Sim Bhullar, the seven-footer who became the first Indian-origin hoopster to play in the glamorous National Basketball League this season for Sacramento Kings, became a centre on the advise of his coach, he told reporters on his first-ever visit to this city.
"My coach once had said that everyone wants to play forward and score, but a team is won by his defenders and because of my size I should probably be taking up defending, and its very important," said the Canada-born Bhullar today at a media interaction.
The 22-year-old player said there had been tremendous response from India after his historic NBA debut on April 7 when he played towards the fag end of the Kings' game against Minnesota Timberwolves.
"I have got a phenomenal response all over my social network and most of them have been from India. It feels truly grateful with the kind of support I have been getting and its encouraging for me to perform even better," said the Toronto-born player whose brother Tanveer is also a gifted hoopster.
Asked whether the hoop game can grow big in this country, Bhullar said that some solid groundwork is being done to promote the game by the Reliance Foundation and Sony Six TV channel.
"I am sure in the days to come India can produce good talents who can represent the country in the International level," he felt.
"Well he's a great prospect. It would be a tremendous feat for basketball in India if both of us play in the same team in the future," he said when queried about 19-year-old India international Satnam Singh, another 7-footer who recently played for the IMG Academy graduate team.
He also praised his parents for their immense support extended to him and his brother.
"My parents have been extremely supportive. I have had a very modest upbringing and my father used to be driving the cab. But there was immense support from him towards me and my brother to pursue my career," said Bhullar who is on his fourth visit to the country of his origin.
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