History-making football player Jackson He Peizhang takes a big step in showing ‘Chinese people can ball, too’
- The Guangdong native describes having his Chinese name uniquely printed on his jersey and his quick entry into the game
- ‘Definitely more Chinese to come to this level to play in the future,’ says Arizona State University Sun Devils’ walk-on
“I never thought that was going to happen. It was a surprise and an honour to have my actual name on the back of my jersey. It means a lot and I really appreciate the equipment room for doing that for me,” said He in a virtual group call, smiling form ear-to-ear and wearing a custom T-shirt with the slogan “Chinese people can ball, too” in traditional characters.
“Coach Antonio Pierce came up with that shirt. It’s so cool. I was practising and saw him wearing this shirt. I said, ‘hold on, what does it say right there. Oh my god, it says Chinese can ball too’. I didn’t know he was going to do that.”
College football pundits and Asian influencers from around the world post the now-viral clips of He just about bulldozing through the end zone for the touchdown and his refreshing postgame interview. A few commentators were guilty of mispronouncing his name, but He saw the funnier side of it.