JUST BECAUSE YOU PLAY BASKETBALL - DONOT GO OVER-BOARD!

There are many who are `impressed' with my grass root promotion of basketball. Some of them call themselves as `LIVING THE GAME' - and are unable to concentrate on their studies. They do great dis-service to the game.

Just because you play basketball - do not go over-board! Have a balanced life. Team Sports in India [other than cricket]haven't been a rewarding career. Hence it is important to build your career [I am not staying STOP PLAYING or STOP PRACTICING] which is rewarding - and also sustain your interest for the game in a balanced way. It is because of unbalanced attitude of some of the players - the game gets a bad name.

The OBNOXITY [foolish desire] of MUST PLAY under 13 - 16 - 18 in state or national level is another fraud on majority of the children. Not every one will get into the team - Not every player selected in the team IS THE BEST PLAYER - so try your level best and leave it at that. ASK AN EXPERIENCED COACH and you will get enough information about `what would happen if you make it to the state/national level. NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. Other than bloating your EGO - and maybe a certificate or a medal here and there - NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. You won't get the moon, surely. Even, for example, if somehow you get into the Indian team itself - WHAT WOULD HAPPEN.

ASK AN INDIAN BASKETBALL PLAYER - I am not answering that one - as it would annoy many people.

YOUR CAREER IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING - and let no one tell you otherwise. My only concern is why SPORTS cannot go along - that's all. So go and study hard - AND PLAY HARD!