https://www.scmp.com/rss/324968/feed The Chinese Basketball Association, often abbreviated as CBA, is the first-tier professional men's basketball league in China. It is widely regarded as the pre-eminent professional men's basketball league in Asia. The league is commonly known by fans as the CBA, and this acronym is even used in Chinese on a regular basis. A few Chinese players who competed in the CBA in the early stages of their careers – including Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Sun Yue – have also played... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Mike Chan Mike Chan One of the best overseas basketball players to compete in Hong Kong believes imminent change is needed if the sport is to survive in the city. Former Canadian international Tyler Kepkay, considered by many to be the best import of the past 30 years, said a “collective effort” was required after decades of neglect. But the newly retired 38-year-old also believed there was reason to be optimistic, pointing to the passion for the game at the grass roots level and the opportunities that exist just... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346189/copy-nba-make-hong-kong-basketball-chinas-g-league-save-sport-city-local-star-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3346189/copy-nba-make-hong-kong-basketball-chinas-g-league-save-sport-city-local-star-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:30:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan South China have long dominated basketball in Hong Kong – now they are finally going to get the chance to test themselves against some of the region’s best. More than a year after winning a 17th domestic title, and over 40 since their previous foray into overseas competition, the club will take part in the qualifying stages of the Basketball Champions League Asia in April. They will not be eased into things either, with three home matches in four days at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. Starting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3344866/hong-kong-kingpins-south-china-face-tough-start-return-elite-regional-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3344866/hong-kong-kingpins-south-china-face-tough-start-return-elite-regional-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China has unearthed another towering teenage basketball player who can dunk with her feet barely leaving the ground and is being compared to NBA star Victor Wembanyama. At 14 years old, Cao Xichen is reportedly already 7ft 2in (2.20 metres) tall, a height that has forced her to give up volleyball, although that could be her new sport’s gain. While commentators have highlighted some flaws in her basic skills, understandable given she has only been playing the game for a couple of months, the teen... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3343662/meet-chinese-teenager-already-being-compared-nba-star-victor-wembanyama?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3343662/meet-chinese-teenager-already-being-compared-nba-star-victor-wembanyama?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:19:25 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming believes Chinese players trying to make it in the NBA often lack the “survival instinct” needed to succeed compared with their rivals. The former head of the Chinese Basketball Association, who is one of his country’s most famous sporting exports, questioned whether players approached their time among the game’s elite with the right mindset. Speaking during the season premiere of the famous mainland television programme Thirteen Talks, Yao told host Xu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3342112/chinese-players-often-lack-survival-instinct-needed-thrive-nba-yao-ming-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3342112/chinese-players-often-lack-survival-instinct-needed-thrive-nba-yao-ming-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:00:11 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Tribune News Service Agence France-Presse,Tribune News Service One of the men behind a sweeping basketball match-fixing scheme told a co-conspirator the only certainties in life were “death, taxes and Chinese basketball”, US federal prosecutors revealed on Thursday. Twenty-six people have been charged with fixing US college and Chinese professional basketball games in an alleged transnational criminal conspiracy, federal prosecutors said. The indictment, filed in Philadelphia, includes bribery charges and relates to nearly 30 games in which conspirators... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3340091/26-charged-latest-us-basketball-scandal-scheme-started-china-prosecutors-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3340091/26-charged-latest-us-basketball-scandal-scheme-started-china-prosecutors-say?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:18:35 +0000 Reuters Reuters Pennsylvania federal prosecutors on Thursday announced charges against 26 people for allegedly rigging bets on college and Chinese professional basketball games, the latest case to accuse athletes of cheating at legalised sports betting that ⁠has exploded in popularity in the US. A 70-page indictment names more than a dozen former National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball players, a former NBA player and two sports-betting influencers who were previously charged in a sweeping NBA... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3340066/us-charges-20-people-rigging-university-chinese-basketball-games-nbc-reports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3340066/us-charges-20-people-rigging-university-chinese-basketball-games-nbc-reports?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:48:28 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Two men have been arrested after using AI to create a fake video of Chinese basketball star Wang Siyu accusing head coach Gong Luming of corruption, with some social media users fooled into thinking it was real. The five-minute video, titled “China women’s basketball star Wang Siyu denounces head coach Gong Luming”, has circulated online for nearly a month, with one reposted version gaining around 70,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments in two days. State media said the pair, both 32 years... