Satnam Singh Bhamara returns to India after lack of game-time in NBA D-League

What’s the story?

Star Indian basketball player Satnam Singh Bhamara has returned to India after a two-year stint in the United States of America, after not getting many chances in competitive basketball.

Satnam struggled to get regular game time in NBA D-League side Texas Legends, and has now come back to India, in order to play in the basketball circuit in the country.

In case you didn’t know…

Two years back, Satnam Singh became the first Indian cager to be drafted in by an NBA side – Dallas Mavericks. However, soon after being drafted in by the Mavericks, Satnam was shipped off to their second string side Texas Legends, who play in the NBA D-League, which is the second tier of American basketball.

The seven-foot-two center was starved of opportunities at the Texas Legends, and only got to play nine games for them during his two-year stay at the club.

Heart of the matter

When Satnam was picked by the Dallas Mavericks, he was just 1-years-old. The lanky hoopster had time on his side. Hence, the decision to stay on the sidelines and train seemed to have been a good option.

Now, at the age of 21, Satnam is entering a stage when he needs to start playing on a regular basis, or risk fading away in the pages of history.

“Wherever I have reached, including the NBA, the experience has been good. However, I didn’t get that many chances in the NBA. Now I am back in India and will play for the country and Punjab team,” said Satnam.

He went on to emphasize the importance of getting game time, in order to keep improving – be it in India, or in USA. He said, “If I play here, I will get more game time and my game will improve. I just want to play and work on my skills and moves. If I want to improve my game, I will need somebody who I can work with. I don’t care whether the player is an international star or a college player, I just need somebody to play ball with.”

What’s next?

After two years of training in USA, Satnam Singh is sure to have honed his skills much more than before, despite not getting as much game time. Now, returning to his homeland, where the level of basketball is not high could act as both, a boon or a curse.

On the one hand, he would not longer get to train with some of the top level athletes that the NBA D-League produces. On the other hand, however, Satnam is sure to get more game time in India, where he can showcase his talents – not just in the domestic circuit, but also for the national team.

“In the NBA, hardly anyone saw me play. Now I will play for the Indian team because wherever the Indian team goes, scouts and team owners come to check out players. Plus, the game comes on television as well. I will record my game and send it to people as well. People will notice me,” said Satnam.

Author’s take:

He may not be in the NBA setup anymore, but there are plenty of places that Satnam could go to, in order to keep playing professionally. Many Indian players have played in professional leagues in other countries. Amjyot Singh has played in Japan, Amritpal Singh is playing in Australia, while Palpreet Singh is playing in the NBA setup.

Hence, a little move back to the country may turn out to be good for Satnam, if he can impress the scouts with his performances for the national team.