Sim Bhullar declares for 2014 NBA draft; could be first professional basketball player of Indian descent

Sim and his brother Tanveer Bhullar of New Mexico State University.

Born and brought up in Toronto, Canada, Sim Bhullar has declared for the June 2014 NBA Draft and, now has the chance to be the first professional basketball player of Indian descent.

“As soon as I got home, I wanted to talk to my family,” Bhullar told the Las Cruces Sun-News. “Ever since I was a kid, nobody thought I would ever make it this far in basketball. People told me how proud they were that I was a good player at the college level and that I have made it further than anyone has ever made it from India. They just told me to follow my heart and do whatever makes me happy.”

Bhullar has revealed that up to 15 teams have contacted him, and hopes to work out all the details after May 2.

“I came out here [Houston] and worked out for a couple days,” Bhullar said. “I wanted to see where I’m at compared to other guys in the NBA. Coach [John] Lucas really really helped me out with that. He is a big part of the decision.”

“My brother came to his camp two years ago. [Lucas] had a good relationship with him. I knew this was a place I wanted to be. I heard so many things about him and how many pros he works with and how he gets them ready for the next level,” he added.

Bhullar has a younger brother, Tanveer is also a promising basketball prodigy, and stands at 7 feet 3 inches, two inches short of Sim.

“I know that if I’m drafted, I will be the first Indian,” he added. “It would be a great feeling. Hopefully I can make everyone proud. I have to keep working hard. Hopefully I will not only play in the NBA, but stay there for awhile.”

Bhullar, a two-time WAC tournament MVP, helped his college New Mexico State reach the NCAA Tournament.

I want to thank my family and friends for helping me make my decision. I have officially decided to enter my name into the 2014 NBA Draft.
— Sim Bhullar (@SimBhullar2) April 25, 2014

Expand Tweet