India's Princepal Singh signs with NBA G League

Princepal Singh is the first NBA Academy graduate to sign with the NBA G League and first NBA Academy India graduate to sign a professional contract.

Principal Singh has also represented India in international competitions as part of the Indian men’s senior national team. [File image]

NBA Academy graduate Princepal Singh, a 6' 10" forward from Punjab, has signed to play in the NBA G League next season.

Singh, who will train and compete alongside the new G League team featuring elite youth prospects, is the first NBA Academy graduate to sign with the NBA G League and first NBA Academy India graduate to sign a professional contract.

READ | Princepal's tryst with destiny

“We are thrilled to be able to offer Princepal the opportunity to begin his professional basketball journey in the NBA G League,” said NBA G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “We’ve long hoped that our development pathway for elite high school players would include roster spots for emerging international talent, including players who have participated in the NBA Academy program, and we’re excited to have Princepal forge this new path and develop his skills in our league.”

“We are very proud of Princepal, who has worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity as he continues to be a trailblazer for the NBA Academy program and basketball in India,” said NBA Vice President, Head of International Basketball Development Troy Justice.

“Playing in the NBA G League alongside some of the most talented up-and-coming players and under the tutelage of head coach Brian Shaw will allow Princepal to build on the foundation and framework he developed under an incredible staff of NBA Academy coaches in India and Australia over the last several years.”

Singh also represented India in international competitions as part of the Indian men’s senior national team. The NBA G League gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life-skills training.

Singh will have the opportunity to accelerate his oncourt development alongside top high school recruits from the class of 2020 Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix, Kai Sotto and Jonathan Kuminga who have signed to play in the NBA G League for the 2020-21 season.

Five-time NBA champion Brian Shaw will serve as head coach of their team, which will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team.