Indians aspire to see their "Yao Ming" in NBA

India-born Satnam Singh Bhamara may declare for this year's draft of NBA as the 7-foot-2, 290-pound Indian center has taken training in the Sacramento Kings and the Boston Celtics this week.

Scouts at Sacramento Kings, who conducted a successful pre-draft workout with Satnam on Thursday, see the glimpses of Chinese legend Yao Ming in the Indian youngster.

In their second pre-draft workout, the Kings had their focus mainly on the post guards. The Indian center towered above the other two - California's David Kravish and Stefan Nastic of Stanford. The two were also invited by the Kings for the practice session. All the three NBA hopefuls were put through a series of drills to test their ability to play the post.

Hoping to become the first Indian-born hoopster to play in the NBA, Satnam looked agile under the glass and was shooting the ball well to appear as the prime candidate for the Kings. Whether he makes it to the team immediately or has to wait, the 19-year-old is fully aware of the pressure that comes with being the most promising NBA prospect from India.

Speaking to the waiting media after his workout, Satnam said, "The pressure is really a lot on both my shoulders. One shoulder is my family and the other is India. I am here because of India. My coaches, family, friends and fans back home always motivate me to do something great here."

The Kings owner Vivek Ranadive too was present during the workout and Satnam felt pretty comfortable to see any Indian around. On his first meeting with the Indian businessman, Satnam said: "Ranadive said, 'How are you feeling over here and asked me whether I would like to do a summer camp.' I immediately said, 'Yes, I would love it."

The Kings' Indian connection will be handy for Satnam, who comes from Ballo Ke - a small village in Punjab. Since taking over as the principal owner of Kings, Ranadive has been vocal about his desire to make the team a global brand, particularly in India.

In April, the team signed 7-foot-5 Sim Bhullar, who became the first player of Indian origin to play in the NBA. Canada-born Bhullar played in three games for the Kings and was released after his 10-day contract.

Realistically, it's far way to go for Indians to see their giants reach Yao Ming's height on court in NBA. Bhullar's performance is less persuasive for any NBA team to offer a long-term contract.

Bhamara does not seem to have much chance to be drafted in the NBA this year, but he plans to turn professional after not qualifying for a college scholarship. In long run, India can expect to see their "Yao Ming" thanks to a batch of favorable conditions -- India's market, the Kings' Indian background and Bhamara's potential.

Bhamara can be considered as a favored NBA draft pick next year if he can't make it this year. Kings' former interim head coach, Kenny Natt, who has been working with Satnam at the IMG Academy once said: "I have been in the league and know how guys like Satnam are looked upon. He has size, strength and touch. He has good hands and can run the floor. Those are the types of things that NBA teams value."

NBA league welcomes another heavyweight Asian player after the retirement of Yao Ming, who had made a huge impact both on and off the court. NBA had been experiencing its influence expanding along with Yao Ming's presence in the league.

A NBA star from the world second most populous country will do everything good for the league. Endi