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3337457/pair-arrested-faking-ai-video-china-basketball-star-wang-accusing-coach-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3337457/pair-arrested-faking-ai-video-china-basketball-star-wang-accusing-coach-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong Bulls moved a step closer to playing in the top flight of Chinese basketball after the city’s government said it could use Kai Tak Arena between 2026 and 2027 to host several home games. A spokeswoman for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said it had spoken to the Bulls regarding the 2026-27 Chinese Basketball Association season, and had helped in the Bulls’ discussion with Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSPL). According to the sports park, there were 12 slots available for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3336913/hong-kong-bulls-may-be-step-closer-cba-league-after-kai-tak-lined-host-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3336913/hong-kong-bulls-may-be-step-closer-cba-league-after-kai-tak-lined-host-games?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:30:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Yang Hansen, the 216cm (7ft 1in) rookie from China, made his first NBA start on Sunday for the Portland Trail Blazers. Hansen, picked 16th overall in last summer’s draft, moved into the starting line-up to face the Memphis Grizzlies after the Trail Blazers’ primary centres, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, missed the game. Williams was a late drop-out because of illness and Clingan missed his second straight game with a left lower leg injury. The Grizzlies built a big lead in the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3335572/chinas-yang-hansen-makes-first-nba-start-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3335572/chinas-yang-hansen-makes-first-nba-start-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:11:22 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China has announced plans aimed at encouraging foreign investment in domestic basketball, weeks after the NBA returned to the country and voiced an intention to expand its operations there. Among a package of sports development measures unveiled on Thursday, the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) paved the way for an opening up of basketball by calling for the investment of high-quality foreign capital in domestic professional leagues and clubs. It also called for overseas league... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3335247/after-nbas-return-china-calls-foreign-investment-domestic-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3335247/after-nbas-return-china-calls-foreign-investment-domestic-basketball?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:11:52 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The return of star-studded NBA basketball teams to China, after a six-year absence, thrilled fans and marked the renewal of a relationship which has enormous potential. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns tied in the two-game series at The Venetian Arena in Macau. The sell-out events were watched by a combined crowd of more than 22,000. There was plenty of glitz and glamour, with singers, a lion dance, NBA legends and other celebrities. Fans revelled in the pre-season action and were able to see... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329404/nbas-macau-games-are-bright-spot-amid-us-china-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329404/nbas-macau-games-are-bright-spot-amid-us-china-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese basketball prospect Zeng Fanbo was waived by the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, just days after the team concluded its NBA China Games in Macau. Zeng, who was included in the match day squad in only one of three Nets’ pre-season games so far, played 10 minutes off the bench against the Phoenix Suns in the first of two games at The Venetian Arena. The 22-year-old recorded one steal and three fouls while not attempting any shots. Zeng’s management team said the Harbin native would remain in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3329189/brooklyn-nets-ditch-chinas-zeng-fanbo-days-after-disappointing-macau-outing-against-suns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3329189/brooklyn-nets-ditch-chinas-zeng-fanbo-days-after-disappointing-macau-outing-against-suns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:30:12 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan More elite basketball players from China could emerge and play professionally in the United States after the NBA announced a multi-year deal with its counterpart, the CBA, on Friday. Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, called the agreement a “transformational partnership” that would allow China’s next generation to become “the greatest players they can be”. News of the league’s partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association came hours before the first of the NBA China Games between the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3328472/nba-boss-adam-silver-calls-new-multi-year-deal-china-transformational-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3328472/nba-boss-adam-silver-calls-new-multi-year-deal-china-transformational-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:19:00 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press While rookie Yang Hansen prepares for his first NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers are getting ready for the onslaught of attention their Chinese big man will bring to the team. Expectations are high for the 20-year-old, who has faced the inevitable comparisons to fellow countryman and former NBA great Yao Ming. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said the 7ft 1in (2.15m) centre would be “right there in the mix” in Portland’s plans this season. “I think Hansen’s done a really good job these last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3327364/chinas-trail-blazers-rookie-yang-hansen-faces-great-expectations-portland-and-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3327364/chinas-trail-blazers-rookie-yang-hansen-faces-great-expectations-portland-and-home?