Mumbai: It is a bittersweet moment in the history of Indian basketball. While the players are doing well on the court, the political split in the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has left the sport in tatters.
Most recently, the BFI banned all the players and coaches who have participated the UBA Basketball League, which was not affiliated with the federation. Players like Narender Grewal and Joginder Singh have not been included in the squad because of their participation in the UBA.
Meanwhile, star cager Satnam Singh, who became the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA, has also not been included in the squad for the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge, due to his commitments in the American league.
Top players like Arvind Arumugam and Aravind Annadurai are also set to miss out on the tournament due to injuries.
However, India will take a relatively strong squad to Iran, for the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge. Expectetions from this talented group of players is high, despite the fact that they have been clubbed against stronger sides like the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.
Here are five players, who could play a crucial role, if the Indian hoopsters are to make it to the quarterfinals stage of the competition.
Yadwinder Singh
Yadwinder Singh (Photo: FIBA)
The ONGC forward is one of the few experienced campaigners in an otherwise young squad. Yadwinder has already played in three editions of the FIBA Asian Championships (2011, 2013, and 2015), which is why his vast experience of playing physically stronger foreign teams will be crucial for the younger players.
Despite being one of the older players, at 29, Yadwinder is a powerhouse of energy on the court. His tremendous pace and stamina could be crucial for India to convert their turnovers into points against their opponents.
To add to that, Yadwinder is known to be one of the most vocal players on the pitch, always looking to get on the ball, and create chances.
Prasanna Venkatesh
Prasanna Venkatesh (Photo: Facebook)
He might be just 23-years-old, but Prasanna Venkatesh has already been on the Indian circuit for some time now. The Tamil Nadu cager was introduced to the sport at a relatively early age, after he joined a sports hostel in Neyvelli, when he was in the eighth standard.
He was later picked up by Indian Overseas Bank, when he was in his teens, as he had started showing his talent.
Being one of the best hustlers in the country, Prasanna is one of the few players who genuinely enjoy defending. His endless energy and stamina only help to add to his game. Prasanna’s contribution as a guard could be important to India against strong opponents like the Philippines.
Vishesh Bhriguvanshi
Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Photo: FIBA Asia)
The 25-year-old is one of the most influential players in the Indian team. He has already captained the Indian side in last year’s FIBA Asia Championship, and could play a crucial role in inspiring the youngsters in the Indian squad.
Bhriguvanshi, who hails from the holy city of Varanasi, is one of the most versatile players on the court. Being able to operate as both, a forward and a guard, the ONGC cager will be a crucial addition to the Indian team.
The Varanasi-born lad has the uncanny ability to thread good passes to his teammates, in order to set them up for the baskets. In fact, he had the second highest assists count (4.8 per game) in last year’s FIBA Asia Championship.
Amritpal Singh
Amritpal Singh (Photo: FIBA Asia)
Standing at seven feet tall, Amritpal Singh is the tallest player in the Indian side. However, unlike last year, the Japan-based center has been given a much bigger role in the team. Coach Sat Prakash Yadav has made the big man his captain this time round.
Amritpal has indeed become one of the best Indian cagers in the modern era, honing his skills in the professional National Basketball Development League (NBDL) in Japan.
In fact, Amritpal and Amjyot Singh have gone on to become the first ever Indians to play basketball professionally in Japan. The duo, has helped Tokyo Excellence win the NBDL, earlier this year.
India will depend on the seven-foot cager to get both the offensive and the defensive rebounds.
Amjyot Singh
Amjyot Singh (Photo: FIBA Asia)
India’s star man Amjyot Singh is perhaps the most important cog in coach Yadav’s machinery. The six-foot-nine-inch framed hoopster came to the forefront of Indian basketball after he became the country’s highest scorer at last year’s FIBA Asia Championship, netting 20.9 points per game.
Amjyot, who also plays for Tokyo Excellence, has gained crucial experience on the Japanese professional circuit over the last year or so. Currently he is India’s biggest chance of scoring the big points.
