‘ Hope I inspire youngsters’
Having created history by becoming the first basketball player of Indian descent to compete in the NBA, Sim Bhullar is now keen to promote the game in his country of origin.
The 7’ 5” centre visited the Jaypee Greens in Greater Noida on Monday to help train the 140 youth, who were selected from across the country as part of the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA programme.
India team captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, former international players Sambhaji Kadam, Mohit Bhandari, Sheeba Maggon, Divya Singh, Sunita Suren, women’s national coach Francesco Garcia and and conditioning coach Tommy H. were present on the occasion.
“I am very excited to travel to India to see first hand how basketball’s popularity has grown and to meet young players across the country,” said Bhullar. “Hopefully sharing my story will help inspire young Indians to pursue their dreams on and off the court, just as I have.”
The 22- year- old Bhullar began his India sojourn from Mumbai on May 2 interacting with fans and touring the city before coming to the capital.
Bhullar will also travel to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple and Pingalwara.
He will visit Chandigarh on May 6 to conduct a junior NBA clinic for 150 children. Bhullar will then return to Noida the next day to witness the final day of the Reliance Foundation programme.
On challenges facing Indian basketball, Bhullar said: “The thing with India is that there is a lot of youth, so it is just about teaching the kids at an early age. That is how I learnt the game. Dribbling the ball around when they are 10 or 12, is what they need to do.
“There is definitely talent out there. The kids can shoot the ball, pass the ball, the basics are clear. It is just a matter of finding your way to the NBA.”
Canada- born Bhullar realised his NBA dream last month when he stepped on the court for Sacramento Kings for his much awaited debut that lasted 16 seconds.
He would have wanted more playing time during his 10- day contract but two minutes and 41 seconds was all he could get from the club owned by Indian businessman Vivek Ranadive.
Bhullar is now working on his game to secure a longer contract next season.
“I came into the side later in the season. You have got to earn your minutes in the NBA and that is what it was all about. It is the biggest league in the world so you have to improve. You have to improve on court, off court, your diet. It is not mainly about watching your weight, you have to be able to run around the court,” he said.