Satnam creates history, becomes first Indian in NBA

New York: Hoopster Satnam Singh Bhamara on Friday created history by becoming the first Indian to get drafted in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The 7 feet two inches tall, 131-kg Indian was picked by Dallas Mavericks. The 19-year-old Satnam earlier took part in training sessions with top teams like Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics.

Satnam, who hails from a remote village in Punjab, recently played for the IMG Academy graduate team during the 2014-15 season.

He was 52nd pick in the NBA draft and among 60 men who will play basketball in the next season of NBA.

Since its inaugural 1980-81 season, the Dallas Mavericks have won three division titles (1987, 2007, 2010), two conference championships (2006, 2011) and one NBA championship (2011).

Before Bhamara, Toronto-born Gursimran 'Sim' Bhullar became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA when he turned out for the Sacramento Kings in three games in April.

At the age of 16, Bhamara became the youngest player to represent India at the 26th Asian Championship 2011 in China and also participated in the 2013 edition.

For the last five years, Satnam has been training in Florida with youths of various countries on an initiative of IMG Reliance Academy.