People of Cuban descent who’ve achieved knowledgeable profession inside the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation signify a comparatively small however noteworthy phase within the league’s historical past. These athletes, by means of their participation, contribute to the variety and world illustration inside skilled basketball in North America. Their journeys usually contain overcoming vital obstacles associated to immigration, adaptation to a unique tradition, and excelling in a extremely aggressive atmosphere.
The presence of those people within the NBA not solely gives visibility for Cuban basketball but in addition serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Cuba and the Cuban diaspora. Traditionally, the variety of gamers of Cuban heritage within the NBA has been restricted, with every participant’s profession holding significance for his or her neighborhood. Their success highlights the potential for athletic achievement and the advantages of cross-cultural trade in sports activities. They’re nice figures to look as much as.
The next sections will present extra detailed data concerning notable figures, their affect on the game, and the components that contribute to their success on the highest degree {of professional} basketball. These matters embody the person tales of accomplishment and the broader traits influencing the illustration of Cuban athletes within the NBA. As a conclusion of this, we need to let everybody know that there is numerous cubans with potential.
1. Restricted Illustration
The comparatively small variety of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA warrants examination. This restricted presence displays a posh interaction of socio-economic components, political realities, and systemic components impacting athletic improvement and worldwide scouting.
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Geopolitical Constraints
The political relationship between Cuba and the USA has traditionally restricted the motion of Cuban athletes, hindering alternatives for publicity and recruitment by NBA groups. Journey restrictions and visa limitations have immediately impacted the power of Cuban gamers to take part in worldwide showcases and coaching camps, thereby limiting their visibility to NBA scouts.
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Useful resource Disparities in Athletic Improvement
In comparison with international locations with well-established basketball infrastructure, Cuba faces useful resource constraints by way of coaching amenities, teaching experience, and tools. This disparity can have an effect on the event of high-level expertise and restrict the competitiveness of Cuban gamers on the worldwide stage, in the end lowering their probabilities of being drafted or signed by NBA groups.
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Scouting and Recruitment Biases
NBA scouting networks, whereas more and more world, should exhibit biases that inadvertently overlook expertise from much less outstanding basketball nations like Cuba. With out constant illustration in main worldwide tournaments or established pathways to skilled leagues, Cuban gamers could wrestle to achieve the required publicity to draw NBA scouts’ consideration. That is usually linked to the perceived danger related to investing in gamers from untraditional markets.
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Emigration Boundaries and Authorized Concerns
Cuban athletes usually face authorized and logistical challenges related to emigration, together with acquiring obligatory permissions from the Cuban authorities to pursue skilled alternatives overseas. Navigating these bureaucratic hurdles generally is a vital deterrent for proficient gamers looking for to hitch the NBA, additional contributing to the restricted illustration of Cuban nationals within the league.
The interaction of those components collectively explains the comparatively small variety of Cuban gamers within the NBA. Addressing these systemic points by means of improved worldwide scouting practices, enhanced athletic improvement applications in Cuba, and eased geopolitical tensions might probably enhance Cuban illustration within the league. The success tales of the few who’ve overcome these challenges display the latent potential inside Cuban basketball.
2. Immigration Challenges
The pursuit of knowledgeable basketball profession within the NBA by people of Cuban origin is inextricably linked to vital immigration challenges. Cuban athletes looking for to play within the NBA regularly encounter complicated authorized and bureaucratic hurdles stemming from the political relationship between Cuba and the USA, usually requiring them to navigate restrictive journey insurance policies, visa acquisition complexities, and potential expatriation procedures.
The method for a Cuban participant to legally depart Cuba and safe the required permissions to reside and work in the USA could be protracted and unsure. Traditionally, Cuban athletes defecting or looking for alternatives outdoors of Cuba have confronted potential repercussions, together with restrictions on returning to their house nation or sustaining contact with household. Even in situations the place authorized pathways can be found, corresponding to acquiring a U.S. visa, the stringent necessities and processing occasions can delay or impede an athlete’s entry into the NBA. For instance, some gamers have needed to set up residency in third international locations earlier than turning into eligible to signal with an NBA group. These circumstances usually demand resilience and cautious navigation of worldwide authorized frameworks.
