The draft featured 10 clubs selecting players for the upcoming U19 Northeast Basketball League, set to take place from June 22 in Aizawl. A total of 120 young athletes were officially drafted during the ceremony.

1v1 Basketball Festival

The draft ceremony was preceded by a high-energy 1v1 basketball festival that transformed the city into a celebration of youth, culture, and sport.

The event featured exciting basketball battles alongside performances by rappers, dancers, DJs, and local entertainers, creating an electrifying atmosphere and drawing massive attention from fans and youngsters across the region.

The upcoming event, part of ABC’s pan-India state leagues launch, aims to provide a platform for emerging basketball talent from the Northeast while building a strong sporting culture through entertainment and community engagement.

Organizers stated that this initiative will feature a structured league, player drafts, club systems, and youth development, and aims to shape the future of the sport in the country.

The Northeast Basketball League U19 edition is expected to feature some of the region's best young talent.

North East 🏀 Updates on WhatsApp

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The event recorded a massive total franchise valuation of ₹1,48,50,000, officially surpassing the previous benchmark set by the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL), which had recorded ₹1.27 Crore in franchise sales.

With this achievement, the TBA has broken its own record, showcasing the rapid growth and commercial rise of basketball in Telangana.

Biggest Bid

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the franchise bid for Hyderabad Hurricanes, acquired by Vikram and Shipali of Prospero Group for a staggering ₹33 Lakhs, making it the highest-valued basketball franchise in Telangana basketball history.

This new record surpasses the previous highest franchise valuation in the Telangana Pro Basketball League, held by Hyderabad Hawks, which was sold for ₹27.5 Lakhs.

Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of Telangana Basketball Association, A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, said:

He further added that the success of both TPBL and TJBL reflects the growing basketball culture in Telangana and the belief held by investors and sports enthusiasts in the game's future.

With Season 1 of the Telangana Junior Basketball League set to begin in June 2026, fans can expect a high-energy competition featuring elite young talent from across the state competing under professionally managed franchises.

Telugu 🏀 News and Updates

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Team 911 emerged as champions, beating John Deere 14-12 in the final. Jashandeep Singh, Ujjwal Eknoor Singh, and Manveer Dhaliwal made up the 911 squad and will now represent India at the World Finals in Manila, Philippines, in December 2026.

Ahead of the Red Bull Half Court National Finals, there were two qualifiers, in Ludhiana and Chandigarh, with 32 teams participating in each round. Of the 64 participating teams, eight advanced to the finals.

Chandigarh’s Court Art

The court at Sector 17, which was the venue for the Red Bull Half Court National Final, was designed as a vibrant tribute to street basketball culture and the spirit of the city.

Inspired by the “Own the Court” philosophy, the bold pop art blended Chandigarh’s geometric identity with the game's fast-paced energy, creating a visually striking, adrenaline-fueled atmosphere.

The court was created by Doodle Mapuls, founded by Amal Nair, Yash Shetty, and Kirthi Pillai. The artwork design was led by Nair, while on-ground execution and jersey design were led by Shetty.

IBL Scouting Opportunity

The recently launched India Basketball League (IBL) sent two coaches, PS Santosh and Daniel Tihomir Vlahov, to the Red Bull Half Court 2026 National Finals to scout talent.

The selected players from the competition will receive an exclusive opportunity to experience what it truly means to be a professional basketball athlete at the IBL High-Performance Centre and train alongside some of India’s top players.

Co-incidentally, the winners of Red Bull Half Court 2024 - Kanwar Gurbaz Singh Sandhu, Nawaz Singh, Arvinder Kahlon, and Karandeep Singh- are all training at the HPC in Bengaluru currently.

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Concerns surrounding the trials gained wider attention after a video published by local video news platform Rashtrabodh featured affected players and parents questioning the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

Several participants alleged that deserving players were denied proper opportunities during the trials and that selections appeared to be influenced by recommendations and internal favoritism.

The controversy escalated further after players collectively sent a formal complaint email to the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), demanding an independent investigation and retrial.

A copy of this email is with Ekalavyas.

‘Outside’ players preferred?

