From the crowded streets of New Delhi to the intense arenas of Serbia’s top-tier league, Ulhas KS is scripting history with every dribble.
In this exclusive interview with IndiaSportsHub, the rising star opens up about his journey, challenges, and unwavering dream of reaching the NBA.
Q1. Growing up in Kancheepuram and New Delhi, where cricket overshadows basketball, what sparked your love for hoops at age seven, and who were your early mentors or role models?
Ulhas: It all started by chance. When I was 7, my class teacher asked me to pick an outdoor sport. I picked cricket—full. Then football—full. Volleyball—full again.
Finally, I asked, “Ma’am, is there any sport left?” She said basketball. I replied, “What is that?” And that’s how it began. Just three days into playing, I made the school team. The game came naturally to me.
That early success kept me hooked. Then I discovered the late legend Kobe Bryant. Watching him, I didn’t just love the game—I felt like basketball chose me.
Q2. Moving to London for university in 2016 and earning International Player of the Year with Westminster’s team was a huge leap. How did that shape your path to professional basketball?
Ulhas: Before London, I played for Delhi state U-19 and won medals nationally. But I realized if I truly wanted to go pro, I had to step out—India wasn’t ready yet.
So, I joined the University of Westminster. On the day of tryouts, I outperformed and made the first team. I quickly adapted to the European style of play and won the International Player of the Year award in my first year.
Later, I captained the team, led them to their first championship in 7 years, and competed in England’s National University League. Facing top UK prospects made me mentally and tactically sharper—perfect prep for the pro level.
Q3. You’ve made history as the first Indian in Serbia’s KLS with OKK Novi Pazar. What does this achievement mean to you?
Ulhas: It means everything. Playing in Serbia, the world’s #2 basketball nation, is surreal. Many of my teammates have played for Serbia’s U23, U20, and even Red Star’s EuroLeague team.
Competing with and against that level of talent has elevated my game. I’ve faced current and former EuroLeague prospects—this is elite basketball. And I belong here.
Q4. You fractured your jaw right before your Serbian debut. How did you stay focused and return stronger?
Ulhas: Two months before my debut, I fractured my jaw during a practice match in India. Surgery followed immediately. I was on a liquid diet for a month and couldn’t speak.
Still, two days post-surgery, I resumed light workouts. The pain was constant—smiling, eating, even car rides hurt. But my dream kept me going. I wore a face mask to protect my jaw, trained relentlessly, and finally returned after 3 months. I played through the pain. The only thought in my mind? Make India proud.
Q5. You’ve played in Spain, Malta, and represented India in FIBA Asia World Cup Qualifiers. How have these experiences shaped your game?
Ulhas: Each country and coach taught me something different. I’ve been a scorer, a playmaker, a defender—whatever the team needed. As a combo guard, I’ve learned to be adaptable. That’s my greatest strength—being like water. Constantly adjusting and improving.
Q6. Serbia’s league is known for its physical play and tactical complexity. What’s been your biggest on-court adjustment?
Ulhas: The biggest shift is realizing how defense-focused the league is. Scoring 5 points here feels like 20 elsewhere. Coaches value roles—screens, rebounds, defense—not just stats. I’ve learned to master one thing at a time.
Competing with elite European athletes has pushed me to new levels. After this season, I can proudly say I belong among the best here. I’m one step closer to the NBA.
Q7. What’s your role with Novi Pazar this season?
Ulhas: I play as a combo guard. My role changes game-to-game—sometimes I create offense, sometimes I lock down on defense. But defense has been my key strength this season, and that’s where the coach has relied on me most.
Q8. Who’s your favorite NBA player, and how does their journey inspire you?
Ulhas: I started loving the game because of Kobe Bryant. But my playing style is influenced by Stephen Curry. My teammates even call me the “Indian Steph Curry” here! I study Curry for offense and guys like Jrue Holiday and Pat Beverley for defense.
Curry’s story mirrors mine—called too small, too skinny, not athletic enough. Now he’s the greatest shooter ever. He’s proof that anything’s possible.
Q9. If basketball wasn’t your path, what would you be doing instead?
Ulhas: I consider myself a yogi before anything else. I’ve been meditating since I was 7 and have taught yoga for years. It’s about mastering the mind, body, emotion, and energy.
Off the court, I also have a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation—so business interests me. But none of these define me. They just enhance who I am, on and off the court.
Q10. You’re changing the narrative for Indian basketball. What’s your message for young Indian players, and what must India do to grow the game?
Ulhas: If you’re serious, start early and learn the game the right way. With access to information now, the only thing stopping you is you. India needs a professional league—6-8 months long, with good pay—to make basketball viable.
That would motivate players, parents, and fans. We also need better training facilities in schools and colleges. With proper structure, we can produce world-class talent. I’m living proof that Indians can go global in basketball.
IndiaSportsHub is proud to spotlight athletes like Ulhas, who are not just chasing dreams but changing the game—for India and beyond.
