'If 10 or 15 more players from India get into the NBA because of the path that I have taken, it will be great.'

Even before being picked by the Dallas Mavericks, Satnam Singh knew very well that he was the torchbearer of Indian basketball. Satnam stated the same when the Mavericks management team asked about his ambitions, a few days prior to the draft.

“I told them that I wanted to play in the NBA so that I can showcase the sport of basketball to the people of India,” the 19-year-old said.

On Friday morning (Indian Standard Time), this was to become a reality, as the nation celebrated the story of the first India-born player — Indian-origin Sim Bhullar (Sacramento Kings) was born and raised in Canada — to feature in the most popular basketball league in the world. In a media interaction, the centre spoke about his spectacular rise.

Excerpts

Being the first India-born player in the NBA

If 10 or 15 more players from India get into the NBA because of the path that I have taken, it will be great. But, at the very least, India now has one player in the NBA.

This is the most important thing. Just like cricket, I expect basketball to become more popular in India than it is even in the USA.

People who have helped his career progress

First of all, I must thank my childhood coach (the late) S. Subramanian (former chief of Ludhiana Basketball Academy).

He has played a huge role. The next person to thank is (the late) Harish Sharma, (former secretary-general of the Basketball Federation of India). Harish sir was tremendously encouraging of my efforts.

My friend Jagdeep Singh — in my opinion, he is the best player in India — had a good chat with me before the draft. I must also thank all the Indian boys who train with me in the IMG Academy here in the USA.

They have pushed me hard, and I have become a better basketball player because of them.

It was Daniel Barto (IMG Academy) who selected me when I was in Punjab, and brought me here to Florida. Finally, I want to thank Kenny Natt (Director of Basketball at the IMG Academy). I would be nowhere without Kenny and Barto.

Pre-draft training with the Mavericks

I spent a lot of time training with the Mavericks. I told them about my family background, and how I got here. They asked me why I wanted to play in the NBA.

I told them that I wanted to play in the NBA so that I can showcase the sport of basketball to the people of India. They liked my game and picked me.

Playing alongside Maverick star Dirk Nowitzki

Watching, learning and practicing with him will greatly improve my game.

Favourite NBA player

My favourite is Kobe Bryant. If I had to choose one person I would to like to compete against, it would be LeBron James.

Conversation with Sim Bhullar

I spoke to Bhullar, he wished me luck. He said that hopefully I will get drafted into a good team, which will pave the way for more Indians to follow my path.

Saying a prayer to his Sikh guru before the draft

Not just one guru. I remembered and prayed to all the gurus I have ever known in my life (laughs).