Riyanshu Negi was one of the first 21 student-athletes selected for NBA Academy India's first batch of development prospects in 2017.
A lot has changed in the kid from Roorkee, Uttarakhand since then, something he and his coach agree with.
"When Negi first came in with all these guys, Negi's body looked athletic but he just had no muscle," says Todd Gates, NBA Academy India's strength and conditioning coach.
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"While training the most difficult part for me was lifting weights, because I never lifted weights back at home. So it was kind of new for me," said Negi, adding to coach Gates' point.
There's a reason for this initial struggle and coach Gates gives us an insight into that.
"These players here never been exposed to a strength and conditioning program. A real strength and conditioning program."
Once at the Academy, Negi and Gates worked together and helped the former build a better physique.
"Coach Todd helped me a lot. He helped me with his new exercises. He used to train me really hard. Now, I have gained like 10 kgs. Now, I'm 77 kgs and I feel much stronger."
Now aged 17, two years since joining the Academy, Negi feels stronger and coach Gates believes he looks stronger as well.