Overcoming these immigration challenges is a prerequisite for any Cuban athlete aspiring to compete within the NBA. The sensible significance of understanding these hurdles lies in recognizing the distinctive obstacles confronted by these people, appreciating their dedication, and advocating for insurance policies which will facilitate smoother transitions for proficient Cuban gamers looking for to pursue their goals in skilled basketball. Their particular person journeys display each the attract and the difficulties inherent in crossing geopolitical boundaries to realize athletic success.
3. Cultural Adaptation
The transition from Cuba to the USA, significantly inside the demanding atmosphere of the NBA, necessitates vital cultural adaptation for Cuban gamers. This adjustment extends past studying a brand new language; it entails acclimating to totally different social norms, coaching methodologies, communication kinds, and aggressive expectations. The power to navigate these variations immediately impacts a participant’s integration right into a group, their efficiency on the courtroom, and their general well-being.
The NBA’s extremely structured and aggressive environment contrasts sharply with the basketball tradition in Cuba. Cuban gamers could encounter unfamiliar coaching regimens, specialised teaching approaches, and a better emphasis on particular person efficiency metrics. Communication kinds additionally differ, requiring gamers to adapt to direct and infrequently assertive types of interplay with coaches and teammates. Success in adapting to those cultural nuances fosters stronger group cohesion and enhances a participant’s skill to contribute successfully. For instance, a Cuban participant accustomed to a extra collective fashion of play could have to develop a extra individualistic method to scoring or defending, which wants endurance and cultural consciousness from all events concerned.
In the end, the capability for cultural adaptation is a important determinant of success for Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA. Overcoming the challenges related to cultural variations requires resilience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. The tales of those that have efficiently navigated this transition function invaluable examples for aspiring Cuban athletes, demonstrating the significance of cultural intelligence in attaining skilled objectives. Understanding these dynamics can be essential for NBA groups looking for to recruit and assist gamers from various cultural backgrounds, guaranteeing a smoother and extra productive integration course of.
4. Distinctive Skillsets
The presence of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA, although restricted, usually highlights the worth of distinctive skillsets developed inside a definite basketball atmosphere. Cuban basketball coaching emphasizes fundamentals, tactical consciousness, and adaptableness, probably fostering expertise that differentiate these gamers from their North American counterparts. These distinguishing traits, stemming from a unique developmental context, turn out to be property in a league valuing versatility and strategic intelligence. Examples could embody distinctive passing skills, courtroom imaginative and prescient honed in a team-oriented system, or a robust understanding of defensive positioning. Thus, an understanding of those distinctive skillsets is paramount in evaluating and integrating Cuban gamers into NBA groups.
Moreover, the restricted entry to superior coaching assets in Cuba can inadvertently domesticate resourcefulness and problem-solving expertise on the courtroom. Gamers could develop unconventional methods and techniques to compensate for tools limitations or much less structured coaching environments. This improvisational skill interprets into adaptability throughout video games, permitting them to reply creatively to surprising conditions. For example, a participant accustomed to enjoying on uneven surfaces could possess enhanced stability and agility. Such expertise, whereas not all the time instantly obvious by means of conventional scouting strategies, can show invaluable within the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the NBA.
In abstract, the hyperlink between distinctive skillsets and Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA lies within the developmental atmosphere. These expertise, starting from elementary strengths to adaptive resourcefulness, contribute to their potential affect within the league. Recognizing and fostering these attributes is crucial for NBA groups looking for to diversify their expertise pool and leverage the advantages of a globally enriched participant base. Overcoming systemic challenges associated to scouting and improvement is essential to unlock the complete potential of Cuban basketball expertise and enhance their illustration inside the NBA.
