India is a sports-loving nation and cricket holds a very special space in India. We are blessed to have Word class athletes and players which has produced so many great sportsmen in every sport. It also plays a crucial part in our life as helps to reduce stress and also builds healthy bones and muscles, increases fitness, boosts self-confidence and above all lowers the risk of getting obese.
Whenever the world basketball comes to our mind, our mind immediately identifies with 6-foot-tall American players competing for a ball and chasing their opponents. Though the sports have huge fan following across the world, but less popular in India. In recent times we have seen a change in the past three years have grown ever since the involvement of NBA in India.
The NBA entered our country in 2017 by setting up a basketball school in Mumbai. They went on to start the NBA academy in Greater Noida, NCR, and many other schools in New Delhi and Pune. Basketball is receiving a good reception in India, thanks to the influence of the NBA.
However, there are some Indian players such as Satnam Singh, Amjyot Singh, Amritpal Singh, and Akilan Pari who have enjoyed successful spells in the big league. They have paved the way for younger generations to embrace the sport and bring glory to the country.
Another player is all set to follow their footsteps is Punjab forward Princepal Singh has signed to play in the NBA G League next season and the news was confirmed by president Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Princepal Singh stands at six feet 10 inch and became the first NBA Academy graduate to sign with the G League and first NBA Academy India graduate land a professional contract.
Princepal started his journey at the Ludhiana Basketball Academy and joined The NBA Academy India in 2017. His hard work paid dividend and was The NBA Global Academy – which constitutes of top male and female athletes from outside the US – in Canberra, Australia, where he continued his development before graduating this spring.
Abdur-Rahim released a statement stating “We are thrilled to be able to offer Princepal the opportunity to begin his professional basketball journey in the NBA G League. We’ve long hoped that our development pathway for elite high school players would include roster spots for emerging international talent, including players who have participated in the NBA Academy program, and we’re excited to have Princepal forge this new path and develop his skills in our league.”
NBA Vice President and Head of International Basketball Development Troy Justice had special message for the youngster and was quoted saying “We are very proud of Princepal, who has worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity as he continues to be a trailblazer for the NBA Academy program and basketball in India. Playing in the NBA G League alongside some of the most talented up-and-coming players and under the tutelage of head coach Brian Shaw will allow Princepal to build on the foundation and framework he developed under an incredible staff of NBA Academy coaches in India and Australia over the last several years.”
Princepal is all set to geta chance to practise and alongside the class of 2020 Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix, Kai Sotto and Jonathan Kuminga who have signed to play in the NBA G League for the 2020-21 season. They will train under the tutelage of Five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw.
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