While most young Chinese hoopsters dream of competing in the
United States' National Basketball Association (NBA), a deal inked
yesterday has opened up a new road - to Europe.
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) signed a partnership
agreement with the European Basketball League in Beijing, offering
China's players a new international alternative and the prospect of
improved coaching and management standards for the domestic
league.
"Euroleague would definitely like to include some players from
China," Chief Executive Officer Jordi Bertomeu told China Daily.
"Everybody notices the fast developing Chinese basketball and also
their group of talented players like Yao Ming. I think they have
already shown how good they can be in international
appearances.
"Now we are opening the door to China and we have been working
on this for years. We will try to invite some Chinese players to
Europe in the near future."
European basketball has shown its power at recent major
tournaments. Spain were winners at the World Championships in
August last year in Japan and the event's runners-up Greece
conquered the United States in the semifinals.
According to the landmark agreement, China will have a series of
warm-up matches in Spain and Turkey this summer and a Four-Nation
Challenge will be held in China in October with CSKA Moscow of
Russia and Benetton Treviso of Italy joining the tournament.
The Euroleague will hold a series of events including workshops
and training camps such as referee clinics with the involvement of
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and Euroleague
referees.
"This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for basketball fans
on both sides to enjoy some great and competitive games either at
home on TV or live in the arena, and it is also a great opportunity
to bring the best possible knowledge and training opportunities to
China, the best hoop market in the world," Bertomeu said.
CBA chief Li Yuanwei welcomed the partnership.
"We always look for opportunities to learn and develop from
other advanced international leagues and organizations, and the
Euroleague is a totally suitable one," he said. "Drawing on the
excellent resources of the Euroleague, in such areas as basketball
skills and management, is very important for China as the Beijing
Olympics approaches.
"I think going out to Europe is quite a good choice for Chinese
players and importing some European players to our league is also
great for CBA club owners."
National team player Zhang Yunsong said European teams were
ahead of the pack thanks to their solid style of play.
"I have played against European teams many times, their games
are amazing and they are more formidable than the US," said the
26-year-old point guard. "They have great outside shooters and
quick inside big men. I am sure teaming up with them will be very
helpful for us."
A group of European players are currently excelling in the NBA,
including Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki of Germany,
France's Tony Parker, who plays point guard for 2005 champions San
Antonio Spurs, and last year's top pick Andrea Bargnani of the
Toronto Raptors.
The Euroleague was created in 2000 to manage the pan-European
league and cup competitions.
A total of 24 teams in 13 countries compete in the league,
including powerhouses like FC Barcelona, Maccabi Tel Aviv, CSKA
Moscow, Panathinaikos of Greece and Benetton Treviso of Italy.
Both FC Barcelona and CSKA of Moscow beat NBA opponents during
the NBA Europe Tour ahead of this season - FC Barcelona downing
Philadelphia 76ers and the Moscow side halting Los Angeles
Clippers.
In the past two years the Euroleague has grown steadily - 36
broadcasters screen it in 130 countries, and last season 1.3
million people watched games live.
(China Daily March 15, 2007)