Two Indians playing for American team Sportspower at Savio Cup

The Sportspower team logo

Two Indians, Vinay Kaushik and Prakash Mishra, donned the colours of American team SportsPower as the team was unable to get all their players on board for the 9th All India Savio Cup being played in Mumbai.

Defending champions Sportspower, who also have Jahaziel Howard – brother of NBA superstar Dwight Howard – on their team, were unable to field a full team for the tournament due to visa problems when the two Indian boys, who were in Mumbai for the national camp, took the opportunity to be a part of the side.

“Come on, it is a team from the USA, they are one of the best in business,” said Kaushik.

“Three to four of them are guards or shooters. We got to know them only day before yesterday” he added.

Mishra, who plays for Railways as a point guard and forward, was ecstatic.

“It is a big achievement. Though we had only two sessions of practice before the tournament, we are pumped up,” he said.

Sportspower coach Bill Alexson also seemed happy to have the Indian youngsters on-board.

He said: “They are guys of good character and I am paying them good money. A few ex-NBA players like David Wood are also a part of our team but unfortunately they did not get the visa.”

The Savio Cup started on January 11th and will finish on the 18th of January 2014.