Troy Justice is the Director of Basketball Operations of National Basketball Association, India. He is the man responsible for giving Geethu Anne Jose a chance to show her talent in WNBA playoffs. Troy Justice talks to Sudheer Babu of Indian Sports News about his objective, progress of basketball as a sport in India and what future beholds for this game in the country. Excerpts:
ISN: How do you manage to look after all the clinics that you have setup?
Troy: We have around 250 clinics and it is not possible for me to be present for all the games. It is a combined effort of BHI and NBA that is taking care of the clinics. BFI provide us with referees, table officials, venues, courts and coaches, etc. Apart from BFI ours sponsor Mahindra has been phenomenal as they keep track on each and every individual. That's why we were able to extend it to 5 cities this year.

ISN: Are you satisfied with the Infrastructure provided to you?
Troy: We cannot blame everything on the infrastructure provided to the sport. One should try to make the full use of the things that are available. It’s all about using whatever facilities available to the maximum. Apart from that we have built four synthetic tracks, two in Mumbai and two in Chennai. We spend approximate 25000 USD for these tracks including roofs and other facilities. We are trying to provide the youngsters the best of the playing conditions that we could.

ISN: Apart from enhancing performance level, what are the other areas you are focusing on?
Troy: In basketball there are specific fundamentals. Advance training is one of the most important factors. In this we work on a player’s footwork. You can see the players of age 13, who only know to dribble and shoot but in advance training you need to work on all kinds of techniques and skills.

ISN: Who according to you is the future of Indian basketball?
Troy: I cannot name a single player because India does have some fabulous youngsters. Satnam Singh is definitely one of the rising stars; he has got some great skills. I can say that there are only a few players like him in the world. He is definitely among the top two in Asia in under-16 category. Then there is Narendra Garewal who can be said as the findings of Mahindra NBA Challenge season-II. Lopa is also a very talented players; she is only 13 years but played in Senior Women's Division in Bangalore. She is not tall but has great skills and potential.

ISN: You played a big role in grooming Geethu Anna Jose and getting her an opportunity for the WNBA playoffs how did that plan out?
Troy: Since the time I came in this country, I have been following the way she plays. She had an excellent run in Asian Championship where she was the top scorer. Seeing her play, I knew that she will be a very good prospect in WNBA. Her way of playing has attracted a lot of teams back in the US and I hope more youngsters will start playing the game seeing her achievement.

ISN: How has been the tie-up with BFI so far?
Troy: BFI has been very supportive. Whenever we refer a guy from these leagues, they are ready to take them into the national side. Satnam Singh who is an U-16 player got into the senior side. Both BFI and NBA are working toward a common goal and that is to improve the standard of Basketball in this country.

ISN: What does future has in store for India in this game?
Troy Basketball according to me is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. India is currently ranked 52 in FIBA rankings, which is not bad. It can only improve from here onwards. India’s performance in the under-16 Asian Championship was good. We lost two games by one point and the game could have gone either ways. When young teams start playing well than the chances of the sport growing in the country is bright. You need to focus more on youth because someday they are going to be the future prospect.