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Double impact
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A team man to the hilt, Pankaj is steadily growing to be a name to reckon with in basketball
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— Photo: P.V. Sivakumar
Although he's a forward, Pankaj pounces on offensive and defensive rebounds like a predator.
"PANKAJ'S VERY presence on one side of the court has its impact on a match's outcome," says Mohd. Rizwan, former Indian captain. In the current scenario, he's easily the brightest talent in Andhra Pradesh, with none to match his all-round abilities the elder statesman says with admiration.
Although a forward, Pankaj pounces on offensive and defensive rebounds like a predator. Opportunities are meant to be grabbed with both hands and the range of his shooting is impressive too, the three-pointers in particular, adds Rizwan.
The sight of Pankaj on the prowl should be the delight of any fan of the game. As a virtual unknown, he became the darling of the crowds in Kotkapura, Punjab, where his side was playing a visiting Canadian team, recalls Eugene George, in whose charge Pankaj made his maiden national appearance in the sub-juniors in Pondicherry.
Pitted against the much taller North American players, Pankaj even executed a dunk that had the crowd in raptures. Little wonder then that after the match, in a spontaneous show of affection, people of the sports-loving State pooled in their resources to shower him and partner Nagaraj with gifts. To them, it was a token of affection for the man who almost single-handedly swung things the home side's way.
Tracing his growth, George said the young lad began as a pivot then started operating from the `outside' and then evolved into an all-rounder. An able referee who has monitored the play of a generation or two of players, George should know. With a nearly 90 per cent strike rate in shooting, Pankaj's accuracy is out of the ordinary.
In a seven-member squad depleted by the departure of stalwarts, Pankaj rose to the challenge in the south zone championships at Salem, Tamil Nadu. The host was then the defending national champion. Quite unfazed, Pankaj went about his task of dismantling the champion side's defence with the skill of a surgeon.
Pankaj took part in the World Railway Games and some traits are responsible for his climb to the top. He's soft-spoken, never known to throw tantrums and respects referees. Very fast and attacking, his drive-in shooting penetrates rival citadels like a knife cuts through butter. Despite an aggressive approach to his duties, he's a disciplined player too, notes George, who can't recall a wrong pass from Pankaj.
An aptitude to adapt can bring out a feint in the last minute or a jump shot, making him a very reliable hand to have around. A team man to the finish, he never plays for individual glory nor is he selfish with his shies at the basket. Some chinks appear in his armour though.
Rizwan finds him injury prone and urges improved physical fitness. Pankaj's openness to advice is admirable but as a seasoned player in the State and country, he ought to take his own decisions on some crucial matters, suggests Rizwan.
A. JOSEPH ANTONY
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