India can produce NBA stars as well, says De'Aaron Fox

India as a nation is all geared up to host their first-ever NBA game. The Sacramento Kings will take on Indiana Pacers in two preseason games on October 4 and October 5 in Mumbai. The teams will play their first game in front of stadium full of kids from Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program, and the will be open for the fans who have bought tickets.

Sacramento Kings' player De'Aaron Fox hopes that the two teams can put up an exciting show on Friday and Saturday.

"Hopefully, we can come out, put on a good show and just keep it exciting. If it's exciting for someone who is watching basketball for the first time, then he or she becomes a fan and hopefully, the game will continue to grow in the future," said Fox.

Fox believes that any country can produce NBA stars and that India is no different, even though basketball is not as popular as cricket in this country.

"I think any country can produce a basketball star. If someone plays basketball for the first time, one may not be good, but if one practices on a consistent basis, then he or she will get better. So, India can produce NBA stars as well," said the 21-year-old.

Indiana Pacers' player Myles Turner believes that the NBA India Games 2019 will open up a different market for NBA.

"These games are going to open up a different market. NBA is popular in our part of the world, but I feel that basketball is growing internationally. It will be inspiring for the kids when they watch their stars play in front of them," said Turner.

Turner expressed that this trip to India will increase the bonding between the members of the side since all of them are away from their friends and family back home.

"This trip to India will definitely help the members of our team to bond with each other. We don't know anyone here other than our teammates, so we have to hang out with each other. So, the bonding between the players becomes greater," said the 23-year-old.