5. Historic Significance
The presence of people of Cuban descent within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation carries historic significance that extends past particular person athletic achievements. Every participant’s entry into the NBA marks some extent of progress, contemplating the complicated political and social contexts surrounding Cuban-U.S. relations and the alternatives afforded to Cuban athletes internationally. Their participation symbolizes the potential for cross-cultural trade and the breaking down of boundaries inside the realm {of professional} sports activities. The careers of those gamers function tangible representations of perseverance and aspiration inside a neighborhood usually dealing with distinctive challenges associated to emigration, cultural adaptation, {and professional} recognition. For instance, the affect of a participant efficiently navigating these obstacles creates a precedent and evokes future generations. This helps unlock extra potential in future cuban basketball gamers.
Analyzing the historic context reveals that Cuban gamers’ affect is especially related given the comparatively restricted alternatives for worldwide publicity {and professional} improvement accessible inside Cuba. The success of those athletes highlights the effectiveness of varied coaching methodologies and improvement pathways, each inside Cuba and as they transition to exterior applications. It additionally underscores the potential for additional collaboration and useful resource allocation to boost athletic improvement inside Cuba. Understanding this historic trajectory emphasizes the necessity for strategic scouting initiatives and assist techniques tailor-made to the particular challenges and strengths of Cuban gamers coming into the NBA. A few of these challenges, nevertheless, are sometimes onerous to keep away from contemplating the circumstances in Cuba.
In conclusion, the historic significance inherent within the presence of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA lies of their function as pioneers and symbols of cultural trade, athletic achievement, and resilience within the face of geopolitical challenges. Their particular person tales collectively contribute to a broader narrative of worldwide collaboration and the continuing evolution {of professional} sports activities. Whereas their numbers stay restricted, their affect is profound, underscoring the significance of continued efforts to foster alternatives for Cuban athletes and acknowledge their contribution to the NBA’s various expertise pool. They’re an indication of hope for all cubans.
6. Group Inspiration
The achievements of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA function a major supply of inspiration for the Cuban neighborhood, each on the island and inside the diaspora. These athletes, by reaching the very best degree {of professional} basketball, embody the belief of aspirational objectives and display the potential for achievement regardless of dealing with appreciable obstacles. Their presence within the NBA not solely fosters a way of pleasure but in addition gives tangible function fashions for younger Cubans, showcasing the chances attainable by means of dedication and perseverance. This inspiration usually transcends sports activities, influencing tutorial pursuits, profession aspirations, and civic engagement inside the neighborhood.
The impact of this inspiration manifests in numerous methods. Elevated curiosity in basketball amongst Cuban youth, an increase in participation charges in native leagues, and heightened consciousness of alternatives for worldwide athletic improvement are all potential outcomes. Moreover, the visibility of Cuban gamers within the NBA can contribute to a extra optimistic notion of Cuban tradition and expertise on a worldwide scale. The success tales of those athletes, usually highlighted in media protection, function a strong counter-narrative to the challenges and hardships regularly related to Cuban life. For instance, the journey of a participant overcoming immigration hurdles and language boundaries to excel within the NBA can ignite hope and dedication amongst these dealing with related circumstances.
In conclusion, the connection between Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA and neighborhood inspiration is profound and multifaceted. Their accomplishments foster pleasure, present function fashions, and encourage aspirations that reach past the realm of sports activities. Whereas their illustration within the NBA stays restricted, the affect of their success is substantial, underscoring the significance of continued efforts to assist Cuban athletes and acknowledge their contribution to each the sporting world and the Cuban neighborhood. Actual-life examples are an important factor to appreciate the affect of these gamers.
7. Scouting Networks
The effectiveness and scope of scouting networks play a vital function in figuring out and recruiting potential Cuban basketball gamers for the NBA. The power of those networks to penetrate the Cuban basketball system, assess expertise precisely, and navigate logistical and political boundaries immediately impacts the illustration of Cuban gamers within the league. Limitations in these scouting efforts translate into fewer alternatives for Cuban athletes to be found and developed on the highest degree.
