Aiming to debut in NBA, Princepal working on his fitness in off-season

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 9

After a dream run in the NBA G League, Princepal Singh is spending his off-season concentrating on physical fitness in a bio-bubble at Orlando in Florida, USA.

Interacting with the media, the 20-year-old said he was looking forward to bag a new contractor to fulfil his aim of playing in the NBA main league.

After a scoreless seven-minute debut for Ignite in NBA G League, Princepal in his second game, scored five points in three minutes.

The 2021 NBA G League season ended in March and Princepal is now spending more time on his fitness.

Asked whether he was under any kind of stress, the 6ft 9inch cager said the journey had just started and he was doing everything to achieve his dream.

“Right now I’m just training. I might play with another team (in G League), but I am not sure at this point of time. My training is moving in right direction. However, I’m not sure about what’s next in my kitty,” Princepal said, adding that “I might play in the NBA Summer League or with another G League team”.

When asked about the difference he felt after moving to professional circuit in NBA, Princepal said: “Strength training is very important. In India, players don’t do it as much. They only play basketball. Even I used to just play basketball initially but when I went to Australia in the NBA Global Academy, I realised how important weight training was.”

Talking about the effect of ongoing Covid pandemic on the life of hoopsters, Princepal said it was important to cope with the evolving scenario.

“Knowledge about the sport is really important. Having so much in the kitty, cagers may adopt online way of learning,” he said.

“Things can be implemented during dedicated practice hours at home. Physical fitness can also be attained through various means available at home,” said Princepal.

“Yes, it may not help achieve great results, but it will help you remain in touch with the sport and stay mentally fit. I just want to tell everyone to support each other in these tough times,” he said.

On his plans of coming back to India, Princepal said he was yet to think on those lines.

As per reports, the 2021 NBA Summer League could be held in August. When asked about his availability for the national team, Princepal said: “No plan as of now and no talk about that so far.”

Indian team had finished third in Group D at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and will be participating in the final qualifying tournament in August in Jakarta.