According to the complaint, players alleged that “outside players” were brought into the trials through the Sarvagya Rao Basketball Academy and claimed that selections were heavily influenced by recommendations. The email specifically mentioned academy coach Rajeshwar Rao Kalwa and members of the BFI Ad Hoc committee, alleging that the final squad appeared “pre-decided” even before the trials concluded.

The complaint also raised concerns regarding the role of a Dronacharya awardee allegedly associated with the process, claiming the trials were conducted in an “unprofessional manner” and that deserving athletes were ignored despite strong performances.

Unacceptably poor trial venue

Apart from the selection-related allegations, players also criticized the condition of the venue used for the trials. According to the complaint email, the basketball court reportedly contained stones, sand, and gravel during the sessions, while vehicles and scooties were allegedly moving through the playing area — conditions players described as unacceptable for a state-level national selection process. Visuals shown in the Rashtrabodh video news report also appeared to substantiate some of these concerns regarding the condition of the court.

The players have urged BFI to conduct a full review of the trials, examine footage if available, and take strict action against anyone found guilty of corruption, favoritism, or misuse of power. The complaint also warned that legal action could follow if the matter is not addressed.

At the time of writing, neither the Basketball Federation of India nor the concerned officials had publicly responded to the allegations.

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Positioned as one of the most premium basketball leagues in Gujarat, the tournament will feature eight men’s & women’s franchises each.

The league will follow an exciting all-play-all format, creating a highly competitive platform for the best young basketball talent across the state and country.

U21 League

The Gujarat Basketball League is an under-21 competition, specially designed to provide emerging players with a professional ecosystem, national exposure, and opportunities to showcase their talent on a larger stage. The tournament will be live broadcast on a national OTT platform, with an expected reach of 1 million to 2 million viewers during the season.

The league aims to build a strong basketball community while creating long-term commercial and sporting opportunities for team owners, brands and stakeholders.

The player registration and team-building portal will be launched very soon, allowing franchises to begin squad formation ahead of the season.

Eight Franchises

For the Gujarat Basketball League, the following district teams are shortlisted.

1. Ahmedabad

2. Bhavnagar

3. Baroda

4. Gandhinagar

5. Jamnagar

6. Kutch

7. Rajkot

8. Surat

For Franchise inquiry, bidders willing to purchase teams may contact the following persons:

1. Mr. Anirudh Pole (M-8390856197)

2. Mr. Shafiq Shaikh (M-9898676661)

3. Mr. Shaktisinh Gohil (M-9429383940 and 9825205152)

Gujarat 🏀 WhatsApp

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Awards and Honours

In an exciting final, Margao Marauders were crowned champions and took away a cash prize of 30,000. Taleigao Tigers finished runners-up, while Fatorda Flyers secured third place, earning cash prizes of 20,000 and 10,000, respectively.

Individual excellence played a major role in the tournament. Priyanka was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and won a 10,000 cash prize.

Sarah was named the Finals MVP, and Manasavi led the scoring charts with an impressive 65 points, including 18 three-pointers. Both were handed cash prizes of 5000 for their efforts.

The award for the Most Promising Player went to Komal, while Smita won 1500 in the free-throw shootout competition.

The awards ceremony was graced by Aman Kumar, Senior Pilates & Wellness Professional at Kaizen Wellness Space, who presented the prizes to the winning teams and players.

The organizers extended their appreciation to all the teams, sponsors, and supporters for their contributions to the event's success and their commitment to growing women’s basketball in Goa.

With each edition, the Goa Women’s 3x3 Basketball League strengthens its mission to encourage talent development and build a sustainable future for the women’s game in the region.

Goa 🏀 WhatsApp

Kerala Combine Announced First

The inaugural activation under the Desi Ballers platform will be the Kerala Combine, linked to the upcoming BLK League, in partnership with the Kerala Basketball Association, Starting Five Sports Management Pvt. Ltd., and ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd.

The Combine is open to both boys and girls across two age categories:

Age Categories & Eligibility:

• U14: Players born on or after January 1, 2012

• U19: Players born on or after January 1, 2007

The combine will directly feed into the upcoming BLK League, positioning selected players within a professionalized competitive environment.

Given the league’s fixed calendar, the combine process will operate on an accelerated schedule. Diaspora trials are to be conducted before May 10, with player auctions already scheduled for May 17. The league is set to tip-off on June 1.

