The country's second entrant into the NBA development League, Palpreet Singh Brar has realised after two months of training in the United States that India is "lagging far behind" in terms of quality coaches for elite hoopsters.
"There is a lot of difference in standard of coaching in India and the Development League. Whether it's defence or offence, how to tactically deal with pressure situations, fitness training is of different level," Palpreet, who has been picked up by Long Island Nets, NBA D-League affiliate of Brooklyn Nets, said during a conference call with Indian media today.
For Palpreet is the second hoopster after Satnam Singh Bhamra to get a chance in NBA D-League courtesy NBA India's nationwide talent hunt.
While every cager worth his salt would have the big NBA dream, it's a long long way ahead and Palpreet is practical enough to know that.
"For the next one and half years, I would like to train well and do well in the D-League. I have not set myself any specific targets as to when I would like to see myself in the main league. That will depend on my performance.
"I have had sessions with Long island nets coaches. They have told me to play my natural game not take any excess pressure."
While Satnam may have broken the glass ceiling as far as NBA's minor league is concerned, Palpreet gave a lot of credit to India internationals Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh, who have played in the professional league in Japan.
"It all started with Amjyot and Amritpal when they went to Japan. That was an inspiration as we got a very good batch of players that we could look upto. I would also give credit to our coach late Dr Subramaniam. We are all his students. The best players from India have been coached by him. It's his bad luck that he did not get recognition. He was a cut above the rest, very different in his style of coaching," said Palpreet.
While Satnam does not play for India, Palpreet said that he would never dump his national team even though United States is his new base.
"I would like to improve as a player but I would always love to represent my country in international competitions whenever I get a chance," stated Palpreet.
He wants the Indian Basketball Federation to start a league soon as without it FIBA might derecognise the federation.
"I have heard that if a pro-League is not started in India, FIBA might cancel recognition. A Pro-League will only help country's players," concluded the 6 feet 9 inch from Punjab's Muktsar Sahib.
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