Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Toronto's Sim Bhullar Becomes First NBA Player of Indian Descent

Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Apr, 2015 10:47 AM
    Canada born Sim Bhullar has become the first player of Indian descent on a US National Basketball Association (NBA) team's regular season roster with the Sacramento Kings signing him to a 10-day contract.
     
    Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to sign with a team from the top US men's professional basketball league when he inked a contract with the Kings on Aug 15, 2014, according to a media release.
     
    The 7-foot-5, 360-pound (163 Kg) centre was a member of the Kings squad that captured the 2014 Samsung NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas.
     
    On February 26, 2015, Bhullar became the first NBA D-League player to make a guest appearance on a late night talk show when he joined the "The Late Late Show" with guest host Kunal Nayyar of "The Big Bang Theory."
     
     
    "I've long believed that India is the next great frontier for the NBA, and adding a talented player like Sim only underscores the exponential growth basketball has experienced in that nation," Mumbai-born Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé said announcing Bhullar's signing.
     
    "While Sim is the first player of Indian descent to sign with an NBA franchise, he represents one of many that will emerge from that region as the game continues to garner more attention and generate ever-increasing passion among a new generation of Indian fans," he said in a media release.
     
    "I'm excited that I'm going to the Kings because I have a good relationship with everybody there," said Bhullar after a summer with the Sacramento Kings, three weeks of private workouts in Southern California and a season with the Reno Bighorns.
     
    "I'm just happy that I can be a role model or a trail blazer for younger kids in India and all over the world," he told NBADLeague.com Wednesday.
     
     
    "Hopefully I can help them fall in love with the game more and try to pursue it a lot more."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    The Real 'Get Hard:' Real-life Consultant Shares Misconceptions About Jail Time

    The Real 'Get Hard:' Real-life Consultant Shares Misconceptions About Jail Time
    TORONTO — Lee Steven Chapelle had heard of "Get Hard," a new flick about a white-collar criminal prepping for a prison sentence, but was surprised to learn it was a comedy.

    The Real 'Get Hard:' Real-life Consultant Shares Misconceptions About Jail Time

    Earthquake Hits Off Vancouver Island But Not Felt; No Reports Of Damage

    Earthquake Hits Off Vancouver Island But Not Felt; No Reports Of Damage
    PORT HARDY, B.C. — A 4.9 magnitude earthquake has hit off Vancouver Island but it appears nobody has felt it.

    Earthquake Hits Off Vancouver Island But Not Felt; No Reports Of Damage

    Man Charged In Halifax Chemicals Case To Face Judge-only Trial In June

    Man Charged In Halifax Chemicals Case To Face Judge-only Trial In June
    Christopher Phillips pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    Man Charged In Halifax Chemicals Case To Face Judge-only Trial In June

    Nanaimo RCMP Arrest 54-Year-Old Man In Connection With Assault On Sex Workers

    Nanaimo RCMP Arrest 54-Year-Old Man In Connection With Assault On Sex Workers
    NANAIMO, B.C. — Mounties are recommending charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats against a  man they say threatened two women with a two-by-four in Nanaimo, B.C.

    Nanaimo RCMP Arrest 54-Year-Old Man In Connection With Assault On Sex Workers

    Ricki's, Bootlegger, Cleo Fashion Stores Downsizing Under Court Protection

    Ricki's, Bootlegger, Cleo Fashion Stores Downsizing Under Court Protection
    MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The parent of Canadian fashion retailers Ricki's, Bootlegger and Cleo says it plans to close some underperforming stores over the next 30 days and will review corporate staffing levels under court protection from creditors.

    Ricki's, Bootlegger, Cleo Fashion Stores Downsizing Under Court Protection

    CRTC Unveils Proposal To Make TV Service Contracts More Consumer Friendly

    CRTC Unveils Proposal To Make TV Service Contracts More Consumer Friendly
    OTTAWA — Canada's broadcast regulator has released yet another proposal aimed at positioning consumers ahead of the country's broadcasters.

    CRTC Unveils Proposal To Make TV Service Contracts More Consumer Friendly