Priority Criteria for Applicants

The Kerala Combine will focus specifically on diaspora players with strong regional ties:

• Malayali lineage (mandatory requirement)

• Indian passport holders / NRIs are preferred

• Players currently based in Gulf countries are preferred

How to Apply

The opportunity is open only for U14 and U19 players, and interested athletes are encouraged to apply immediately due to the strict timeline.

Fill the Application Link here.

Kerala 🏀 News and Updates

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The league is scheduled to be held in June 2026 in Mizoram and will feature young basketball talent from across all seven North Eastern states.

Key Highlights of the League

• Participation from all Seven Sister States

• Formation of 10 franchises

• Exclusive Men’s U19 category for Season 1

• ‘All-Play-All’ format, ensuring maximum exposure and game time for every player

• Organized in association with the Mizoram Basketball Association

Inspired by the success and structure of the Mizoram Super League, this initiative serves as its junior counterpart, providing young athletes with a professional environment.

The league aims to bridge the gap between talent, structured competition, and exposure, providing North East players a pathway into mainstream Indian basketball.

North East 🏀 Updates on WhatsApp

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The initiative aims to connect promising players with fully funded basketball training and education scholarships in Taiwan.

The selected players will have the chance to develop academically and athletically in a professional environment.

Global Pathway for Indian Subcontinent Female Ballers

The South Asian region has long produced talented female players, but access to structured international exposure at an early age remains limited.

Through Stree Got Game, Ekalavyas is attempting to bridge that gap by identifying young girls who have the physical attributes and developmental potential to benefit from elite international systems in Taiwan and other parts of the world.

What the selected athletes will receive in Taiwan:

• 100% basketball scholarship

• Professional training environment

• Accommodation provided

• Formal academic education

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Monthly nutrition allowance

• Training and competition equipment

• Guaranteed high school placement

• Long-term player development exposure

• One round-trip international flight ticket per year (Winter & Summer holidays)

Priority Eligibility Criteria

The current scouting phase (for Taiwan) is focused on identifying tall female players who meet the following requirements:

• Height: 175 cm or taller

• Academic Eligibility: Players entering Grade 7, 8, 9, or 10

How to Apply?

If you are an eligible player, coach, parent, or academy in South Asia, you need to act quickly, as the identification window is limited.

The deadline to complete the form below is two weeks from today.

Fill and submit player details here.

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Following a considerable turnout at the final sessions held at Silver Hill HSS, Kozhikode, and the Thalassery Municipal Stadium on April 14, the hunt now moves into the high-stakes selection trial phase.

Since its launch, the OMH challenge has seen more than 1,150 young athletes in the Under-14 and Under-19 categories (boys and girls) participate from across the state.

The program was a collaboration between Starting Five Sports Management Pvt Ltd, the Kerala Basketball Association, and ABC Basketball Development League Pvt Ltd, utilizing a unique data-driven approach.

Players were evaluated on shooting, dribbling, and defensive skills through rigorous, high-pressure one-minute tests.

Path to League Selection Trials

Shortlisted players from the OMH challenge will be invited to official selection trials scheduled for the first week of May at three regional hubs: Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Thrissur.

Top performers from these trials will then enter the official BLK Player Auction. Six franchise teams–Trivandrum Capitals, Alappuzha Dolphins, Kottayam Bisons, Kochi Stallions, Thrissur Taskers, and Calicut Warriors-will bid to build their squads from this talent pool.

Koshy Abraham, Director of Starting Five and league spokesperson:

“This initiative represents a significant step in professionalising grassroots basketball in Kerala. By providing a transparent and data-driven platform, we are ensuring every talented young player in the state has a fair shot at the professional stage.”

The inaugural BLK season for U-19 and U-14 players is scheduled to tip off in June 2026. A senior league featuring international talent is also slated for next year.

Kerala 🏀 News and Updates

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The grassroots development initiative will feature U15 and U18 boys and girls categories.

The TJBL will include six city-based franchises, namely Hyderabad Hurricanes, Ranga Reddy Rulers, Nalgonda Ninjas, Vikarabad Predators, Warangal Wildfires, and Medak Monsters.

Player Trials

In an overwhelming response, approximately 2000 young athletes have already registered for the league. The official player trials were conducted over three days, from 10th to 12th April 2026, at the Dream Basketball Academy, Hyderabad.

