NBA star Brook Lopez was in India this month to witness the junior NBA national finals held at the NBA Academy India in Greater Noida. Speaking to The Quint, Brook talked about basketball in India and what needs to be done to make it popular in India. The seven-foot tall athlete also expressed his views on US President Trump and his troubled relation with the NBA.
Brook, who is with Los Angeles Lakers since last season, was impressed with the talent pool available here in India.
The basketball talent here is great. The kids surprised me with their talent. The future is very bright, and it was fun to watch the games.Brook Lopez on Junior NBA National finals
He encouraged the growth of grassroots programmes in the country, stressing the need of proper coaching to hone the skills of the young players in India.
“They need a place to work out to reach their potential. Many of these kids have the raw talent, skills. They just need them to be refined and NBA academies can give them the opportunity to take it to the next level,” said Brook.
Girls from Bengaluru defeated Chennai in the national finals whereas Delhi boys overcame lads from Kolkata after trailing them 17-34 at one time to take home the trophy. Both teams will now head to world championship in Orlando in the United States of America.
According to Brook, a basketball league will be the next step for the growth of the game in India giving kids a possible outlet to experience, reach and witness basketball.
When asked to choose between Le Bron James and Steph Curry, Brook took the safe passage and decided to go with none.
“It is very difficult to choose. You can't go wrong with either,” said Brook.
By the way, he said Magic Johnson was his favourite Lakers player of all time.
Lakers have been one of the most successful teams in the history of NBA, with 16 championships win. But of late things haven't been great for them.
It has been a tough transitional period. Things are looking great right now. Now, the sky is the limit for the team. We have a great young core. If we didn’t have injury in the middle of the season. We would have made the play-offs.Brook Lopez on Los Angeles Laker’s current form
Brook had a special message for Satnam Singh, India’s first player from India to be drafted into the NBA when the Dallas Mavericks chose him in the 2015 NBA draft. Singh continues to play in the centre position for the Mavericks.
Brook said,”I think he (satnam) is a very good player. He shows a lot of promise. Great to see him perform at the level he does.”
Brook expressed his desire to see a cricket match during his stay in India.
I am aware of cricket. Actually, now since I am here I want to check it out. I would love to see a match. I want to experience it first hand and educate myself.Brook Lopez
Both Le Bron James as well Steph Curry have criticised US President Donald Trump on numerous occasions regarding his policies and his rhetoric. Last year, Steph Curry even said he wasn’t interested to go to White House after his team Golden States Warrior won the NBA Championships, a custom for all professional sports teams that just won a championship.
When asked about his stance on the matter, Brook said “It is an issue that enrages people on both sides. It is an opportunity for people to stand up for what they believe in as long as they are in proper respectful way. I think there are some things that are going wrong. They need to be taken care of and handled. There are ways people use their platforms to speak out.”
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