Ulhas Satyanarayan is one of the promising players from India. He is currently playing in Serbia. The 26-year-old has also played in Spain and Malta.
Devna Jain
Teenage sensation Devna Jain made the headlines by participating in the National Basketball Academy in the USA in 2021. The 16-year-old sensation has represented her state at various levels. She is one of the future superstars of Indian basketball.
