DANNY GRANGER: (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger stopped off in Jakarta on Tuesday for another round of coaching following a clinic in Surabaya, complimenting Indonesia's basketball potential in the process.

"Indonesian players certainly have talent. If they train hard and get good facilities, I believe they can develop well," said the NBA player at the Bung Karno sports complex basketball hall on Tuesday.

Granger gave playing tips to 20 young players from local clubs in a DHL-NBA coaching session.

"It's really great to meet young Indonesian players," the 25-year-old Granger told the press before starting the session.

"I think the (coaching clinic) session will be memorable for them, meeting an NBA player in person. Hopefully, today's experience can encourage them in playing better basketball in the future," he added.

On his first trip to Indonesia, Granger spent a night in Surabaya to watch students play in a Deteksi Basketball League game before heading to Jakarta.

Starting his professional career as a Pacer in the 2005-2006 season, Granger led the team in scoring with an average of 19.6 points per game and started all 80 games he appeared in during the 2007-2008 schedule.

Although the Pacers were not competitive with the best teams this year, Granger promised they would serve up a better performance next season.

"We ran last year. Of course, we will run again next season. And even though the pressure is high, I believe we can make it if we spend more time together (practicing)," he said.

He tipped last season's league champion Boston Celtics and runners-up Los Angeles Lakers to continue winning next year.

Granger may not be as familiar to Indonesians as the likes of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, but the kids said they were excited to be part of the program.

"I really enjoyed the session. It's great to be trained by him. I'd love to be a professional player someday," said eighth grader Rilo, 12, who showed quick and precise shooting during the session.

Together with Dina, 10, Dianita, 10, and Alisha, 7, Rilo plays in Buls basketball club in Jakarta.

Ariyani, 15, from Gemaria basketball club, Jakarta, said she was excited to tell her schoolmates about her experience.

"I'm really happy with Danny's session," said Ariyani, who got the opportunity to join the program after winning a recent regional tournament. "Tomorrow, I'll let all my schoolmates know about this," she said with a big grin, adding that she would be rooting for the Celtics next season.

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