Players underwent an intensive evaluation process during the trials. The selected athletes will then be drafted into the six franchises.

Speaking about the initiative, A. Prudhvi Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association, said:

The league is scheduled for June 2026, with selected players participating in a month-long training camp in May to prepare for the competition.

The Telangana Junior Basketball League aims to revolutionize youth basketball in the state by providing structured competition, professional exposure, and a clear pathway to the elite-level.

Telugu 🏀 News and Updates

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The academy, in collaboration with Dribble Academy Foundation, is opening its doors once again to identify and nurture promising young basketball talent.

Tryout Details

• Date: 7th April 2026

• Time: 3:00 PM onwards

• Venue: BSES Basketball Academy, A Block, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Group: 12–15 years

• Date of Birth: Between 2010 and 2014

• Minimum Height: 5’10” and above

• Category: Boys only

What Selected Players Receive

This is a 100% scholarship-based program, offering:

• Professional coaching from experienced trainers

• Free boarding and education

• Access to strength and conditioning experts

• Training at a dedicated indoor basketball facility

Why This Matters

Opportunities that combine high-level coaching with full financial support are rare in Indian basketball. This program is designed to provide a structured pathway for young athletes to develop both academically and athletically—without financial barriers.

Final Call

With limited spots available, this is the last chance to be considered for the 2026 intake.

Interested players can register by scanning the QR code provided in the official announcement.

Contact Information

+91-9899010413

+91-9540823919

The first edition of the tournament promises both high-level competition and a scenic Himalayan backdrop, with organisers encouraging teams from across India to take part. With ₹5 lakh in total prize money, the event is expected to attract strong participation from the growing national 3x3 basketball community.

Importantly for interested teams, today (March 15) is the final day to register at the discounted early-bird rate of ₹3,000 per team.

Major Prize Pool Up for Grabs

The tournament will feature separate open categories for men and women.

Men’s Open Category

• Winners: ₹2,00,000

• Runners-up: ₹1,00,000

Women’s Open Category

• Winners: ₹1,00,000

• Runners-up: ₹50,000

Additional rewards will also be presented for individual awardees, along with a 2-Point Shootout sub-event for both men and women.

A Unique Basketball Experience in the Himalayas

Held in Gangtok, the tournament offers something few basketball events in India can match: the chance to compete in one of the country’s most scenic mountain regions.

For many players, the event represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine competition with travel, as teams get the chance to experience the culture and landscapes of Sikkim, a Himalayan state known for its natural beauty.

Tournament Format and Participation

The expected structure includes:

Men’s Category

• 24–32 teams

• Top two teams from each group advance

Women’s Category

• 12–16 teams

• Top two teams from each group advance

The event will follow a league-cum-knockout format.

Registration Details: Early Bird Deadline Today

The early bird fee of ₹3,000 per team is available only until today (March 15). After that, the standard registration fee of ₹5,000 per team will apply.

Interested teams can contact +91 8918279524 via WhatsApp to receive the registration link and further instructions.

✅ Tournament: Sikkim Slam 3x3
📍 Venue: Paljor Stadium
📅 Dates: March 27–29, 2026
💰 Prize Pool: ₹5,00,000
🏀 Categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open
⚡ Early Bird Deadline: March 15

North East 🏀 WhatsApp

Organized by Flowternity Sports, the camps will be conducted across 12 different venues throughout the city, making it easier for families to find a convenient training location nearby.

The camps are designed to provide structured coaching, skill development sessions, and competitive play opportunities in a fun and supportive environment for young athletes.

Sports Offered

Participants can choose from multiple sports depending on their interest.

Basketball

Basketball training will be available at all 12 camp locations across the city.

Sessions will focus on:

• Fundamental skill development

• Shooting and ball-handling

• Game awareness and decision-making

• Match play opportunities

Skating

Skating sessions will be conducted only at the Horamavu main facility, which offers the necessary infrastructure for training.

Futsal

Futsal will also be offered exclusively at the Horamavu main facility.

Participants are allowed to select more than one sport if they wish to try multiple activities during the camp.

Camp Dates

Two camp batches will be conducted:

Camp 1:
6 April – 23 April

Camp 2:
27 April – 14 May

Participants may select one or both camps when registering.

