India’s Basketball Coach Kenny Natt appointed as Director of Basketball at IMG Academies

Former NBA Coach Kenny Natt, who has been the head coach of India’s Senior National Men’s Basketball squad or over a year now, has been appointed as the Director of Basketball the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida, USA. Natt will relocate to Brandenton but will continue to serve the Indian National team.

"After spending a great deal of my career within the NBA, I am thrilled to return to my early passion for youth basketball development and the ability to transform lives through the game I love," remarked Natt. "IMG Academies offers one of the most unique and engaging basketball programs I have ever come across. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves as a mentor to these student-athletes, while helping continue to attract and develop the best young talent from around the world."

Natt, who has 15 years of experience as NBA assistant coach to the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacramento Kings, spent a part of a season as the head coach of the Kings, was named the head coach of India’s basketball team last year. IMG Worldwide, in partnership with Reliance Industries, have a sponsorship deal with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and Natt was brought in as a marquee coaching personality to spearhead the basketball programme in India.

Over the past year, Natt has taken the Men’s squad to China for the FIBA Asia Championship and has helped to scout several more young players in the Indian national system. He has overseen national team operations and the promotion of the sport at the grassroots level in India.

Natt will expand his role within the BFI after his relocation to the IMG Academies, which is home to a number of Indian high school basketball players via IMG-Reliance, including 7-footed 16-year-old phenon Satman Singh Bhamara. The academy has student-athletes from more than 85 countries. Within his new role, Natt will oversee the growth and expansion of IMG Academies' basketball program for youth and high school student-athletes, as well as its training programs for post-graduates and professional league-bound players.

"Kenny's experience coaching at the youth level through the professional ranks will prove invaluable to our student-athletes as they look to develop into leaders in the classroom, on the court and in the community," remarked Greg Phillips, IMG Academies' Athletics Director. "We look forward to welcoming Kenny to the IMG family as our basketball program embarks on this new and exciting chapter."