The Dominican Republic is best known for pristine turquoise beaches, pearly white sand and luscious inland forests – nature takes center stage here. Colonial architecture dots its cities, creating a mélange of colorful culture and ethnicity. The Dominicans are the country’s biggest draw: a chirpy, carefree nation always happy to welcome you with open arms.

While you would imagine the Dominicans to be dancing carefree on beaches, they seem to be indulging in a very different form of past-time these days. An NBA basketball trend has swept the nation – thanks to the rise in the number of talented Dominican basketball players.

Francisco García is one of the most popular Dominican basketballers these days – the force behind this wave of basketball obsession in the Dominican Republic. Born in Santo Domingo, García moved to the United States at a young age to play for the University of Louisville, where he enjoyed tremendous success. He then entered the ranks of the NBA, appearing in 67 games in his rookie season alone.The NBA player currently plays for the Sacramento Kings in the United States, having just signed a five-year extension worth $23 million.

García is not the only basketballer playing in the NBA – the Dominicans are slowly conquering the basketball arena. The nation obviously takes pride in their local heros and continues to show them support. If you’re ever in the Dominican Republic during the NBA playoffs, don’t be surprised to find everyone glued to their TV, eager to see how their country does in the basketball arena.

Photo | Avatarshark