Camp Locations Across Bengaluru

Basketball camps will be available at the following locations:

• BTM Layout

• Hennur–Byrathi

• Horamavu

• Jakkur

• Jalahalli

• Kadugodi

• Mysore Road

• Sahakar Nagar

• Sarjapur

• CVR

• Yelahanka RT

• Horamavu (Main Facility)

This city-wide format allows participants to train closer to home while still benefiting from structured coaching.

Registration Process

Interested participants must complete the official registration form.

👉 Register here

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Train Indoors This Summer

Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, the camps offer structured development programs inside an elite indoor basketball facility—a major advantage in India where many summer programs take place outdoors and are often affected by weather conditions.

The program is led by former Indian international Akanksha Singh’s coaching team, and will take place at their premium indoor basketball facility within the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence complex in Bengaluru, ensuring uninterrupted training conditions throughout the summer.

Residential accommodation will also be available for players traveling from outside Bengaluru.

Two Camp Pathways

Participants will undergo a skill assessment on the first day, after which coaches will guide them toward the appropriate training group.

Depending on their current level and development goals, players will join either the Summer Camp (beginner/intermediate) or the Elite Camp.

Summer Camp (Beginners & Intermediate Players)

This program is designed for players who are relatively new to basketball or looking to strengthen their fundamentals.

Training will focus on:

• Core basketball fundamentals

• Shooting and ball-handling skills

• Footwork and movement

• Game awareness and decision-making

Camp Dates

• Camp 1: 13 April – 1 May

• Camp 2: 4 May – 22 May

• Camp 3: 25 May – 12 June

• Camp 4: 15 June – 3 July

• Camp 5: 6 July – 24 July

Elite Camp (for advanced players)

The Elite Camp is specifically designed for advanced players preparing for upcoming competitions and tournaments.

Training sessions will emphasize:

• Advanced skill development

• Competitive drills and live game situations

• Strength and conditioning

• Tactical understanding and performance preparation

Camp Dates

• Camp 1: 6 April – 2 May

• Camp 2: 4 May – 30 May

• Camp 3: 1 June – 27 June

• Camp 4: 29 June – 25 July

Why Indoor Training Matters

One of the key highlights of the program is the indoor basketball training environment, allowing athletes to train in consistent, professional conditions throughout the summer.

Indoor facilities allow for:

• Uninterrupted training regardless of weather

• Better court conditions for skill work

• Longer, more structured sessions

• A focused high-performance training environment

For players serious about improving their game during the offseason, indoor training environments can significantly enhance the quality of development.

How to Apply

Interested athletes must complete the official registration form.

After submission, the organizers will contact applicants with further details including:

• Camp fees

• Residential accommodation options

• Training schedule

• Additional terms and conditions

👉 Application Form

Only those who submit the form will be contacted by the organizers.

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The rankings, released on March 3, came after the conclusion of Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. For most teams, the window meant two games and two chances to earn important ranking points.

India, however, played only one game.

The Young Cagers faced the Qatar men’s national team on February 28, suffering a 99-73 defeat in Doha. It was a tough outing, but the bigger twist in India’s campaign came after the game and off the court.

Iran War Affects India’s FIBA Ranking

Just days later, India was scheduled to play Lebanon on March 2. Instead, the game never happened.

The USA and Israel’s attack on Iran, with the Islamic Republic responding by bombing nearby Middle Eastern countries, led to widespread disruption across the region. Airspaces were suddenly shut down, travel plans collapsed, and the game was postponed indefinitely.

The Indian squad, which had already travelled to Qatar for the qualifiers, ended up stranded in Doha as the war raged on.

While the situation remains tense, Qatar has slowly begun reopening parts of its airspace. But as of now, the Indian team is yet to return home.

However, the consequences of that postponed Lebanon game have now shown up in the FIBA rankings.

Because India played only one of its two scheduled qualifiers, it missed out on valuable participation points in FIBA’s ranking system. As a result, the country slipped from World No. 75 to No. 76 in the latest standings.

Interestingly, India’s total points actually rose from 143.6 in December 2025 to 150.4 in the March 2026 rankings. But the increase was not enough to move up, as African nations gained more points by playing all their games during Window 2.

