Larry Hughes Basketball Academy (LHBA) is a premier basketball training program founded by former NBA player Larry Hughes. LHBA offers cutting-edge training facilities and programs for youth basketball players. As a 13-year NBA veteran, Larry Hughes played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Chicago Bulls. Larry Hughes Basketball Academy is now seeking franchise partners in India to establish high-quality training academies and elevate the sport of basketball in the country.
Please share about your entrepreneurial journey & what led to the birth of Basketball Training Systems?
The entire credit goes to basketball. It has allowed me to take care of my family, travel and give back to the youth of the world. I started when I was 12, and my mom introduced me to the sport because she wanted me to stay out of trouble. Basketball has enabled me to move into my second journey post my professional journey in basketball. It taught me discipline and introduced me to new mentors and coaches. It also allowed me to become a businessman.
I am a giver by nature, and my mom raised me to always think about others. So, whatever skills and knowledge I gained throughout my career, I wanted to give back to young people. Basketball Training Systems is an academy that offers best practices not just in basketball but also in skill development, character advice, and strategies for overcoming adversity. Our mission at Basketball Training Systems is to build peak performers on and off the court.
How should a sports infrastructure be developed, and what investments are needed?
For any market to grow or develop a sports infrastructure, we must first recognize the needs and wants of that territory. As the world is becoming smaller with social media and access to multiple sports options and brands, we must give our kids and families access to different sports options and motivate them to participate in multiple sports. Developing any sports culture or infrastructure requires heavy investment in training and development, starting from scratch with fundamental skill development and understanding the rules of the game. This is how passion for the sport and energy is created.
What kind of potential do you see in the Indian market, and what kind of franchise partnerships will you offer to interested investors?
I see a huge potential in the Indian market. The need to learn basketball is growing across India, and it is our job to understand the market and bring forward the fundamentals of basketball. Regarding expansion in India via franchising, we prefer working on area licensing deals with someone passionate about the game and who understands its intricacies.
What kind of sports franchise trends do you see in the industry now?
Any area or territory with courts will attract people, especially kids, if they have a fundamental understanding of how to play a sport and have fun. These courts grow quickly, especially indoor courts, as they can promote events year-round. Referring to basketball, it is no longer a seasonal sport, as it is played year-round with plenty of indoor courts available. It is essential that any facility or infrastructure, big or small, for a BTS center to be elite. The player needs to spend a longer time there and compete with peers, so the partner or franchise needs to build or convert existing courts into elite training clubs with standardized systems in place.
