MUMBAI:
The NBA’s Iron Man will now play a major role in the growth of basketball in India. United Basketball Alliance (UBA) Professional Basketball League, having successfully conducted four seasons in India, announced they’ve brought on NBA Legend AC Green as Director of Sport for the UBA.
“Today, we continue our commitment to India and the game of basketball by adding a key member to our team who brings the game’s highest level of professionalism to the UBA. We’re excited to have AC as part of our team and look forward to continued growth of basketball in India,” says Tommy Fisher, UBA Chairman.
AC Green started making his mark in basketball in college by winning the PAC-10 Player of the Year award at Oregon State, where his number 45 is now retired. Green was drafted 23rd overall in the 1st Round of 1985 NBA Draft by one of the NBA’s most illustrious franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers. Green won three NBA Championships with the Lakers in 1987 and 1988 with the team known as “Showtime” and another in 2000. In addition to winning championships playing alongside Lakers teammates Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar in the 1980’s, he won his third title playing with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
With the Lakers, Green developed as an efficient power forward who made a name for himself with his gritty play. Green was an NBA All-Star in 1990. Over his 16 year career, Green scored more than 12,300 points and remains among the league’s best all-time rebounders, being 18th overall in NBA history for offensive rebounds. Green earned the nickname ‘Iron Man’ for playing in an NBA record 1,192 consecutive games over 16 seasons. Green’s Iron Man record still stands today.
AC Green mentions, “Basketball is such an important part of my life and I am happy to be heading to India once again to help further the growth and development of the sport I love. The UBA has made great strides in the last two years and I look forward to building upon that success.”
Green established the A.C. Green Youth Foundation in 1989, to help young people build self-esteem and character, and learn moral and ethical principles which will help them make responsible decisions. Green has traveled to China, India, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines for speaking appearances. His tremendous humaritian efforts has earned Green a spot in the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.
With this association, the UBA reaffirmed its commitment towards contributing to the growth of basketball in India.
