On July 28, it was announced by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium that Princepal Singh has signed a contract with the G League Select Team through the professional pathway program.
Charania’s report states that 19-year-old Singh will “train and play” alongside the select team and will be the first NBA Academy India graduate to sign a professional deal. As well as being the first NBA Academy graduate to sign in the G League.
The news of Singh’s acquisition was later confirmed officially by the NBA G League.
Singh’s Basketball Beginnings:
The 6-foot-10 forward/center was born in India, where he learned how to play basketball through the Ludhiana Basketball Academy (LBA). This led to him earning a 3-year full scholarship in 2016 worth $75,000, to play at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio. However, this didn’t materialize due to his visa being rejected.
Singh diverted to join the NBA Academy India in Delhi, where he was called up to the NBA Global Academy (Canberra, Australia) in May 2017, on a 2-year contract. Later in the year, he won a gold medal with India at the SABA Under-16 Championships in Nepal. Scoring 20 points in the final.
In April 2018, he featured at the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championships in China. Averaging 22.7 points and 13 rebounds throughout the tournament. That same year he captained India in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championships in Thailand. Averaging 15.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.
In December 2018, Singh was called up to the Indian senior national team. Where he played at the Super Kung Sheung Cup International Championship in Hong Kong.
Also in December 2018, the Indian prospect took part in the G League Winter Showcase in Las Vegas. As one of 25 NBA Academy athletes to display their talents in front of NBA and G League scouts and executives.
Singh then went onto being named the MVP at the Indian Junior National Championship in October 2019. Leading Punjab to the championship, after scoring 40 points in the final.
In early 2020, he won a gold medal with Punjab in the under-21 category of the Khelo India Youth Games. This was followed by another selection to the Indian senior national team for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification game against Bahrain. Where had 3 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 minutes, in a 68-67 loss.
Singh’s Move to the G League:
Singh will now join the G League select team in Southern California. Alongside fellow prospects Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix, and Kai Sotto. A team that is to be coached by 3-time NBA Champion, Brian Shaw.
President of the G League, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, had the following to say about Princepal Singh joining the G League ranks with the new select team for elite prospects.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Princepal the opportunity to begin his professional basketball journey in the NBA G League. We’ve long hoped that our development pathway for elite high school players would include roster spots for emerging international talent, including players who have participated in the NBA Academy program, and we’re excited to have Princepal forge this new path and develop his skills in our league”
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
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