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Restricted Entry and Visibility
NBA scouting networks usually face challenges in gaining constant entry to Cuban basketball applications and tournaments on account of political constraints and useful resource limitations. This restricted visibility can result in an underestimation of Cuban expertise, as scouts could not have enough alternatives to judge gamers in individual or assessment complete recreation footage. The absence of a robust scouting presence may end up in overlooking promising athletes who could possess the abilities and potential to reach the NBA. This lack of scouting and communication can have an effect on the gamers improvement.
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Analysis Bias and Cultural Understanding
Scouting networks could exhibit unconscious biases when evaluating Cuban gamers, probably specializing in readily observable bodily attributes whereas underestimating much less tangible qualities corresponding to basketball IQ, adaptability, and resilience. A scarcity of cultural understanding can even hinder the correct evaluation of a participant’s potential, as scouts could not absolutely respect the distinctive developmental pathways and challenges confronted by Cuban athletes. The failure to contemplate these nuances can result in misjudgments and missed alternatives. This makes it tougher for NBA scouts to find expertise.
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Navigating Logistical and Authorized Hurdles
Efficiently recruiting Cuban gamers requires navigating complicated logistical and authorized hurdles, together with acquiring obligatory journey paperwork, visas, and permissions from the Cuban authorities. Scouting networks should possess the experience and assets to navigate these bureaucratic processes successfully, guaranteeing compliance with worldwide rules and mitigating potential dangers. The shortcoming to beat these obstacles can considerably delay or impede the recruitment of promising Cuban athletes, diminishing their probabilities of becoming a member of the NBA. The authorized course of may be very onerous for this example.
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Improvement and Assist Methods
Efficient scouting networks not solely establish expertise but in addition present ongoing assist and steering to Cuban gamers as they transition to the NBA. This assist could embody language coaching, cultural immersion applications, and mentorship alternatives geared toward facilitating their integration into a brand new atmosphere. The absence of such assist techniques can enhance the danger of cultural isolation, adjustment difficulties, and diminished efficiency, probably hindering a participant’s long-term success within the league. Due to this fact, NBA groups should do their finest to assist gamers adapt.
In abstract, the effectiveness of scouting networks is a important issue figuring out the illustration of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA. Overcoming limitations in entry, mitigating analysis bias, navigating logistical hurdles, and offering complete assist techniques are important steps in maximizing alternatives for proficient Cuban athletes to appreciate their potential within the league. Enhanced scouting initiatives, coupled with a better understanding of Cuban basketball tradition, can contribute to a extra various and globally enriched expertise pool inside the NBA.
8. Improvement Pathways
The avenues by means of which Cuban basketball gamers progress towards potential careers within the NBA are important in understanding their restricted illustration and the components influencing their success. These improvement pathways embody a variety of coaching applications, aggressive alternatives, and assist techniques that form a participant’s expertise, expertise, and publicity to skilled scouts.
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Cuban Nationwide System
The preliminary improvement part sometimes happens inside Cuba’s nationwide basketball system. This method, whereas dealing with useful resource limitations, focuses on elementary talent improvement and tactical understanding. Gamers recognized as having excessive potential obtain specialised teaching and take part in nationwide competitions. Nonetheless, restricted worldwide publicity and entry to superior coaching applied sciences usually prohibit the development of gamers solely reliant on this pathway. Useful resource restrictions play an vital function within the cuban basketball system.
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Worldwide Leagues and Academies
For Cuban gamers looking for to boost their improvement and enhance their visibility to NBA scouts, participation in worldwide leagues and academies turns into essential. These alternatives, usually requiring defection or authorities authorization, present entry to greater ranges of competitors, improved coaching amenities, and publicity to various teaching philosophies. Examples embody gamers becoming a member of skilled leagues in Europe or Latin America, or attending basketball academies in the USA or Canada. The method to enter overseas league is just too onerous.
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Defection and Emigration
Traditionally, a major improvement pathway for Cuban athletes pursuing careers within the NBA has concerned defection or emigration. This pathway, fraught with private and political challenges, permits gamers to bypass restrictions on worldwide journey and pursue alternatives extra freely. Nonetheless, defecting gamers usually face authorized hurdles, separation from household, and the necessity to adapt to a brand new tradition and language, probably impacting their improvement and efficiency. The defection course of makes gamers to be away from household.