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Fresh from retaining the National Basketball League crown in Changsha on Monday, Hong Kong Bulls players were told they needed to halve their usual off-season break to prepare for their title defence. The victors will soon be switching back on, after the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced earlier this month that they would align the seasons of the top-tier CBA league and the second-tier NBL. The NBL is usually referred to as the summer league, but its next season is scheduled to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3326551/hong-kong-bulls-celebrate-winning-mainland-chinas-nbl-now-clock-ticking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3326551/hong-kong-bulls-celebrate-winning-mainland-chinas-nbl-now-clock-ticking?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:30:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese basketball prospect Zeng Fanbo will sign a contract with the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, reported the team’s X account, NetsDaily. The 6ft 11in (2.11m) forward was expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract – a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum NBA salary deal – with the Eastern Conference outfit, giving the Nets the right to field Zeng in the minor G League with their affiliate side for at least 60 days. Zeng, who has been training in the United States since late August, hopes to impress in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3326417/chinese-basketball-star-zeng-fanbo-sign-deal-brooklyn-nets-report-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3326417/chinese-basketball-star-zeng-fanbo-sign-deal-brooklyn-nets-report-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:31:59 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong Bulls have moved closer to being able to join the Chinese Basketball Association’s top-tier competition next year after the mainland’s governing body stepped up efforts to integrate the country’s leagues. Rule changes confirmed on Tuesday have allowed the National Basketball League (NBL), the second tier, to switch its season from a summer start to begin in December, syncing with the top tier. Aligning the seasons would ease a change of division for the likes of the Bulls, who were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3325090/chinas-top-basketball-comp-may-beckon-hong-kong-bulls-rarity-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3325090/chinas-top-basketball-comp-may-beckon-hong-kong-bulls-rarity-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:30:14 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, the NCCU Griffins, were crowned champions of the Asian University Basketball League in Hangzhou on Sunday after they beat mainland China’s Tsinghua University to the first pan-regional intercollegiate title. The 82-79 win at Binjiang Gymnasium marked the end of the inaugural event, which saw 12 universities from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia pitted against one another in 24 matches across seven days, but the league’s chief said... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322986/bigger-party-asian-university-basketball-league-next-year-taiwan-college-win-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322986/bigger-party-asian-university-basketball-league-next-year-taiwan-college-win-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:01:01 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan University of Hong Kong (HKU) team members have lamented the lack of professionalism in the local ecosystem as the city’s representatives rounded off their debut in the Asian University Basketball League in Hangzhou with another loss on Saturday. Reigning local intercollegiate champions HKU lost 98-78 to hosts Zhejiang University in the placement game to finish with three losses and rank last among the 12 teams. Playing without a host of regular starters because local A1 Division teams did not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322936/hong-kong-college-coach-star-blame-system-asian-university-basketball-league-showing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322936/hong-kong-college-coach-star-blame-system-asian-university-basketball-league-showing?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 02:00:12 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The Asian University Basketball League is aiming to break into the “sportainment” market, the tournament’s chief executive has said. College basketball players in Asia, and even Hong Kong, remain largely unknown to the public, so to widen the product’s audience, Jay Li Jintian said he was attempting to create a family-type product suitable for parents to bring their children. In the United States, college basketball remains a popular event, and Li said he was hoping to create a similar culture... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322880/march-madness-asian-college-basketball-looks-copy-us-pizazz-widen-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322880/march-madness-asian-college-basketball-looks-copy-us-pizazz-widen-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong Bulls have moved closer to receiving the green light to play their home matches at Kai Tak Arena should they reach next month’s National Basketball League play-off final. The reigning champions faced losing their home court advantage in the post-season after Southorn Stadium, their regular base in Wan Chai, was ruled not up to standard by the Chinese Basketball Association. After they contacted the government’s Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau and other parties including Kai Tak... