- India
- International
Indias best woman hoopster could soon become the first Indian woman to play in the ultra-competitive American Womens National Basketball League. Geethu Anna Jose has been invited for selection trials by top WNBA teams Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks.
The 25-year-old Kerala-born player is flying to the US on April 22. A four-day training stint at the end of the month will be followed by a trial match and a battery of tests to ascertain her fitness,leading up to possible selection.
Its a great opportunity and one of my dreams to play in the WNBA. Ive always prayed to God for strength to work harder. I hope I have the confidence too,because this is a big,big chance, Geethu said,unable to hide either her anxiety or her hopes.
Geethu received clearance from the Indian basketball authorities today,and is going for her visa interview tomorrow. Geethu is Indian womens basketballs biggest star currently,and plays as centre (the tallest player) on the national team. She is,however,aware that her 61 frame might not fit the centres role at WNBA,and she will have to play as power forward.
As Centre,Im used to making baskets,but as power forward,my job will be to assist my team-mates and set up points. Ill need to be more aggressive and confident, she said.
Confidence will indeed be critical. Geethu is reticent by nature,and needed a lot of bolstering by the American coach Tamika Raymond who was with the Indian team for the Asian Games last November.
I know I cant be laidback. I will have to dash forward. Tamika helped me a lot, said Geethu.
Geethu has played for the Australian division team Ringwood Hawks,but turned down a chance to play in the Australian top league. She has missed some near-chances in the US school league earlier,and is desperate to make this chance count.
Its something that would have made my dad very,very happy, she says of the father she lost four years ago. My mother has told me that I have to be strong. Im a little scared,but I hope the whole country prays for me,because I really want this badly, she said.