In simple words, India’s one-spot drop was not just about losing their one game against Qatar, but it was about not getting the chance to play Lebanon at all. However, this drop is only temporary, as the country has the opportunity to gain more points after playing three games during the next Window.

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The situation heated up following military action involving Israel and the United States against Iran on Friday, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory missiles targeting U.S. military bases and other sites across the Gulf countries, including in Qatar.

FIBA Postpones Remaining Games

The Indian team had travelled to Doha earlier this week to compete in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. India played its opening game of Window 2 against Qatar on February 28.

The team’s next game was scheduled for March 3 against the Lebanon men’s national team in Beirut. However, due to the intensifying war-like situation, that game has now been postponed.

In an official statement, FIBA confirmed that all Group C and Group D games scheduled for March 2 and 3 have been postponed due to the security risk.

BFI Confirms Indian Team’s Safety

The federation said that it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Embassy of India in Doha to ensure the players’ safety and get them back home as soon as possible.

BFI extended its gratitude to the Qatar Basketball Federation for providing support and assistance to the Indian contingent during the ongoing crisis.

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The opportunity emerged largely due to Sule’s recent performances with Team CNX Orion in the Warriors League in Thailand, where a string of standout games helped him attract international attention.

According to Sule, strong numbers and quality game film played a major role.

Sule claimed one particular performance proved pivotal, where he recorded five three-pointers in a game against one of the Warrior League’s top teams. The game became a key piece of his film, which he circulated to clubs globally. Eventually, the Lithuanian side responded positively and offered him a contract.

Lithuania Move Boosts Long-Term European Plans

The Baltic nation is widely regarded as one of the best European basketball destinations and has one of the strongest programs in the world, according to FIBA rankings. Unlike many countries where football dominates, basketball is deeply embedded in Lithuanian sporting culture.

US Titans has been competing in the Probasket Armenia A-League for several years and is now transitioning into the Lithuanian basketball pyramid through a partnership with the Lithuanian Basketball Academy (LBA). This collaboration allows the team to participate in multiple competitions, including the RKL (Lithuania’s third division), the KKML league in Kaunas, and various cup tournaments involving second and third-division teams.

Sule is expected to report in mid-March, joining the squad mid-season as they push to end their campaign on a high note. The US Titans currently sit seventh in the Armenia League A standings.

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This was Coach Flemming’s second stint with the national team.

Coach Flemming is arguably the most loved and respected name in Indian basketball over the last 12 years, and his resignation truly marks the end of an era - where the men’s team not only posted historic wins over the likes of China and Angola, but later also found itself at the start of a long rebuild, a process which is underway today.

Here’s Coach Flemming’s full statement:

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The news was announced at a press conference in Viman Nagar, Pune, on January 19. The event was attended by Rahul Jha, Head of Business Operations and Growth, ACG Sports; Anirudh Pole, Founder and CEO, ABC; Mukesh Kalia, President, Delhi Basketball Association; Prudhvi Reddy, Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association; Govind Muthukumar, Secretary, Maharashtra State Basketball Association; and P.C. Antony, Secretary, Kerala Basketball Association.

The leagues will be operated by ABC Basketball Development League Pvt. Ltd., following a strategic investment from ACG, and will cater to Under-14 and Under-18 age groups.

Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana have already been finalised for the rollout, with the remaining states to be confirmed. The final league calendar is expected by the end of February.

High Performance Centres

The partnership will introduce franchisee-owned leagues alongside the establishment of training centres and High Performance Centres (HPCs) across the states.

The initiative is designed to strengthen talent identification and long-term athlete development. Players discovered through these leagues may be considered for tryouts at ACG-operated HPCs, based on performance, potential, and evaluation criteria.

Jha said: “At ACG, we believe the future of Indian basketball lies in building a complete pathway for athletes — from their first exposure to the sport to the professional stage,” said Rahul Jha, Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff at ACG, adding that the focus on the 14–18 age group is critical for sustainable growth.

Pole added: “This association strengthens the developmental framework of Indian basketball by creating a clearer and more connected pathway for young players. By aligning youth leagues with High Performance Centres, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of elite Indian basketball talent.”

With four states already confirmed and nationwide expansion planned, this could mark one of the most structured youth basketball initiatives in India.

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