NEW DELHI, 18 July 2006 — NBA star Kevin Garnett believes India can establish itself as a basketball power if the nation’s youth can adopt a similar passion for the game that has paid dividends in neighboring China.
The Minnesota Timberwolves forward, who is in India as part of an Asian promotional tour, said a lack of facilities should not discourage children from taking up basketball in the cricket-mad country.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the young Indian players,” he told Reuters on Sunday.
“Like the Chinese, they are very enthusiastic and the game is new, so I can encourage them to play.
“Yao Ming has definitely opened the door for those guys to come in (in China),” he said. “They use him as a source of inspiration and it shows.” Garnett arrived from China, where he was impressed by the enthusiasm for the game, which he attributed to the success of players like Houston Rockets star center Yao.
“Cricket is one, two and three here right now, but hopefully my coming here will encourage more kids to start playing the game (of basketball),” he told Reuters.
Indian sports promoters and business houses are targeting non-cricket sports to tap into a huge market and a rapidly growing economy.
Garnett said a lack of infrastructure should not discourage Indian youngsters taking up the game.
“Basketball is leisure and to pick a ball up and start shooting is pure enjoyment,” he said.
“The more organized you get is when you have to play with team mates, then infrastructure and organization comes in.”
The 6 ft-11in Garnett, regarded as one of the leading players yet to win an NBA title, has remained with the Timberwolves since his entry into the league in 1995 and said he had no immediate plans to switch teams in pursuit of glory.
“As long as the (team) organization is ready to bring in other players, I’m okay,” the 30-year-old said. “I’m not the one to jump ship when things are not going well.” He also welcomed the entry of more foreign players into the NBA.
“As the game gets more global, it will definitely help the league in having players from different countries be a part of that. It helps our game, not just the NBA, the game of basketball.”
Mourning Celebrates Decision to Return With Fans at Charity Game
In Miami, more money couldn’t lure Alonzo Mourning away from the Miami Heat. It was the fans who convinced him to delay retirement and help the team defend its NBA championship.
The 36-year-old center said on Sunday he declined high-paying offers from other teams, including the San Antonio Spurs.
“I had received lucrative offers from other teams and it was very difficult to turn those down,” he said before the start of his annual charity basketball game at the Heat’s arena. “I’ve invested here in the community and I expect to spend the rest of my life here with my kids. I didn’t feel it was worth leaving.” The game — which also featured Heat teammate Antoine Walker and other NBA players — is part of a weeklong series of events he organizes to benefit underprivileged children.
Mourning announced late Saturday at his charity gala that he would return to the Heat for one more season. It will be his 14th in the NBA _ not including a year he missed because of kidney disease that necessitated a transplant in December 2003.
He got a standing ovation on Sunday from the crowd at AmericanAirlines Arena when he repeated his decision to return to Miami.
“Zo coming back for another year makes everyone smile,” said Heat teammate Dwyane Wade, who arrived to watch the game wearing a soft cast on his right wrist.
“I need to put my wrist to rest a little bit, so any time I’m not playing I’ve got to keep this on. Doctors’ orders,” said Wade, who sprained the wrist before the All-Star break this season.
Mourning averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.66 blocks in an average of 20 minutes last season, making 20 starts as Shaquille O’Neal’s backup and ranking third in the NBA in blocks per game.
“I think it’s only fitting I retire in a Heat jersey,” Mourning said. “I just felt I would have let so many people down. This is home for me. I love Miami, I love the fans.” With Mourning’s decision to return, all eight primary members of the Heat’s playoff rotation will likely be back next season.
