Satnam Singh Bhamara Friday became the first Indian basketball player to be drafted in the National Basketball Association (NBA) after being picked by Dallas Mavericks here.
The 19-year-old, who hails from a remote village in Punjab and stands 7 feet 2 inches tall, was the 52nd pick in the NBA Draft.
Satnam Singh was selected amongst the 60 young men who will play basketball in the NBA next season.
Gursimran "Sim" Bhullar was the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA when he turned out for the Kings in three games in April. Since their inaugural 1980-81 season, The Dallas Mavericks have won three division titles (1987, 2007, 2010), two conference championships (2006, 2011), and one NBA Championship (2011).
Speaking earlier this month, the 19-year-old was fully aware of the pressure that comes with being the most promising NBA prospect from India.
"The pressure is really a lot on both my shoulders. One shoulder is my family and the other is India. I am here because of India. My coaches, family, friends and fans back home always motivate me to do something great here," Satnam said.
The Kings' Indian connection has been handy for Satnam, who comes from a small village named Ballo Ke, in the Barnala district of Punjab. Since taking over as the principal owner of the Kings, Ranadive has been vocal about his desire to make the team a global brand, particularly in India.
In April, the team signed 7'5 Sim Bhullar, who became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA. Canada-born Bhullar played in three games for the Kings and was released after his 10-day contract.
Singh had taken part in training sessions of top teams — Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics — in the first week of June.
Scouts at Sacramento Kings see the glimpses of Chinese legend Yao Ming in the Indian youngster. Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player who played for Houston Rockets, becoming the first Chinese player to play in NBA.
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