The first Indian to play at the NBA, Satnam Singh talks about how basketball is beginning to thrive in India. By Jigyasu Joshi
History was made during the second round of the 2015 NBA draft when the Dallas Mavericks drafted the NBA’s first Indian-born player in the organisation’s 70-year history. But the player they signed, Satnam Singh, has the potential to make an impact that reaches far wider and change the game itself.
From a small village in India to playing NBA, you have come a long way now. When was it when you firstpicked up the ball and started playingIJ Also, did you go for the game because of your height or was it something elseIJ
During my initial days of playing the sport, I was absolutely clueless about how to even hold the ball. To be completely frank, I didn’t even like Basketball that much. In the initial four months, there was a lot of internal conflict and I wasn’t completely convinced about a Basketball dream. Anyhow, with all the dedication and focus I put in my game, I finally found my love for the game and the rest is history. Height was one of the factors that played a pivotal role in changing my life and had it not been for my unusual height that stood out, I wouldn’t be having this amazing life. So it was not only because of my height but yes it played an important role. I am grateful for my physique.
Who has been your inspirationIJ
I cannot even describe in words how much Dirk Nowitzki inspires me. He is a phenomenal basketball player. I have been incredibly lucky to have played a couple of games with him and it has been one of the highlights of my journey. It is an honour to play with someone as talented and established like him. Watching him play just gives me the confidence that I can work on my game and get better than what I am. And of course, my father who’s the most hardworking and determined person I know, is my true hero.
The game of basketball is not very popular in India. What do you think is keeping the game from thrivingin IndiaIJ
Basketball has started to grow in India as a sport and youngsters do want to pursue professionally. People have worshiped Cricket for so long in India that it’ll take a while for them change their outlook towards other sports. I just want to tell all the aspiring players that there is no shortcut to success. Dedication and hardwork can take you places. Focus, practice and take care your body, you will be paid off.
Netflix has recently released a documentary on your journey. What was your first reaction when Netflixcame to you with the ideaIJ
Initially, I wasn’t very convinced about the project. I felt that I still have a long way to go before people recognised me as a star player. I nodded yes when I realised world renowned artists like Roman R. Gackowski believe in me and the project. I would be content if I am able to inspire even a couple of people and they take something away from this documentary. This documentary is extremely special because of the amount of work that has gone into it. I am thoroughly humbled, honored and blessed.
Who is your favourite Basketball playerIJ
I look up to Kobe Bryan. I’ve always seen him practicing like there’s no tomorrow. You can’t just not spot him without his training shoes and clothes. It makes me believe no matter what stage you have reached, you always need to strive for better. There’s always room for growth. In India, Jagdeep Singh Bains is my star. Although he isn’t in his best form because of his recent injury, I have an immense amount of respect for him.
What all do the budding basketball players in India require so as to go furtherIJ
Basketball as a sport in India has not received the recognition it deserves. Cricket has always been the primary sport when it comes to our country despite having some tremendous talent in various other sports categories. However, I feel that things have started to change, finally. My one piece of advice to aspiring players is that there is no shortcut to success. It is pure hard work and dedication that can take you places.
lastly, do you have any plans of opening up a basketball academy in the futureIJ
If I ever get a chance, I would love to open a Basketball academy for the kids who cannot afford to play a sport but are passionate about it. It will not be dedicated only to Basketball but all kinds of sports because every sport deserves platforms that would let them flourish as well as the sportsmen. I wish to have all the high-end facilities in my academy that were provided to me in the U.S.A. I believe that education is equally important, so a lot of focus will be given to quality learning while pursuing their dream sport.