India’s Harsimran Kaur made history when she became the first female from the NBA Academies Women’s Program and the first female from outside of Australia to attend The NBA Global Academy at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Canberra. The 16-year-old was invited to a training camp from November 7-24.
The NBA Global Academy serves as the NBA’s hub for top prospects from outside the US.
Kaur was named MVP at the third NBA Academies Women’s Program camp held in Mumbai from October 2-5.
“I am so excited to for this great opportunity. This opportunity to train at The NBA Global Academy will not only identify and address the areas I need to work on, but also serve as a platform to showcase my skills and what I am capable of going forward,” said Harsimran Kaur.
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The Punjab player has represented India at multiple events, including 3x3 Asian Championships held in Jakarta in August 2019. Harsimran was also one of the four Indian girls invited to the first Next Generation Program at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Tampa this April, competing against top USA basketball women’s junior national team members. This was followed by her participation in Basketball Without Borders Asia in Tokyo this summer.
"My mother was an international volleyball player, but she had to leave the sport because of her job. Since my father played basketball, I used to go to the ground with him and watch him train and play matches,” Harsimran said. “So, that time, I got a sense of the sport and I asked my father one day if I can play basketball when I was 12 years old. He told me that if I take up basketball then I should play professionally, otherwise I shouldn't play the sport. My father had an ACL injury, and since he didn't have the funds to undergo surgery, he had to stop playing. However, he started coaching a group of basketball players. So, I want to complete my father's dream of playing for India regularly."
During her time in Canberra, Harsimran will participate in practice sessions, three-on-three scrimmages and weight training sessions alongside top Australian prospects and under the guidance of coaches. A number of current NBA and WNBA players, including Aron Baynes (Phoenix Suns), Liz Cambage (Las Vegas Aces), Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz) and Dante Exum (Utah Jazz) have trained at the Centre of Excellence.
In addition to participating in basketball development activities designed to improve her skillset, shooting, and physical conditioning, she will also participate in life skills development focused on education, mental health and wellness, and nutrition.
"My biggest aim is to play in the WNBA. I am looking to acquire a scholarship at a good university in USA and I want to play well for the university to have a chance to be drafted into WNBA. I have a few offers, but I want to join a university that has a good position in the NCAA league. Therefore, I am waiting for an opportunity where I can show my skills in the NCAA League," Harsimran said.
