NBA Academy India's standout Jaideep Rathore wants to play for India and in the NBA

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Jaideep Rathore

Best way to describe to Jaideep Rathore's position at the NBA Academy India would be unique. 

The facility is already home to the most promising young prospects in India and the young 14-year-old has managed to set himself apart. 

"Jaideep is probably our youngest player. He is point guard, strictly. He is a lefty. I think the only lefty we have but he stood out when we had our ACG NBA Jump program," said Scott Flemming, NBA Academy India's technical director, when asked to speak about Rathore. 

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"He was probably the best passer, maybe, in the whole tryouts."

At such a young age, given his special skill set, Rathore has found the platform required to make the most of his love for the sport and make his dreams a reality. 

"I love basketball and I want to be successful in it," said Rathore. 

"I want to play for India and outside of India as well. I want to play in the NBA too. I want to make my country proud. I want to make India proud. I want to make Rajasthan proud."

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Ronald Cass, NBA Academy India's player development coach, emphasizes Rathore's uniqueness and his value. 

"That's something we need at the Academy. Players that want to pass," Cass said. 

"Everybody wants to shoot, everybody wants to shoot the ball. I think he's [Rathore] the one player in the academy that wants to pass."

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