Just get out there and play: James

'Shoot it, shoot that ball!' NBA star LeBron James (below) shouted encouragement to local players, as he took on the role of coach in a mini-game between the best Nike League players at Southorn Stadium on Wednesday.

James and United States teammate Chris Paul, along with coach Mike Krzyzewski, made a flying visit from Guangzhou, where the US team have been preparing for this month's World Championships. James and his entourage strolled into the scheduled event almost an hour late, after going on a shopping spree in the afternoon. But fans, mostly members of the Nike Hong Kong youth basketball training programme, still gave him a rousing welcome.

During a question-and-answer session, the 2.03-metre James told onlookers he was thrilled to be back in Hong Kong after visiting the city for the first time last summer. He said the secret to his success on the court is his desire to win.

'Whenever I go out there, I always want to be the best,' said the 21-year-old. 'Every time I step on the court, I just go out and play my game. Everything else takes care of itself.'

After acting as coach in a short game between the best 10 Nike League players from the past 10 years, he and Paul, the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year, judged a slam-dunk contest involving five current Nike League players.

James rose to fame when the Cleveland Cavaliers made him the number one NBA draft pick in 2003.