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DeMarcus Cousins Sees Strong Potential for Basketball Growth in India

Four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has praised the talent he has seen in India, stating that Indian basketball has strong potential for growth. Cousins, along with Isiah Thomas, is in India for the BUDX NBA House event in New Delhi. He emphasized that Indian players need greater exposure to high-level coaching, training, and competitive experience to fully develop. The event features basketball activities, music performances, and a celebrity 3-on-3 game.

Key Points: Cousins on Basketball's Potential in India

  • DeMarcus Cousins praises Indian basketball talent
  • Cousins and Isiah Thomas in India for BUDX NBA House event
  • Cousins emphasizes need for high-level coaching and training
  • Event includes celebrity game, music, and fan experiences
3 min read

"Potential is definitely there": DeMarcus Cousins on growth of basketball in India

NBA star DeMarcus Cousins praises Indian basketball talent, urges more exposure to top-level coaching and training for growth.

"I have had the opportunity to see some of the talent firsthand, and the potential is definitely there. - DeMarcus Cousins"

By Vivek Prabhakar Singh, New Delhi, May 9

Four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins praised the talent he has seen in India, stating that Indian basketball has strong potential for growth. DeMarcus Cousins, along with another legendary basketball figure, Isiah Thomas, is in India for the BUDX NBA House event, taking place on May 9 and 10, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, DeMarcus Cousins, who won an Olympic gold at the Rio Games in 2016, said he is excited to contribute to the growth of basketball in India by sharing his experience and knowledge. The American NBA star also praised the talent he has witnessed in India firsthand and expressed confidence in the sport's strong potential for the future.

"I'm honoured to be here and excited about sharing my knowledge, my experience, and helping to grow the game in India. I'm eager to see where we can take the game. I have had the opportunity to see some of the talent firsthand, and the potential is definitely there," Cousins told ANI.

Cousins, who featured for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA from 2010 to 2017, said Indian players need greater exposure to high-level coaching, training, and competitive experience to fully develop their basketball potential. He added that the natural qualities and fundamentals required to succeed in the sport are already present.

"Of course, it's about learning the game, gaining experience through practice and play. They need access to top-level training and development to maximise their growth in the game. As for the intangibles, they are certainly there, all the key elements for basketball," he added.

An NBA All-Star honour is given to a player who is selected as one of the top performers in the NBA for a given season. Each year, the NBA hosts the All-Star Game, featuring the top players selected based on fan voting, player performance, and media or coach input.

Coming to the BUDX NBA House, the event is a high-energy, immersive fan experience celebrating the intersection of basketball, music, style, and culture.

The event includes basketball-themed activities, a slate of music performances by names like NAV, Oppidan, Yashraj, Reble, Fijiana, The Bausa, and Chor Bazaar. The 3-on-3 celebrity game will feature Shanaya Kapoor, Rannvijay Singha, Arvind Krishna, Varun Sood, Sonia Rathee, Simran Kaur, Harman Singha, Shireen Limaye, Lalrina Renthlei, Dhruv Barman, and Anant Ahuja.

BUDX NBA House 2026 also features BUDX Masterclasses - expert-led workshops and panel discussions to educate and engage emerging artists, DJs and fans, streetwear showcases, an array of food and beverage experiences, and more.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Great initiative but honestly, we need more than just one-off events. Our school sports infrastructure is pathetic in most states. You can't build a basketball culture without proper courts and trained physical education teachers. These stars come, say nice things, and leave. Nothing changes on ground.
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Rahul R
DeMarcus Cousins has always been a class act. Remember his dominance with the Kings! If he genuinely invests time in mentoring young Indian players, that could be a game-changer. The talent is raw but the hunger is real. Saw some kids playing near my colony with nothing but a rusted hoop and they were incredible.
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Neha E
Basketball is growing but slowly. We need more visibility on TV and streaming. Cricket hogs all the limelight! At least the NBA House events give young fans a chance to see their heroes up close. I wish more schools took basketball seriously as a career option instead of just an extracurricular.
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Varun X
Encouraging words from a legend! But let's be realistic - we are decades behind China and Philippines in Asian basketball. The infrastructure gap is massive. We need a systematic approach, not just celebrity visits. Still, small steps like these keep the dream alive. Kudos to the organisers.
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Tanya I
Love seeing international stars appreciate Indian talent! I've been following the NBA for years and it's amazing that players like Cousins and Isiah Thomas are actually here. This gives hope to thousands of young hoopers across India. Just wish the media covered basketball more. 🏀🔥

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