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322653/hong-kong-bulls-set-kai-tak-home-ground-if-they-reach-play-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322653/hong-kong-bulls-set-kai-tak-home-ground-if-they-reach-play-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:52:52 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China’s run to basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup final was “just the start”, captain Zhao Rui said after an agonising loss to Australia late on Sunday. Hu Mingxuan missed a potential game-winner in the dying seconds, sealing China’s 90-89 loss as the Australians secured a three-peat in Jeddah. Zhao said it was “a pity” his team fell just short, but tried to see the positives. “This loss actually motivates us – we can learn from it and improve the areas where we need to improve,” said Zhao, who finished... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322177/chinas-basketball-players-find-positives-agonising-fiba-asia-cup-final-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322177/chinas-basketball-players-find-positives-agonising-fiba-asia-cup-final-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:48:37 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China head coach Guo Shiqiang praised his team for “sticking together” after reaching the Fiba Asia Cup final for the first time in over a decade on Saturday. Injuries and absentees meant China came into the tournament with low expectations. But an impressive 98-84 victory over New Zealand meant the tournament’s most decorated team with 16 titles will face two-time defending champions Australia in Jeddah on Sunday. “We showed our fighting spirit and played unselfishly on the court,” Guo said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322111/china-head-coach-praises-teams-togetherness-after-reaching-fiba-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322111/china-head-coach-praises-teams-togetherness-after-reaching-fiba-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Aug 2025 02:07:20 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan China will take on New Zealand in basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup semi-finals in Saudi Arabia on Saturday after a victory over South Korea that coach Guo Shiqiang said had earned his team some respect. A 79-71 win on Thursday at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City set up a Saturday evening clash with the Tall Blacks, who overcame a 22-point deficit to send Lebanon packing with a 90-86 win. Chinese fans celebrated a hard-fought victory featuring a series of controversial calls, as their country reached... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322019/china-basketball-team-earn-respect-against-koreans-reach-first-asia-cup-semi-decade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3322019/china-basketball-team-earn-respect-against-koreans-reach-first-asia-cup-semi-decade?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:45:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Reigning champions Hong Kong Bulls have been left without a venue for China’s National Basketball League play-offs this month, after the governing body ruled Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai was not up to standard. The Hong Kong outfit are one of eight teams in the Chinese second-tier league this season. They have confirmed receipt of a warning letter from the Chinese Basketball Association, stating there is insufficient space between the stands – the goalposts – and the walls. The NBL’s standards... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3321857/hong-kong-bulls-race-against-time-find-venue-chinese-basketball-play-offs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3321857/hong-kong-bulls-race-against-time-find-venue-chinese-basketball-play-offs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:09 +0000 June Xia June Xia In China’s hottest new basketball league, the players are all amateurs, the mascots are a pair of live chickens riding a remote control Jeep, and the winning teams are presented with plastic bags full of fish. Welcome to the “ZheBA” – an intercity competition in China’s eastern Zhejiang province that has become a national sensation by tapping into the region’s fierce local pride and diverse culture. The contest, officially named the Zhejiang Provincial City Basketball League, features dozens of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3320442/passion-pride-and-live-pigs-inside-chinas-booming-local-basketball-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3320442/passion-pride-and-live-pigs-inside-chinas-booming-local-basketball-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Aug 2025 12:00:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Fans of the China men’s basketball team should brace themselves for some bad results at the coming Fiba Asia Cup, with head coach Guo Shiqiang saying some of his best players were unavailable through injury. Zhou Qi was among those not listed in the initial 14-man roster for the tournament in Saudi Arabia, with the towering centre undergoing some untimely rehabilitation in the United States. Others missing from the squad included Zeng Fanbo, Zhang Zhenlin, Zhao Jiwei and Cui Yongxi, while Yang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3320243/fiba-asia-cup-fans-think-chinas-men-all-set-failure-zhou-qi-missing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3320243/fiba-asia-cup-fans-think-chinas-men-all-set-failure-zhou-qi-missing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:04 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Hong Kong pair Oliver Xu and Ma Kong-san have found their way into the Chinese Basketball Association after both were selected at the league’s draft on Saturday. Xu, 29, was taken by Nanjing Monkey Kings with the No 9 pick in the opening round, while Ma, 24, was picked up by Sichuan Blue Whales in the second round, with the overall No 22 pick. Nanjing and Sichuan finished 12th and 19th, respectively, in the 20-team league last season. The 6ft 2in (1.90-metre) Xu, who plays as a guard, joined the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319679/hong-kongs-oliver-xu-and-ma-kong-san-drafted-chinese-basketball-association-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319679/hong-kongs-oliver-xu-and-ma-kong-san-drafted-chinese-basketball-association-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Jul 2025 06:35:57 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Mainland Chinese social media users heaped praise on the Chinese Basketball Association after the governing body announced on Thursday that promising young centre Yang Hansen would not participate in the national team’s training camp or the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup, allowing him to focus on his development with the Portland Trail Blazers. Yang, the No 16 pick at last month’s NBA Draft, will attend two short training camps hosted by the Trail Blazers beginning on August 11. “After finishing his NBA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319548/chinese-centre-yang-hansen-skip-fiba-asia-cup-focus-developing-game-portland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3319548/chinese-centre-yang-hansen-skip-fiba-asia-cup-focus-developing-game-portland?