Chennai
Ulhas Satyanarayan from Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, has signed a professional basketball contract with Novi Pazar Salamander for the 2024-25 season. He will become the first Indian to play in Serbia’s Division 1 basketball league, Kosarkaske Lige Srbije (KLS). The league kicks off on October 3, and Ulhas will be with the team for at least three to seven months.
This marks Ulhas’s third year signing a professional contract in Europe. He has previously played in Moldova and Malta. Talking to sources, Ulhas called this opportunity in Serbia a pivotal moment for Indian basketball, expressing his excitement to prove that Indians can compete at the highest levels globally. His ultimate dream is to play in the NBA, and he believes his experience in Serbia will help him reach that goal.
Ulhas’s journey in European basketball began in the Moldovan National League in 2021-22, followed by a stint in the Maltese BOV League Division 1, which he described as a significant step up in his career. He also represented India in international matches, including World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
During his time in the UK, Ulhas led the Westminster Dragon men’s team while studying business management, helping them secure their first championship in seven years. He credits his success to head coach Clive Castillo, who played a key role in his development. Now, with his sights set on the NBA, Ulhas continues to build his career on the European stage.
