Can you imagine the basketball future? The ways in which the game will evolve? How the strategies will change, what type of new players will be the dominant force? Where would these players even come from? Around the world, junior players rise up the ranks in grassroots schools and other tournaments in their respective countries, all until they are old enough to represent their nation or play professionally at a big stage. Now, for the first time, the NBA will bring together the top young talents from around the world under one metaphorical roof, providing a glance of the future of the game.
And yes, India will play a part in this event, too.
Current and former NBA and WNBA stars like stars like Dwyane Wade, Andre Drummond, Vince Carter, Brook Lopez, Grant Hill, Tamika Catchings, Swin Cash and Jennifer Azzi will participate in on and off-court activities with the young players.
The inaugural event will bring together the top 32 boys and girls teams (16 U.S. and 16 international) that advanced from regional competitions earlier this year. The 16 international teams (eight boys and eight girls teams) represent Africa and Middle East, Asia Pacific, Canada, China, Europe, India, Mexico and South America. 16 US teams won newly created regional tournaments to advance to Orlando.
"After several months of highly competitive regional competitions around the world, we are excited to bring together a field of 32 teams that not only excel on the court, but also represent the Jr. NBA’s core values of teamwork, respect, determination and community," said Kathy Behrens, NBA President, Social Responsibility and Player Programmes. "We are looking forward to an exciting week of on- and off-court activities that will provide these young players with a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"The Jr. NBA World Championship is more than a basketball competition; it’s a global stage for some of the top youh players from around the world to showcase their talent, have fun and learn from one another," said Wade. "I am excited to watch these young stars leave it all on the court and compete for the first Jr. NBA World Championship title."
From Aug. 6-8, each player will participate in three life skills sessions as part of the event’s Developing the Total Athlete Series, covering the total health spectrum of mind, body and spirit in a culturally inclusive environment. The Jr. NBA World Championship Day of Service on Aug. 9 will feature all 32 teams giving back to the local community by collectively building a new playground for community youth at the nearby Oak Street Park. Additionally, Gatorade will host a health and wellness session through the Gatorade Sports Science Institute which will educate participants on hydration measures and provide custom fuelling recommendations for each athlete.
Click here for full rosters of all 32 teams.
India's Girls Roster
- Vedaa Anand
- Shreya Ashok
- Nuha Asif Masood
- Shreya Bose
- Sunishka Karnik
- Diya Kothari
- Meghana Manjunatha
- Moumita Mishra
- Hamsa Nanjudaiah
- Smriti Vemula
- Coach: Prasanna Venkatesh
- Assistant Coach: Sonal Nambiar
India's Boys Roster
- Sehajbir Singh Bedi
- Bhavik Garg
- Jeevanshu Khatri
- Nikhil Kumar
- Dinesh Pal
- Yatish Sakhuja
- Abhishek Singh
- Arpit Singla
- Laivish Vats
- Sachin Yadav
- Coach: Siddharth Dalal
- Assistant Coach: Devojyoti Karmarkar
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