Sixteen-year-olds Arvind Kumar and Shanmugam, who have been selected for the NBA Academy from hundreds of hoopsters after two rounds of trials in Chennai and Delhi, are excited to train at the academy expected to be launched in April at the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).
Shanmugam, a native of Tirunelveli, is now studying at the Sports Hostel in Salem, training under the watchful eyes of S. Bhaskar, a SAI coach.
“It was because of Bhaskar sir that I was able to improve on my skill and make subtle changes in my jumps,” said Shanmugam, whose father, R. Murugan, is a fruit vendor while his mother, Bakkiyam, works at Amma ‘Unavagam’.
The forward, who can do the job of a point guard should the need arise, said he was disappointed at not being able to participate in the National junior after injuring his ankle. “I was upset then. Now I am keen to take part in the next edition in April,” he said.
Chennai-based Arvind said it is an honour to qualify. “The trials were tough. We had dribbles and matches. I know I need to perform well,” he said. Coached by C.V. Sunny in his first two years and later by Dereck Hutson, Arvind said he learnt the basics from the former India captain. “Sunny sir taught us a lot of things. We also went to lot of tournaments,” said Arvind, who plays as a forward for his school Santhome HSS.
He captained the Tamil Nadu youth (u-16) team in the Nationals championship late last year.
