NBA legend Bruce Bowen to visit India

NBA legend Bruce Bowen will be on a week-long visit to India as part of a promotional tour to support the growth of basketball and to connect with fans in the country.
Bowen, whose visit is scheduled from October 31 to November 6, will travel to Kolkata, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and Ludhiana to conduct basketball clinics for players and coaches, and interact with fans at NBA Jam and Reliance Foundation Junior NBA programme, a release said today.
The 6-foot 7-inch small forward from Merced, California, is a three-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs (2003, 2005 & 2007) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on five occasions (2004-2008).

Speaking on his upcoming visit, Bowen said, "I understand that the popularity of basketball is growing rapidly in India and that more and more children are picking up the game. I can't wait to experience this myself and help train and interact with the promising young talents the country has to offer."
Yannick Colaco, NBA India Managing Director, said, "We are committed to the growth of basketball in India and Bruce Bowen's visit is another step forward in this endeavour."
Bowen would make his first stop in Kolkata from October 31 to November 1, where he will engage with students at St. Xavier's College as part of NBA Jam.

From Kolkata, the American basketball star will travel to Gurgaon on November 2, where he will participate in a special fan engagement event.
He will go to Chandigarh on November 4 to take part in the next leg of the NBA Jam at Punjab University. His final stop will be Ludhiana on November 5-6 at the Guru Nanak Stadium during the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA City Finals, where he will work with standout young players and coaches from across Punjab, the release added.
Since 2006, more than 30 active and retired NBA and WNBA players have visited India, including Muggsy Bogues, Chris Bosh, Swin Cash, Pau Gasol, Robert Horry and Dwight Howard.