The National Basketball Association (NBA) has opened its training centre at Jaypee Greens Integrated Sports Complex in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) for male and female players. Twenty-one elite male prospects, who were selected following a three-month, nationwide basketball talent search, will receive scholarships and training at NBA Academy India, the first of its kind in the country.
The opening event, which included a traditional Indian “lamp lighting” ceremony, on-court drills and a scrimmage among the prospects, was attended by NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum and NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco.
NBA Academy will employ a holistic, 360-degree approach to player development with focuses on education, leadership, character development and life skills. As part of the program, the students will compete against top competition throughout the year and will have an opportunity to be selected for travel teams that play in international tournaments and exhibition games.
“The opening of our first academy in India is an important milestone in the NBA’s efforts to grow basketball in India and demonstrates our commitment to developing talent and shaping the game’s future here,” said Tatum. “These 21 young athletes and those who will attend this academy in the years to come will receive world-class coaching and training to help them fulfil their potential on and off the court.”
Three experienced coaches have been selected to guide the development of the players. Ray Farrell, who has coached at the collegiate level in the US and conducted basketball camps internationally for 36 years, will serve as Technical Director and will oversee all aspects of on-court and off-court development. Jacques Vandescure, a former professional player and former NBA scout who has coached across Africa, will serve as the Player Development Coach. Todd Gates, a former coach at the NCAA Division I level for 10 years, will serve as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. WNBA Legend Jennifer Azzi will be the Technical Director of the girls’ program at the academy.
The official opening of NBA Academy India follows the launch of academies in Hangzhou, Jinan and Urumqi, China; Thies, Senegal; and the planned launch of NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia.
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NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco (extreme left) and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum (second from left) at the official launch of the Academy.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum and NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco meeting and greeting the 21 young prospects.
