Slum kid Irfan Ansari stars in NBA thrilling win
Diminutive Irfan Ansari did the star turn to lead NBA ‘B’ to a thrilling 15-13 win over Andheri YMCA ‘B’ in a fast-paced mini boys match, in the NBA basketball tournament, at the Bachoo Khan Municipal playground, Nagpada, on Monday.
In another thriller, Ghatkopar Kreeda Pratisthan 'A' beat Savio Club 47-44 in a youth boys encounter. Irfan, who lives in the slums surrounding the playground, was instrumental in helping NBA to a 8-2 first quarter lead. Aided by Rahim and Sufiyan, Irfan made amends for his short stature and returned in the third quarter for crucial assists and baskets that helped NBA draw level at 13-13 going into the fourth and final quarter, before paving the way for the winning basket 20 seconds from close.
“Being from the sums, not many pay attention to us. In fact, we are chased away,” said Irfan. “But NBA has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent. I practice hard with the rest of the team who have accepted me as part of their own.”
The moment Irfan was benched in the second quarter, Andheri YMCA seized the opportunity to surge to a 9-8 lead at halftime. But his aggressive return put the pressure back on Andheri who misfired on numerous occasions that would have given them a substantial advantage.
Trailing 9-11 in an eventful third quarter, NBA drew level through Rahim before Irfan put them 13-11 ahead. The contest was heading for extra-time when Rahim passed to unmarked Irfan who released the ball for Sufiyan to fire the winner. RESULTS:
MINI BOYS: NBA ‘B’ 15 (Irfan Ansari 6, Sufiyan 6) bt Andheri YMCA ‘B’ 13 (Arham Ansari 7). HT: 8-9; Hi5 bt Mastan YMCA 36-5; Wellington YMCA 63 (Hamza 16, Sadaan 11) bt Chembur YMCA 10. YOUTH BOYS: GKP ‘B’ 54 (Rambali 9) bt NBA ‘B’ 18; GKP ‘A’ 47 (Kaushal Singh 18) bt Savio Club 44 (Aniket 15); Ghatkopar YMCA 49 (Sammer 12) bt Jump Ball 11. MEN: Central YMCA 42 (Stuart 14) bt Mumbai Police 35 (Ramakant Nair 10).