Crossover Basketball Begins Rookie Season

BROOKLINE, Mass. – October 3, 2010

Crossover Basketball

The concept of Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy began with Shaun Jayachandran, a

basketball coach and teacher committed to improving the intersection between student and athlete. As an

Indian-American, he witnessed his parents’ struggles and sacrifices to ensure that he and his brother

received the best possible education. His father also stressed the lessons that could be learned through

team sports—strength, leadership, interpersonal skills, and moral character.

With these tenets and memories in mind, Shaun created Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy as

a way to provide these opportunities and life lessons to students in India who may otherwise never have

the chance to shine on—and off—the court. An international basketball program, Crossover will send

American coaches and teachers to India with the goal of strengthening educational opportunities for

students through intensive athletic training.

WHY INDIA?

There are over 100 million Indians of middle school and high school age in India. Of these young men

and women, less than 40% are enrolled in formal secondary education. India also sent a total of 56

athletes to participate in the Summer Olympics of 2008, but a mere three athletes to the 2010 Winter

Olympics. This low level of participation comes not from a lack of talent, but from a need for training

and opportunity. CBSA will be absolutely free to students; by lowering the cost barrier and seeking out

underprivileged students, the program can reach places no other programs have gone.

In addition to a lack of resources, many Indians believe that, unless one is wealthy, the pursuit of

athletics is foolish if it does not help benefit their childrens’ future in some positive way. By providing

educational opportunities and standardized test training, which will open doors to the chance to attend

international schools, Crossover will provide both the mind- and heart-healthy benefits of participating

in team sports and the key to long-term academic success.

THE MISSION

Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy knows that basketball consists of far more than just

dribbling and shooting. Basketball is a multi-faceted team sport that provides a structure for players to

develop leadership, teamwork, discipline, camaraderie, higher-order thinking and creativity. All too

often, international basketball programs focus on the success of the individual on the court alone, and his

or her chances to be a professional athlete.

The mission of CBSA is far greater than finding one superstar; rather, we hope to create community

leaders. Through test preparation, cultural integration and English pronunciation courses, along with

presentations on U.S. college applications and interviews, each student will be well prepared for the road

ahead.

THE GOAL

CBSA’s revolutionary program promises to do the following:

• Increase the desire to play the game of basketball among the youth of India.

• Create a competitive growth of the game nationally.

• Promote opportunities to gain admission to US high school and college programs through academic

and athletic training.

• Create future Indian community leaders through the teachings of John Wooden, which emphasize

teamwork, strategy, competition and cooperation.

• Put academic and personal support systems in place for Indian athletes when they are ready to

travel abroad.

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About Crossover Basketball & Scholars Academy

Crossover Basketball and Scholars Academy (CBSA) is an international basketball program in India

committed to going beyond the teaching of the sport and into providing educational opportunities for its

participants. Our ultimate goal is to make educational opportunities available to the youth of India

through a FREE basketball program that will pair basketball with an academic focus that will ensure

that students become lifelong learners, and will be able to see the doors education may open.

For more information, visit http://www.crossover-india.org.