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:45:39 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese fans and commentators have not taken Saturday’s shock loss to Japan in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup well, and former favourites Zhang Ziyu and Han Yu are bearing the brunt. Formerly hailed as “phenomenal” and the “twin towers” of the team, the pair were among their side’s leading scorers in the 90-81 semi-final loss in Shenzhen, with 17 and 18 points respectively. But those points came on their worst shooting nights of the tournament, where teenager Zhang made 50 per cent of her attempts,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318889/furious-chinese-fans-turn-teen-zhang-ziyu-ex-wnba-star-han-after-shock-loss-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318889/furious-chinese-fans-turn-teen-zhang-ziyu-ex-wnba-star-han-after-shock-loss-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:27:11 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer From the moment she stepped onto a basketball court, China’s 7ft 5in (2.26 metre) centre Zhang Ziyu has been a viral sensation. Footage of the “moving Great Wall” towering above her opponents – teammates passing her the ball before she simply places it in the net with barely a jump – has become a common occurrence since she burst on to the scene a year ago. Being an imposing presence on the court is one thing, but being able to turn it into team success is another. At best, Zhang will claim a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318873/zhang-ziyu-chinas-strategic-nuclear-weapon-verge-medal-senior-tournament-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318873/zhang-ziyu-chinas-strategic-nuclear-weapon-verge-medal-senior-tournament-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Fans and commentators were split over basketball phenomenon Zhang Ziyu’s competitive debut in China’s blowout victory over Indonesia in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday. Starting off the bench, Zhang finished with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block in 11 minutes as the reigning champions dominated in a 110-59 win on the opening day in Shenzhen. After the match, head coach Gong Luming defended Zhang, who turned 18 last month, against accusations she was slow and lacked... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318154/chinese-basketball-sensation-receives-mixed-reviews-competitive-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3318154/chinese-basketball-sensation-receives-mixed-reviews-competitive-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan The return of promotion and relegation in the top-tier Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league competition could be on the cards, amid reported plans by the sport’s governing body in China to expand the midseason CBA Cup tournament to include teams from the lower division. And the Hong Kong Bulls, reigning champions in the National Basketball League (NBL), which is China’s second-tier basketball league, could be among the first teams to benefit if they reach the playoffs this season. Doing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3316946/chinese-basketball-association-could-bring-back-promotion-relegation-expansion-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3316946/chinese-basketball-association-could-bring-back-promotion-relegation-expansion-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jul 2025 02:00:11 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer China’s new basketball golden boy, Yang Hansen, has been handed the No 16 jersey for the Portland Trail Blazers, a nod to the draft pick that stunned fans across the world. Yang was selected 16th overall in the NBA draft in New York last week, a move that was called “unconventional” and what one league executive said was the “wildest pick I’ve ever seen”. The 20-yer-old could feature for the Portland Trail Blazers as soon as July 11, when his side take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316237/yang-hansen-just-good-he-could-start-game-right-now-trail-blazers-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316237/yang-hansen-just-good-he-could-start-game-right-now-trail-blazers-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:00:14 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press The China Anti-Doping Agency has released the names of two American basketball players who failed in-competition tests in April during the domestic league. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese Basketball Association said it had been notified by the agency of doping violations involving Montrezl Dashay Harrell and Troy Akeem Gillenwater. It said both players tested positive for Carboxy-THC and that both have given up the right to have their “B” samples tested. The CBA said it would... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315732/two-americans-test-positive-doping-top-chinese-basketball-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315732/two-americans-test-positive-doping-top-chinese-basketball-league?