NBA prospect Ma Jian for HK

CHINA'S national forward and National Basketball Association (NBA) aspirant Ma Jian will lead Energy's challenge in their Super Kung Sheung Cup defence next month.

Ma Jian, who has been playing US collegiate basketball for the University of Utah for the past two years, will be joining the expat professionals currently playing for Suntex and Regal in the Hong Kong league on the combined Energy side for the end-of-season invitation Cup.

'It's a coup to have Ma Jian playing for us in the Super Kung Sheung Cup because he is very popular with the Hong Kong fans,' said a delighted Stanley Au Kai-kwong, Energy's manager.

Ma, a 25-year-old from Tianjin, could become the first Asian player to break into the NBA ranks as he is currently having talks with three teams - Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies.

He first caught the attention of UCLA coach Jim Harrick in 1988 at a Chinese basketball clinic but he could not pass UCLA's entrance exam due to poor English.

He then took English lessons at Utah Valley State College where he made a big impression on the basketball court with his accurate outside jump shot.

But instead of going to UCLA, Ma decided to attend University of Utah two years ago and is now hoping to get into the NBA.