Mumbai: India’s next hope in NBA, Satnam Singh Bhamra from Punjab worked out on Thursday for Boston Celtics. Standing tall at 7 feet 2 inches and weighing 132 kgs, Satnam impressed all Boston representatives present at his workout with his huge frame.

Danny Ainge, President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics, had this to say about Singh: “He’s a little raw, but he shoots the ball really well, which is surprising. He’s not just tall, he’s also thick. He’s a big, strong kid.”

“We hadn’t seen him, and whether it’s this year or down the road, you never know when you’re going to have to evaluate him,” said Ainge. “He’s humongous. He’s really, really big. He’s a very nice kid and has an interesting story.”

Singh, who is hoping to become the first Indian-born player to play in the NBA, said he has come a long way since he first landed at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., in 2010.

“I know if I go to the NBA, it will be a lot better in India for basketball,” he said.

Just a few months ago Sim Bhullar, a 7-5 center, became the first player of Indian origin to play in NBA. Now Singh hopes to follow in those very large footsteps.

“My heart, my mind says I’m ready for this,” said Singh.

Singh averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game last season on a post graduate team at IMG Academy in Florida.

“A lot of people text me every day, ‘When are you going to be in the NBA?’ I tell them it’s not easy,” he said. “You have to work hard and then you go play for the NBA. It’s not easy for anyone.”