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:30:09 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Rex Wu Wai-tsun knows he is fighting against the odds to fulfil his dream of playing basketball alongside the region’s elite, but hopes competing in China’s second tier will take him a step closer to making that a reality. At 6ft (1.82 metres), the 20-year-old Hongkonger is small by the standards of the modern game, but Wu, who has been chasing his goal for a decade, is used to defying expectations. Now, having joined Hong Kong Bulls for their third season in the National Basketball League, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315720/hong-kongs-wu-overcoming-odds-chase-his-professional-basketball-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315720/hong-kongs-wu-overcoming-odds-chase-his-professional-basketball-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jun 2025 03:30:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese basketball prospect Yang Hansen has been tipped to be picked earlier than previously forecast in this week’s NBA Draft after climbing the US media’s mock draft rankings following tryouts with several teams. Yang’s stock is believed to have risen further on the eve of the annual draft, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York City. His mock ranking rose to the high 30s on multiple platforms on Sunday, with NBADraft.net projecting the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315515/nba-draft-chinas-yang-hansen-tipped-be-picked-early-second-round?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315515/nba-draft-chinas-yang-hansen-tipped-be-picked-early-second-round?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:07:15 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse China look set to unleash their 2.26-metre (7ft 5in) “moving Great Wall” at the Women’s Asia Cup after teenager Zhang Ziyu put in another towering display days after her debut. The 18-year-old centre scored 18 points as China beat great rivals Japan 101-92 on Wednesday in Xian in a warm-up for the regional tournament next month on home soil. It was her third appearance for the senior Chinese squad, having helped them to blowout victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina over the weekend. Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315055/chinas-towering-teen-basketball-ace-zhang-ziyu-stars-again-asia-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315055/chinas-towering-teen-basketball-ace-zhang-ziyu-stars-again-asia-cup-build?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:30:13 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Japan will be the latest team to get a close look at China women’s teenage basketball sensation Zhang Ziyu, who was labelled “the best player I have ever seen” by one overawed opponent last weekend. Ranked fourth and ninth in the world respectively, China and Japan clash in a friendly in Xian on Wednesday as part of their preparations for next month’s Fiba Asia Cup. Zhang made her senior team debut in a warm-up match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Friday, and played in a second encounter on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314728/china-basketball-teen-sensation-zhang-ziyu-best-player-ive-ever-seen-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314728/china-basketball-teen-sensation-zhang-ziyu-best-player-ive-ever-seen-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:30:07 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese basketball prospect Yang Hansen has been urged to embrace comparisons with the legendary Yao Ming as he awaits his fate in this month’s NBA Draft. The towering 19-year-old centre last month rejected any comparison with Yao, saying he had a gap to make up to be considered alongside the former Houston Rockets star, and did not have a similar playing style. But Rich Paul, Yang’s agent in the United States, said the Qingdao Eagles starting centre, who averaged 16.6 points and 10.5 rebounds... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314316/yang-hansen-urged-emulate-yao-ming-chinese-players-eye-nba-draft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3314316/yang-hansen-urged-emulate-yao-ming-chinese-players-eye-nba-draft?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:20 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport A Chinese basketball talent who can emulate the impact of Yao Ming, or a long shot who will not deliver? The Portland Trail Blazers will hope for the former. The announcement of Yang Hansen as 16th pick in the NBA draft at New York’s Barclays Centre on Wednesday came as a surprise to many, given he was projected to be drafted in the mid-30s the following day, at best. Having made his name with Qingdao Eagles, the 7ft 2in (2.18 metres) centre Yang became only the ninth Chinese player to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3308051/who-nba-draft-hopeful-yang-hansen-chinese-teen-idolises-lebron-dreams-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3308051/who-nba-draft-hopeful-yang-hansen-chinese-teen-idolises-lebron-dreams-stardom?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Apr 2025 03:00:13 +0000 China’s teenage centre Yang Hansen plans to enter this year’s NBA draft, he announced on Saturday, saying he wanted to “showcase myself on a bigger stage”. The 7ft 1 inch 19-year-old led club side Qingdao Eagles to the quarter-finals of this season’s Chinese Basketball Association play-offs, where they lost a best-of-five series 3-2 to the Zhejiang Lions this week. Yang called the decision the “most important in my life” in an interview with state media. He has already signed with Klutch Sports... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3308040/chinese-basketball-rising-star-yang-enter-2025-nba-draft-ready-mentally-physically?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3308040/chinese-basketball-rising-star-yang-enter-2025-nba-draft-ready-mentally-physically?