Star of Indian basketball hopes to stand tall in top US league

“It’s a great opportunity and one of my dreams to play in the WNBA. I’ve 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 women’s basketball’s biggest star currently,and plays as centre (the tallest player) on the national team. She is,however,aware that her 6’1” frame might not fit the centre’s role at WNBA,and she will have to play as power forward.

“As Centre,I’m used to making baskets,but as power forward,my job will be to assist my team-mates and set up points. I’ll 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 can’t 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.

“It’s 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. I’m a little scared,but I hope the whole country prays for me,because I really want this badly,” she said.