Yao of the Future

Once again I sincerely apologize for not posting in the blog for a long time. I was busy studying for my Quarterly Tests last week and I didn't bother updating the blog. 

To start the blog again on a strong and positive note, we start big, if you know what I mean. 

Who is the tallest person you've ever met? To others, probably my brother. To those of you who don't know my Y-O-U-N-G-E-R brother, he stands 6'6", approximately 5-6 inches taller than me. To others, probably basketball players whose names you don't even remember. For me, its a different story. 

August of last year if my memory serves me right, I was lucky enough to participate in the Basketball Without Borders Asia program in Singapore. It was a great learning experience since I was play against really tough opponents older than me and at the same time, make friendships that I will never forget. (That will have its own blog entry, I promise) The tallest and youngest guy from that batch is an Indian guy named Satnam Singh Bhamara. 

The catch. 

He's 15. 

His height, 7 feet. 

At first, I was intimated. Honestly speaking, I thought this guy was over 20 even 30. He doesn't look like a 15 year old filled with energy to play the game he loves, basketball. 

Satnam's game is impressive. Aside from the fact he has a well structured wide body, he has freakishly big hands which can challenge shots from any possible distance. He has an excellent and patient back to the basket game plus the fact he enjoys shooting mid range jumpers which are virtually unblock-able. He also has the enough leaping ability to flush the ball. 

One weakness of Satnam's game would probably have to be his footwork although it has improved tremendously from the guy who sprained his ankle doing a back pedal. 

Many of you are currently wondering how this guy grew that freakishly tall. To tell you the truth, its all in the genes. Satnam's dad, Balbir Singh Bhamara, is 7'2. His grandmother in the father side is 6'9. He wears a size 26 Peak shoe that are as heavy as cinderblocks and definitely a sight to see. 

Satnam is now currently in the United States training. Sadly, I have had no contact of him since he doesn't have a Facebook or a Twitter account. 

Deep inside that chiseled tall man is a young kid who enjoys playing basketball. Basketball is a world where he can fit in and the potential of this kid is great. 

Only time will tell if this kid will be the first Indian to make it to the NBA but there is definitely nothing wrong in dreaming big.