NBA in India: Kings owner Vivek Ranadive's journey from Juhu to NBA

Sacramento Kings owner - Vivek Ranadive - is considered to be the mastermind behind the first NBA game to be played in India. Indiana Pacers take on Sacramento Kings in back-to-back NBA India matches on October 4 and 5, respectively. The matches will be played at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai. Here is short insight into the life of Kings' owner - Vivek Ranadive.

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NBA India Games 2019: Vivek Ranadive - From Juhu to Sacramento 

Vivek Ranadive was born in Juhu back in October 1957. The young Mumbaikar was one of the first few Indians to study at MIT and Harvard. Ranadive, who is the founder and former CEO of TIBCO, is now the co-owner and chairman of the National Basketball Association franchise - Sacramento Kings. Ranadive is adamant that the action to bring NBA teams for pre-season games is not just driven by emotions. The 61-year-old is confident that basketball will go onto become the second most popular sport in India behind cricket.

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NBA India Games 2019: Kings' Harrison Barnes talks up India outing

"So far the visit (to India) has been great. I am looking forward to coming back to be part of the team (in the pre season NBA games). I want to let them (Indian fans) see the energy and intensity of the game itself, in person," the 26-year-old Iowa-born Barnes told reporters here during his first visit to the country. I have just been around the kids (young basketball players). They are going to be happy and excited to see the game in person. That will be a great experience," Barnes, who is on a visit to Delhi and Mumbai, told PTI.

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