Lewis, 39, was on his maiden visit to India recently where he attended multiple clinics conducted by NBA.
Former NBA star and a pro basketball player Rashard Lewis said India has a bright future in basketball, but it needs the right push.
Lewis, 39, was on his maiden visit to India recently where he attended multiple clinics conducted by NBA. And he said that the country has got all the potential for the growth of sport.
"The future of basketball in India can be bright but it needs continuous push through communities and grassroots. It's important to know the fundamentals of the game and how to play it the right way," Lewis, who has played for Seattle Supersonic and Miami Heat, told DNA.
"The game of basketball can further your education as against scholarships in college. Everybody can't make the NBA, but you have select few guys who can make there. Basketball took me to different countries, (helped me) become a better person. It teaches younger kids about discipline," he adds.
There have been Indian basketball players like Satnam Singh who made it to NBA, Dallas Mavericks, but didn't play a game. Palpreet Singh Barr was drafted in D League.
Asked what does it take to last long in NBA, Lewis said: "I think it takes dedication. Hard work. Not only that, one should start when you are young, like how we have started grassroots programmer. You can't start as a teenager and decide to play basketball. You have a lot of catching up to do.
"Start as younger kids. You keep learning and as you grow you keep on learning the game. By the time you are teenager even an adult, you have the experience of learning and playing the proper way, where you can go and compete at the higher level," said Lewis.
On his experience of playing with the legendary Lebron James, Lewis said: "(He is the) Best player in NBA. Playing against him when I was in Orlando (Magics) which I hated, he was a tough guy to guard. I played with him in the play offs. I think he averages 50 points.
"Playing with him in Miami I learn about him, how smart he is with the game. He can go out there and probably be the MVP every year. (He can) Average 40-50 points every year, if he plays that way, but he plays to win. He is involved the in game, that's why he made finals nine years in a row. He is not a stat stuffer, he doesn't care about points, but cares about winning."
Lewis, who made his NBA debut in 1998, has just one NBA title to his name which came in 2013 while playing for Miami Heats. "Not easy, its very hard. I made three times to the plays offs. It's hard to win, because its very competitive."
KNOW RASHARD
- Name: Rashard Lewis
- Born in August 8, 1979
- Made his debut in 1998 for Seattle Supersonic
- Won the NBA title while playing for Miami Heat in 2013
- Was part of NBA All Star twice (2005, 2009)
- Was Mr Basketball USA in 1998
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