NBA player inspires other athletes with Indian heritage

Standing at 7’5”, Indian-Canadian center Sim Bhullar, 21, towers over his opponents during basketball games — a rarity, not only for someone of Indian descent — but also within the NBA.

Bhullar, born in North York, Ontario, is the first player in the NBA with Indian heritage. He was signed by the Sacramento Kings, undrafted, this past summer.

Before the NBA, Bhullar played two years in the NCAA for the New Mexico State Aggies. Bhullar averaged 10.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game during his sophomore year. Bhullar’s most useful tool is his size advantage over other players, which allows him to get a lot of rebounds and block shots. Bhullar also has a soft touch that helps him finish under the basket.

As the first of his race to enter the NBA, he inspires others to defy what is expected of them. Indian student athletes, such as sophomore Gautham Arunkumar, are proud of Bhullar’s accomplishment.

“I felt happy when I found out that he made it to the NBA even though he wasn’t drafted,” Arunkumar said. “I think it sends a message that basketball is a sport for everyone.”

Currently, Bhullar has not played well enough to secure a spot playing in games for the Kings, but has the potential to mature his career. If Bhullar continues to succeed, he has the power to  inspire many other indian athletes, Mohanty said.

Bhullar’s entry into the NBA parallels another famous Asian-American NBA player, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jeremy Lin. Like Bhullar, Lin joined the Golden State Warriors undrafted in 2010. In 2012, Lin unexpectedly played outstandingly in a couple of games for the New York Knicks, attracting fans from all over the world.

“[Bhullar’s entrance] will also open the door for other racial players like how Jeremy Lin did for Asian-Americans. Maybe he can possibly do the same for Indians,” junior Jatin Mohanty said.

Even though Bhullar has not yet reached Lin’s level, Mohanty believes that Bhullar’s accomplishment of getting into the NBA is already inspiring.

“It’s good to see that someone of your race is in the NBA, so you feel represented,” Mohanty said. “It gives you a goal to shoot for, along with motivation.”