NBL: Sydney Kings' Amritpal Singh makes history

The 26-year-old was on the floor for 14 minutes and was a perfect three-for-three from the field to finish with 7 points. Singh also posted a block and a rebound in the 90-108 loss on 11 November.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I found out [that I would be starting]. I have been working hard in training and really gelling with my teammates."

India centre Amritpal Singh continued his meteoric rise by becoming the first Indian to start a National Basketball League (NBL) game after turning up for Sydney Kings against Melbourne United. The 26-year-old was on the floor for 14 minutes and was a perfect three-for-three from the field to finish with 7 points. Singh also posted a block and a rebound in the 90-108 loss on 11 November.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I found out [that I would be starting]. I have been working hard in training and really gelling with my teammates. I thank Sydney Kings’ coaching staff and will keep making the most of the opportunities that come my way,” Singh said.

Singh has played all nine games so far this season and notably leads the squad in field goal percentage (71%), highlighting his efficiency. His 14 minutes versus United were his highest after the 11 minutes against Adelaide 36ers back on 21 October. This shows the Kings’ growing reliance on the big man from Punjab.

Kings will next face Illawarra Hawks on Thursday, November 16, 7:30 pm AEDT (1 am IST) followed by the Adelaide 36ers on November 18.

Thereafter, Amritpal will be returning to national duty for the all important 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification (Asia) vs Lebanon on November 23 (away game) followed by the home game vs Syria on November 26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.