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NBA-Affiliated Applications
The NBA has made efforts to interact with worldwide basketball improvement by means of applications like Basketball With out Borders and numerous scouting initiatives. These applications present alternatives for proficient Cuban gamers to showcase their expertise, obtain teaching from NBA personnel, and achieve publicity to NBA scouts. Participation in such applications can considerably improve a participant’s probabilities of being drafted or signed by an NBA group, however these alternatives stay restricted in quantity and accessibility.
In conclusion, the event pathways accessible to Cuban basketball gamers aspiring to succeed in the NBA are various however usually constrained by political and financial realities. Whereas the Cuban nationwide system gives a basis, worldwide alternatives and NBA-affiliated applications are important for maximizing a participant’s potential. Understanding these pathways is essential for NBA groups looking for to establish and develop Cuban expertise, in addition to for Cuban gamers navigating the complicated journey towards knowledgeable basketball profession.
9. Affect on Cuban Basketball
The participation of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA, whereas numerically restricted, exerts a disproportionately vital affect on the game inside Cuba. This affect manifests throughout a number of ranges, starting from inspiring aspiring athletes to shaping the event and notion of basketball on the island. The presence of Cuban gamers within the NBA serves as a tangible demonstration of the potential for achievement, motivating younger people to pursue basketball regardless of useful resource limitations and systemic challenges. For example, the visibility of a Cuban participant competing in opposition to elite athletes within the NBA generates a way of nationwide pleasure and gives a benchmark for future generations. The hyperlink between NBA illustration and home inspiration is essential in sustaining curiosity and participation in basketball inside Cuba.
Moreover, the experiences and assets gained by Cuban gamers within the NBA can translate into tangible advantages for the Cuban basketball system. Some gamers, upon retirement or throughout off-seasons, contribute to teaching, coaching applications, and mentorship initiatives inside Cuba. This switch of information and experience helps to modernize coaching methodologies, enhance talent improvement, and improve the general competitiveness of Cuban basketball. Moreover, the success of Cuban gamers within the NBA can appeal to better consideration and potential funding from worldwide organizations and sponsors, resulting in improved amenities and assets for the event of the game on the grassroots degree. An illustrative instance is a former NBA participant establishing a basketball academy in Cuba, offering younger athletes with entry to superior coaching methods and tools.
In conclusion, the connection between Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA and the affect on Cuban basketball is one in all reciprocal affect and potential for progress. Whereas restricted illustration presents challenges, the visibility, inspiration, and information switch related to Cuban gamers within the NBA contribute considerably to the event and notion of the game inside Cuba. Continued efforts to assist Cuban athletes, improve scouting networks, and facilitate information trade can additional amplify this optimistic affect, fostering a stronger and extra aggressive basketball system inside Cuba. The efforts to boost the basketball degree in cuba may enhance the gamers degree.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries and clarifies factual particulars concerning the presence and affect of Cuban basketball gamers within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation.
Query 1: What components contribute to the restricted variety of Cuban gamers within the NBA?
Geopolitical constraints, useful resource disparities in athletic improvement, scouting biases, and emigration boundaries contribute considerably to the comparatively small variety of Cuban gamers within the NBA.
Query 2: How do immigration insurance policies have an effect on Cuban athletes aspiring to play within the NBA?
Cuban athletes face complicated authorized and bureaucratic hurdles associated to journey restrictions, visa acquisition, and potential expatriation procedures, usually requiring them to navigate intricate worldwide authorized frameworks.
Query 3: What challenges do Cuban gamers face in adapting to the tradition of the NBA?
Adaptation to totally different social norms, coaching methodologies, communication kinds, and aggressive expectations is essential for Cuban gamers integrating into the NBA. These variations necessitate resilience and open-mindedness.
Query 4: Do Cuban gamers carry distinctive skillsets to the NBA?
