Satnam Singh Bhamara and the familiar hype of basketball's foreign explosion
Behind soccer, basketball is truly the international sport. But when it comes to the very highest levels, the NCAA and NBA, it's still very much dominated by Americans.
The latest attempt to capitalize on an untapped international market is told by Mark Winegardner of ESPN the Magazine this week, in his piece "One In A Billion " about 16-year old 7-footer Satnam Singh Bhamara and the NBA's efforts to introduce the game to the exponentially-growing population in his native India.
The article vividly describes his unique build, quickly developing skills, desire to make his career in basketball and the challenges that come with that lofty goal. Satnam is now playing at the IMG Basketball Academy in Florida, and the powers that be hope that he can serve as the sport’s new ambassador to India, a la Yao Ming.
Now, the piece is a must-read for his descriptions of the globalization of basketball and the alluring prospect of Satnam (who could spark a recruiting gold rush if he's everything the article says). But it falls terribly flat in two areas.
One, downright condescending and paternalistic descriptions of native Indians who apparently believed that Satnam’s passion and ability for basketball were due to "magical powers." Are we still doing this, in 2012? Nothing could make a foreign culture, a rich and beautiful one at that, seem so primitive and downright stupid.
The article actually infers more than once that Satnam’s basketball skills and even ability to quickly learn English had something to do with magic.
GTFO.
Satnam clearly worked his ass off on both accounts and Winegardner – and/or his editors – should be ashamed for dismissing him and his native country in such an obtuse manner.
Second, the article acts like this is the first time anyone has ever tried to bring basketball overseas. It’s not like the NBA just realized three years ago that there are countries outside of the United States. The article contains some fascinating tidbits about the way that international programs are set up, and talent is discovered and developed in foreign countries. But to truly foster an explosive influx of talent, you need coaching and you need passion.
Paternalism Americna Indian - News
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