NBA star LeBron James visits Hong Kong to make hoop dreams come true

Basketball megastar LeBron James made a flying visit to Hong Kong yesterday - and for some lucky local youngsters, there was even a chance to shoot hoops with the NBA's biggest name.

The four-time NBA most-valuable player spent the day in town to promote his latest range of Nike sneakers. He was greeted by hundreds of fans at a sports shop in Mong Kok, saw 12 of the city's best young basketball players put through their paces and joined a dads' and kids' camp at the University of Hong Kong.

Among the lucky few to meet their hero was Wong Lut-yiu, who beat 11 other promising young players to win the RISE Challenge, a skills competition organised by Nike.

The 20-year-old, who represented Hong Kong at under-18 level, said James was full of encouragement.

"When I received the prize, James had a high five with me and then tapped me on my shoulder, saying 'Good job!' I am really motivated," said Wong, who was selected to take part in the challenge after posting a video of his skills online. "James is undoubtedly the best player in the league … He is one of my favourite players in the NBA, and now I just like him more."

A crowd of 1,500, including James, watched the competition. Wong's prize includes a trip to Shanghai for a training camp with top players from Taiwan and the mainland.