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Sporting culture is the bedrock for the success of a nation. But, sadly, it is a phenomenon sorely lacking in India. This is especially true for a not so popular game like basketball.
But what would give some confidence to the slam dunkers in the country, former NBA super star Steven Smith sees hope and promise in Indian basketball.
The towering 6’8 former Miami Heats player feels that the country has a lot of potential in basketball and will emerge as a power to reckon with if sporting culture and the required infrastructure are put in place. “I think both sports culture and sports infrastructure are equally important. Rather, they go hand in hand. In India, both are at a developing stage and growing. The environment here in this mall where we are conducting this NBA clinic is fantastic as we can see lots of people coming out. It has become a community centre with people shopping, music and playing basketball,” he told The Pioneer.
Smith stressed that role of publicity is crucial in increasing the popularity and public awareness of a sport and believes media should play a proactive role in this regard.
“Infrastructure will grow. This is where media comes into play. In any sports, publicity and media activity is important. Media should give positive reaction. In this world of internet and social networking, things change in a more effective way. People embrace things in a nicer ways. Therefore the media’s role is important,” he said.
However, the former shooting guard, who has had a training session with the Indian team, asserted that the future looks promising for the game in the country. “They (the Indian team) are yet to achieve that standard, although what I have seen so far, having practiced with the Indian team, they look promising. Talent exists in the team. There are some adjustments here and there to be done. The most necessary thing is passion for the game and these young men have it in them. Some have the height, some are fast, and some shoot nicely. In the end, it depends on proper grooming and training,” he pointed out.
Asked whether height is of utmost importance to be a good basketball player, Smith begged to differ. “Look, height is obviously an advantage, but there is no logic that without good height one cannot be a good player. I have told these guys not to make excuses on the height factor. One has to have that agility, strength and fitness if you are not of that height. A person 5 feet 3 inches tall also plays in the NBA,” he asserted.
Smith, who has scored 13,000 points during his 14-year NBA career, felt that there are chances of an Indian playing in the NBA in the future, but there is still a long road ahead. “There has to be a start from somewhere. It is not that anyone who plays can reach the NBA. Satnam (Singh Bhamara) is extremely talented. He has time on his side to make it big. He has got proper upbringing as a basketball player and looks like a natural talent,” he said.
Smith also underlined what it takes to be a good basketball player. “Groom from young age. Give proper nutrition and exercise. First, learn and do the basics right. Practice regularly. Train under proper guidance. Follow a process. Sports should be fun,” he explained.
He also said that Indian players can play at a high level despite the lack of a professional club structure in the country. “There are two ways to look into it. It has its advantages and disadvantages. Playing for club is good. But, there is no bigger pride and larger satisfaction than playing for the country. It is also special feeling while playing for your country. If you see, it should be an advantage for them. They can play throughout the year with themselves. They can gel as better unit,” he stated.
But what would give some confidence to the slam dunkers in the country, former NBA super star Steven Smith sees hope and promise in Indian basketball.
The towering 6’8 former Miami Heats player feels that the country has a lot of potential in basketball and will emerge as a power to reckon with if sporting culture and the required infrastructure are put in place. “I think both sports culture and sports infrastructure are equally important. Rather, they go hand in hand. In India, both are at a developing stage and growing. The environment here in this mall where we are conducting this NBA clinic is fantastic as we can see lots of people coming out. It has become a community centre with people shopping, music and playing basketball,” he told The Pioneer.
Smith stressed that role of publicity is crucial in increasing the popularity and public awareness of a sport and believes media should play a proactive role in this regard.
“Infrastructure will grow. This is where media comes into play. In any sports, publicity and media activity is important. Media should give positive reaction. In this world of internet and social networking, things change in a more effective way. People embrace things in a nicer ways. Therefore the media’s role is important,” he said.
However, the former shooting guard, who has had a training session with the Indian team, asserted that the future looks promising for the game in the country. “They (the Indian team) are yet to achieve that standard, although what I have seen so far, having practiced with the Indian team, they look promising. Talent exists in the team. There are some adjustments here and there to be done. The most necessary thing is passion for the game and these young men have it in them. Some have the height, some are fast, and some shoot nicely. In the end, it depends on proper grooming and training,” he pointed out.
Asked whether height is of utmost importance to be a good basketball player, Smith begged to differ. “Look, height is obviously an advantage, but there is no logic that without good height one cannot be a good player. I have told these guys not to make excuses on the height factor. One has to have that agility, strength and fitness if you are not of that height. A person 5 feet 3 inches tall also plays in the NBA,” he asserted.
Smith, who has scored 13,000 points during his 14-year NBA career, felt that there are chances of an Indian playing in the NBA in the future, but there is still a long road ahead. “There has to be a start from somewhere. It is not that anyone who plays can reach the NBA. Satnam (Singh Bhamara) is extremely talented. He has time on his side to make it big. He has got proper upbringing as a basketball player and looks like a natural talent,” he said.
Smith also underlined what it takes to be a good basketball player. “Groom from young age. Give proper nutrition and exercise. First, learn and do the basics right. Practice regularly. Train under proper guidance. Follow a process. Sports should be fun,” he explained.
He also said that Indian players can play at a high level despite the lack of a professional club structure in the country. “There are two ways to look into it. It has its advantages and disadvantages. Playing for club is good. But, there is no bigger pride and larger satisfaction than playing for the country. It is also special feeling while playing for your country. If you see, it should be an advantage for them. They can play throughout the year with themselves. They can gel as better unit,” he stated.
