City gets pro-league basketball

The UBA is a professional basketball league with teams based in key cities across India for fans of all ages. The UBA television team includes Emmy Award winners from the United States and an experienced production team of Americans who have worked for NBA, NFL, NCAA and MLB games. 

UBA PRO Basketball League is head-quartered in Pune and has a city team, known as Pune Peshwas. The league has seven other teams, namely, Haryana Gold, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam, Mumbai Challengers, Hyderabad Sky, Punjab Steelers and Bengaluru Beasts. 

Chennai had made a strong case for hosting the UBA as defending champions. Chennai Slam have been the most successful franchise in the League, having made it to the finals thrice and having won the title twice. They also made it to the finals in Season 2 where they were bested by Delhi Capitals. They featured newcomer Brendon Pineda-Morales from the USA who’s won the National Junior College Association Championship with Phoenix (Junior) College in USA. Their starting line-up included Agu Chukwunanu, Ram Kumar, Brendon Pineda-Morales, Rikin Pethani and Jairam Jat. 

Following the successful completion of the league’s second Pro -Performance Camp in Phoenix during December 2016, a group of 15 elite UBA players joined the American players and together, underwent various team-building exercises, working on fundamentals, dribbling, defense techniques and shooting drills. The international players have been allotted to different teams across India. At least one international American player will be added on each UBA team, creating stronger competition, performance and a unique experience for the fans of basketball across India.

The most experienced American player coming to India to play in UBA Season 4 is Alex Scales, who played with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Scales was a star at the University of Oregon in the NCAA before launching his pro career which includes two different NBA D-League teams and professional teams around the world in 11 different countries. Another player joining Scales is an American player of Indian origin, Chris Solomon who played college ball in Florida at Northwood University, then professionally in Italy and Mexico. 

The inclusion of these two stars is sure to raise the level and pace of the game. Other American players include Ron March, Pierre Newton, Tevin Kelly, Mak Boskailo, De’Sean Mattox, Jimmy Scroggins, Brendan Pineda-Morales and Dermaine Crockrell.

On announcing Season Four, CEO of United Basketball Alliance Tommy Fisher, said, “We are absolutely elated to raise the game of basketball in India for the fourth season of UBA. Our goal is to always improve in all aspects from the previous season. The past three seasons have shown significant growth and excitement, and we expect nothing less in Season 4.”