FORMER NBA PLAYER JASON RICHARDSON VISITS INDIA TO PROMOTE BASKETBALL

Two-Time Slam Dunk Champion Richardson to Make Appearances at Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA Program, NBA Jam Powered by Jabong and Sony SIX’s NBA Morning Show “Around the Hoop”

MUMBAI, Oct. 28, 2015 – Former NBA Player Jason Richardson will visit India on Oct. 29 for a three-day promotional tour to support the continued growth of basketball and to interact with fans.  Richardson will travel to New Delhi and Ahmedabad to conduct basketball clinics for players and coaches alike and engage with fans at two of the NBA’s premier events in India: the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program and NBA Jam powered by Jabong.

Richardson will make his first stop in New Delhi on Oct. 29, where he will engage with students at the Ramjas School, RK Puram, as part of the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program, a comprehensive youth basketball initiative that applies the values of basketball to positively impact the lives of Indian boys and girls.  From New Delhi, Richardson will travel to Ahmedabad on Oct. 30 to participate in NBA Jam powered by Jabong at the MICA Institute, where fans will have the chance to meet with Richardson, win NBA merchandise, and experience lifestyle elements including interactive games, contests and live music performances.  Richardson will then visit Mumbai on Oct. 31 for a live television appearance on Sony SIX’s NBA morning show “Around the Hoop.”

“Jason Richardson’s visit to India is yet another step in our commitment to the growth of basketball in the country,” said NBA India Managing Director Yannick Colaco.  “Our goal is to continue providing aspiring youth with the opportunity to meet and interact with NBA talent, and hosting an accomplished former NBA player like Jason serves as further inspiration to young boys and girls in India.”

“I understand that basketball is growing rapidly in India, and I can’t wait to experience the excitement firsthand,” said Richardson.  “It’s encouraging to know just how many boys and girls across the country are picking up the sport, and I look forward to meeting with some of the promising young talent India has to offer.”

Richardson, a 6’ 6’’ guard/forward from Saginaw, Michigan, was selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA Draft.  Over the course of his 14-year NBA career, Richardson also played for the Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets), Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers before officially retiring in 2015.  Richardson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2002 is a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion (2002 & 2003).

Since 2006, more than 30 active and retired NBA and WNBA players have visited India with the NBA, including Sim Bhullar, Bruce Bowen, Muggsy Bogues, Chris Bosh, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Pau Gasol, Robert Horry and Dwight Howard.

The 2015-16 NBA Regular Season tips off on Oct. 27.  Sony SIX, the NBA’s Official Broadcaster in India, will televise up to 14 live games per week.  For more information, visit www.nba.com.  Visit www.nba.com/rfjrnba for more information on the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program and www.nbajam.in for more on NBA Jam.  Fans can follow the NBA on Facebook (facebook.com/NBAIndia) and on Twitter (@NBAIndia) and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around three professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the NBA Development League.  The league has established a major international presence with games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 49 languages, and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores in 100 countries on 6 continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2015-16 season featured 100 international players from 37 countries and territories.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA.com and NBA Mobile, which achieved record traffic during the 2014-15 season, as well as NBA TV.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 915 million likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.