Palpreet Singh Brar, 22, winner of the National Finals of ACG-NBA Jump, India’s first national basketball talent search programme, was selected 12th in the fourth Round of the NBA-D-League Draft held in New York, the US. With his selection, he became the first Indian in the NBA D-league to be trained in India
The towering 6ft 9in hoopster was drafted by the Long Island Nets, an affiliate team of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He was one of the 80s, who were shortlisted to proceed to the draft phase of NBA.
“I am really excited and very eager to play for my new team and showcase my talent in front of the best in the world. Before the draft, I was a bit nervous but had the intuition that some of the team will surely pick me. I had a sleepless night on Saturday but I am still wide awake”, said Palpreet on his selection.
Palpreet was discovered as part of an NBA talent search in India as the NBA is devoted to identifying and developing talent abroad both on and off the floor.
Palpreet Singh Brar is now on the cusp of becoming only the second Indian basketballer to play in the NBA’s minor division, D-League. Earlier, Satnam Singh became the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2015 NBA Draft. He presently represents the Texas Legends, the minor league affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.
So, congratulations to the Indian hoopster, on the selection. It’s true that when preparation meets opportunity success happens!
by Ashwani Srivastava