The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the opening of the NBA Academy India, basketball training center, the first of its kind in the country, at Jaypee Greens Integrated Sports Complex in Delhi National Capital Region for the top male and female prospects from throughout India.

Twenty-one elite male prospects, who were selected following a three-month, nationwide basketball talent search, will receive scholarships and training at this academy. Three experienced coaches have been selected to guide the development of the players here: Ray Farrell, who will serve as Technical Director and will oversee all aspects of on-court and off-court development; Jacques Vandescure, will serve as the Player Development Coach; and  Todd Gates, will serve as the Strength and Conditioning Coach.  WNBA Legend Jennifer Azzi will be the Technical Director of the girls program at the academy.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told ESPN, ” “Look, clearly cricket is the No. 1 sport here in India, so the cultural challenge is that growing up, basketball wasn’t necessarily taught and played at the youth level. But we are actually investing a ton into making sure that more kids are being given the opportunity to play basketball, particularly in school.”