DeMarcus Cousins Optimistic About Indian Basketball Ahead of BUDX NBA House 2026
Cousins' Enthusiasm for Indian Basketball
DeMarcus Cousins has shared his positive outlook on the future of basketball in India as he prepares for the BUDX NBA House 2026 event in New Delhi. He commended the talent, height, and potential of young Indian athletes.
In a conversation prior to the event, the four-time NBA All-Star expressed his excitement about participating in an initiative designed to promote basketball globally and unite diverse cultures through the sport. "I’m thrilled to be involved. Spreading basketball worldwide is a wonderful endeavor. It’s about merging cultures from various regions, and I find that truly beautiful. I’m really looking forward to it," Cousins remarked.
Observations on Indian Players
Cousins also shared insights from a recent basketball practice session he attended in India, noting the impressive physical attributes of the players. "During my visit to a practice, the first thing that struck me was the size and height of the talent here. Height is a significant advantage in basketball," he stated.
He further acknowledged the skill level of the players, indicating that Indian basketball holds considerable promise, even though it is still developing. "I was genuinely impressed by the skills I observed. There’s a bright future ahead, but there’s still much work to be done, especially for something that is just starting out," Cousins added.
Potential for Growth in Indian Basketball
Cousins highlighted India's vast population as a key factor in nurturing basketball talent, suggesting that the country could emerge as a significant player in the sport. "With one of the largest populations globally, there’s a tremendous opportunity to discover more talent. This could lead to something very special and positive for the future," he remarked.
BUDX NBA House Returns to New Delhi
Following a successful inaugural event in Mumbai last year, the BUDX NBA House is set to return to New Delhi, allowing fans to celebrate the fusion of basketball, music, and culture on May 9 and 10 at Bharat Mandapam, coinciding with the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
This year's event promises an array of engaging experiences for attendees aged 16 and above, including on-court basketball activities, live performances by both international and Indian artists, meet-and-greet opportunities with two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins, as well as BUDX Masterclasses—expert-led workshops designed to educate and inspire emerging artists and fans. Additional highlights include a 3-on-3 celebrity game, streetwear showcases, photo ops with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, and performances by the Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the dunk team. The Kings, who participated in the first NBA games in India in 2019, are returning for the second consecutive year at the BUDX NBA House.