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Apr 2025 09:22:32 +0000 Jacky Cui Yongxi, one of the few Chinese players to break into the NBA, has vowed to return to top-level basketball when he recovers from a knee injury that saw him waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Cui joined the Nets on a two-way, two-year contract in September but saw his time in the United States cut short when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury while playing for G League affiliate Long Island in December. The 21-year-old went back to his hometown in Yulin in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3305023/chinese-nba-recruit-cui-yongxi-vows-return-top-level-basketball-after-knee-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3305023/chinese-nba-recruit-cui-yongxi-vows-return-top-level-basketball-after-knee-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:08 +0000 Chinese basketball star Guo Ailun hit out at an unnamed teammate on Tuesday after an incident during training left him with an eye injury so severe it could end his sporting career and even lead to blindness. The 31-year-old accused the colleague of potentially ruining his life after he was poked in the eye during a drill and required 40 stitches. Guo, who plays for the Guangzhou Loong Lions, suffered a ruptured conjunctiva: a thin, clear membrane that protects the eye. In a Weibo post, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3299267/china-basketball-stars-blindness-fear-after-potentially-career-ending-eye-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3299267/china-basketball-stars-blindness-fear-after-potentially-career-ending-eye-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:14:21 +0000 Chinese fans have questioned the purpose of the basketball competition in this year’s National Games after it was revealed that the country’s star player Zhou Qi had ditched the Liaoning team to play for Sichuan. Former Houston Rockets player Zhou has accepted a 6 million yuan (US$826,000) payday to play for the southwestern province during the Games, which will take place in November and are being co-hosted by Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong. Sichuan have added Zhou to three other current... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3298903/zhou-qi-played-chinas-last-national-games-liaoning-now-sichuan-has-bought-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3298903/zhou-qi-played-chinas-last-national-games-liaoning-now-sichuan-has-bought-him?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Feb 2025 23:00:18 +0000 American former basketball player Stephon Marbury said on Sunday that he had filed reports to police in Hong Kong and mainland China over claims made about him on Chinese social media. Ex-NBA star Marbury, who is a Hong Kong resident through the city’s Top Talent Pass Scheme, released a statement after accusations were posted on Douyin, the Chinese sister app of TikTok. The Douyin account, which had about 15,400 followers as of Sunday, purportedly belonged to a man named Andy, who claimed to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3297066/us-ex-nba-star-goes-hong-kong-police-over-accusations-chinese-version-tiktok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3297066/us-ex-nba-star-goes-hong-kong-police-over-accusations-chinese-version-tiktok?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Feb 2025 08:31:23 +0000 A normal day for Brooklyn Nets’ new signing Jacky Cui Yongxi starts as early as 7.30am as he gets out of his bed before training starts 90 minutes later. Things are usually wrapped up early in the afternoon – no later than 2pm – and a “recovery nap” that follows usually means there “isn’t much free time” left. But Cui said he had felt improvement in himself since training at a much higher level in the United States, and was waiting patiently for his next call off the bench. “Training here is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288052/cui-yongxi-learning-ropes-brooklyn-nets-hopes-share-experience-team-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3288052/cui-yongxi-learning-ropes-brooklyn-nets-hopes-share-experience-team-china?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:09 +0000 Former NBA champion Sun Yue is expected to have his Chinese Basketball Association jerseys retired by his former teams next month. Various reports in mainland China suggest Sun’s No 9 jersey will be retired on December 6 – the day he turns 39 – by two Beijing teams he played for, when the Royal Fighters host the Ducks in the first city derby of the season. Sun turned out for the Ducks from 2013 to 2017, and the Royal Fighters from 2019 until his retirement in 2021, aged 35. The jersey retirement... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3286518/chinese-nba-champion-sun-yues-former-cba-teams-retire-his-no-9-jerseys-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3286518/chinese-nba-champion-sun-yues-former-cba-teams-retire-his-no-9-jerseys-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:00:12 +0000 Two Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) clubs say they and a player have been “maliciously abused and attacked” online as the country continues to grapple with “obsessive fan culture”. On Monday, Liaoning Flying Leopards beat Guangzhou Loong Lions 97-86 but the game’s prematch – and subsequently post-match – hype was centred on combo guard Guo Ailun. Born in Liaoning, Guo played for his hometown club for 14 years before being traded to Loong Lions this summer. The match was set to be his first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3285283/chinese-basketball-clubs-hit-back-obsessive-fans-after-player-abused-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3285283/chinese-basketball-clubs-hit-back-obsessive-fans-after-player-abused-online?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:30:15 +0000 Yao Ming has said he quit as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) over the national team’s results, and to let his replacement have a full Olympic cycle to try and make things better. News of the former NBA star’s resignation first surfaced on Wednesday, but was only officially confirmed 24-hours later at a meeting of the 10th Chinese Basketball Association Member Congress in Beijing, where vice-chairman Guo Zhenming was named as Yao’s successor. Re-elected to his position in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3284496/yao-ming-quits-chinese-basketball-association-president-weibo-erupts-news?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3284496/yao-ming-quits-chinese-basketball-association-president-weibo-erupts-news?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:19:55 +0000