WNBA player Briann January of Indiana Fever today visited the city to support the continued growth of basketball in India and to connect with basketball fans.
January was in Mumbai for the ACG National Basketball Association Jump program on December 12 and interacted with the participants there.
January passed on some tips to kids at the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA camp in a city school. She made her last and final stop of India tour in the national capital to attend the regional finals of Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA.
"We are committed to the growth of basketball in India and Briann January's upcoming visit is another step forward in this endeavour," said Yannick Colaco, NBA India Managing Director.
"Our goal is to continue providing aspiring young players with the opportunity to interact with NBA talent and we're thrilled to have such an accomplished WNBA player serving as an inspiration to our youth."
January, a 5-8point guard from Spokane, Washington, is a WNBA Champion with the Indiana Fever (2012) and was named to the WNBA All-Star Team in 2014.
"There is a huge future for basketball in this country. I believe there is talent here. With the additional push from NBA India, organising the programs like Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA, ACG NBA Jump, to make basketball more popular and get more people involved, the level of basketball will surely improve," said January.
"Having an Indian player (Satnam Singh) in the league provides aspiring youth a role model. Being able to watch and see Satnam will motivate kids here in India to pick up the sport."
Since 2006, more than 30 active and retired NBA and WNBA players have visited India with the NBA including Sim Bhullar, Satnam Singh, Muggsy Bogues, Chris Bosh, Swin Cash, Pau Gasol, Robert Horry, Dwight Howard, Tamika Catchings, Bruce Bowen and Jason Richardson.
