This will be the first of its kind in the country and only the fifth fifth elite NBA training center in the world: fully funded by the NBA and set to open in April 2017.

That gives the NBA enough time to go on a national scouting programme from which 24 players will receive full scholarships to develop at the academy. 

“The NBA remains committed to growing the game in India, and the launch of NBA Academy India marks our most significant investment in basketball development in the market,” said Brooks Meek, who is the NBA Vice President, International Basketball Operations. “This academy will provide the top male and female prospects in India with world-class coaching and training, as well as academic support and an emphasis on life skills.”

NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco added that this would unearth more prospects, following the success stories of players like Palpreet Singh and Satnam Singh, who play in the NBA D-League. 

 “Youth basketball players in India have had relatable figures to look up to in Sim Bhullar and Satnam Singh, and now NBA Academy India will give them a platform to prepare for the opportunity to develop into a professional-level prospect.”

The NBA plans to embark on creating a network of elite training centers around the world and include educational development for top international male and female prospects.

A press release from NBA India said “these academies will employ a holistic, 360-degree approach to player development extending beyond the court by focusing on education, leadership, character development and life skills. The initiative builds on the NBA’s existing grassroots programming, including Jr. NBA and NBA 3X, which engaged more than 12 million youth globally during the 2015-16 season.”

Each elite training center will be staffed with NBA-trained coaches to foster the development of prospects on and off the court, both during and after their basketball careers. Each center will house under-16 and under-18 teams that will compete against top competition throughout the year as well. The top students at each center will have an opportunity to be selected for travel teams that will play in international tournaments and exhibition games.

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ACG NBA Jump, a nationwide talent hunt, aims to find 24 boys who will be given full scholarships to the NBA Academy India. The scouting will take place in 6 cities where aspirants can tryout starting in early December. Those interested can visit www.acgnbajump.com for more information.