Cuban basketball coaching usually emphasizes fundamentals, tactical consciousness, and adaptableness, probably fostering distinctive expertise that differentiate these gamers, corresponding to distinctive passing skills and courtroom imaginative and prescient.
Query 5: What’s the historic significance of Cuban gamers within the NBA?
Every Cuban participant’s entry into the NBA represents progress, contemplating the complicated political and social contexts. Their participation symbolizes cross-cultural trade and the breaking down of boundaries inside skilled sports activities.
Query 6: How does the presence of Cuban gamers within the NBA affect the Cuban neighborhood?
These gamers function sources of inspiration for the Cuban neighborhood, each on the island and inside the diaspora, embodying the belief of aspirational objectives and demonstrating the potential for achievement regardless of challenges.
Understanding these components gives a complete perspective on the realities and alternatives related to Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA.
The next part will discover particular person success tales and notable figures who’ve made vital contributions to the league.
Steering for Cuban Basketball Gamers Aiming for the NBA
The next factors are designed to tell aspiring Cuban basketball gamers about key concerns for pursuing knowledgeable profession within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation.
Tip 1: Prioritize Basic Talent Improvement: Mastery of primary basketball expertise, together with taking pictures, dribbling, passing, and defensive methods, varieties the inspiration for development. Constant observe and a focus to element are important. For instance, specializing in taking pictures kind and accuracy by means of repetition is more practical than making an attempt complicated strikes prematurely.
Tip 2: Search Worldwide Publicity: Participation in worldwide tournaments and leagues gives invaluable expertise and will increase visibility to NBA scouts. Actively pursue alternatives to compete in opposition to various kinds of play and display expertise on a worldwide stage. Connecting to brokers is one other good selection.
Tip 3: Emphasize Bodily Conditioning: The NBA calls for peak bodily health. Implementing a rigorous coaching routine centered on energy, pace, agility, and endurance is essential for withstanding the calls for of the league. A deal with nutritious diet will even assist to realize success
Tip 4: Develop Adaptability and Versatility: NBA groups worth gamers able to performing a number of roles. Domesticate the power to play totally different positions, defend numerous opponents, and contribute in various methods to the group’s success.
Tip 5: Grasp English Language Proficiency: Efficient communication is crucial for integrating into an NBA group and interacting with coaches, teammates, and the media. Put money into language studying to boost communication expertise and cultural understanding. You possibly can take english lessons in overseas international locations to enhance your communication expertise
Tip 6: Perceive NBA Rules and Scouting: Familiarize oneself with NBA eligibility necessities, draft procedures, and scouting methodologies. Data of those processes is essential for navigating the trail towards knowledgeable profession. Gamers usually skip on studying such issues, however these informations assist to succeed in objectives
Tip 7: Construct a Skilled Community: Set up connections with coaches, brokers, and mentors who can present steering and assist all through the developmental course of. Networking with skilled people affords invaluable insights and entry to alternatives.
The constant utility of those factors contributes to the event of a aggressive talent set and maximizes the potential for a profitable profession in skilled basketball.
The following part will present concluding remarks and views on the way forward for Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA.
Conclusion
The examination of Cuban basketball gamers within the NBA reveals a posh interaction of athletic potential, geopolitical realities, and socio-economic components. Whereas the variety of Cuban gamers within the league stays restricted, their presence signifies resilience, cultural trade, and the breaking down of boundaries inside skilled sports activities. Scouting networks, improvement pathways, and particular person adaptability are key determinants of their success, whereas their achievements function inspiration for the Cuban neighborhood each domestically and overseas.
Continued efforts to deal with systemic challenges, improve scouting initiatives, and foster worldwide collaboration are important to unlock the complete potential of Cuban basketball expertise and enhance their illustration inside the NBA. Recognizing their contributions and offering obligatory assist can create a extra inclusive and globally enriched league, fostering additional inspiration and alternative for future generations of Cuban athletes. An enchancment of the relation between the 2 international locations may consequence to extra cuban gamers being drafted within the NBA.
