New Delhi: Punjab-born Satnam Singh Bhamabra became the first Indian to be drafted in the National Basketball Association (NBA) after being picked by Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
Satnam Singh was selected amongst the 60 young players who will play basketball in the NBA next season. The 19-year-old 7 feet 2 inches tall player was the 52nd pick in the NBA Draft.
Earlier last month when Boston Celtics had called him for a training session, Satnam had said that he had 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 had said, adding, “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 had said, adding, “You have to work hard and then you go play for the NBA. It’s not easy for anyone.”
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.
