Washington, December 27: Americans' decision to elect Barack Obama 44th U. S. President apparently reflects aptness, with some experts revealing that he actually shows natural leadership qualities while playing his favourite game of basketball.

Denver television sports anchor Vic Lombardi, who was recruited for a pickup game, has revealed that Obama actually believes tapping the skilfulness of all team members.

"He''s very crafty. He runs and plays like a man 10 years younger. ... He''s more of a distributor. He likes to get his teammates involved, and he''s just a natural leader. He''ll let his teammates know if something''s going wrong," the Washington Times quoted Lombardi as saying.

Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson, who is currently the coach at Oregon State, also considers the former as a tough player.

"He can''t outathletic people, but he''s wiry-strong, very team-oriented and he really knows the game. He''s got real skills," said Robinson, who was captain of Princeton''s team in the 1980s, was twice named Ivy League player of the year and remains the school''s No. 4 career scoring leader.

The sport has been a vital part of Obama''s life since his father gave him a basketball when he was 10.

The Chicago Bulls fan spent countless hours dribbling and shooting left-handed jumpers while growing up in Hawaii, something that earned him the nickname "Barry O''Bomber".

He played for his state champion high school team. (ANI)