On October 21, the Jordan brand announced the signing of a contract with Chinese women's basketball player Yang Shuyu. This is the first female athlete signed by the Jordan brand in China and even in Asia, and it also means that Yang Shuyu, a female basketball player who has made history on behalf of China, has officially joined the big family of more than 50 top athletes in different fields.
After joining hands with the Jordan brand, Yang Shuyu will step onto a larger international stage. Next, the two sides will deepen cooperation in many fields, pass on the pursuit of greatness to more teenagers, inspire them to chase their dreams, constantly break through themselves, and achieve higher goals. Outside the arena, the young women's basketball rising star will also participate in the "Jordan Wings" public welfare project to give back to the community and spread her love of basketball to the wider community.
"Thank you to the Jordan brand for recognizing and supporting me. From the beginning of my exposure to basketball, Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players in my heart," Yang Shuyu said, "Although I did not personally feel it in the era of MJ galloping on the court, the basketball spirit he represented that did not give up and surpass until he stood on the highest peak has always inspired me and guided me on the road of basketball." ”
"I am very pleased that Yang Shuyu can join the Jordan brand family," said Su Junming, general manager of Jordan brand greater China, "whether it is her passionate and aggressive playing style on the court, or the distinctive personality of the field, it is highly consistent with the Jordan brand culture gene." We are all looking forward to more wonderful sparks between Yang Shuyu and Jordan brands in the future. ”
"Hello Yang Shuyu! I'm Allen Guo. You are very welcome to join the Jordan family! You remind me of the excitement when I first joined Jordan, and I am very much looking forward to meeting and communicating with you, and we are cheering together", Guo Allen, who is also an athlete signed by Jordan in China, Guo Allen sent blessings to Yang Shuyu for the first time. Meanwhile, other athletes in Jordan's global family, including Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić and Carmelo Anthony, also welcomed and encouraged Yang shuyu via video.
We also talked with Yang Shuyu about basketball, Jordan, personality and hobbies, and used 23 codes to unlock her Jordan family genes.
Basketball: Where the heart goes, a reed to sail
As the leader of the new generation of Chinese women's basketball, Yang Shuyu and his coach teammates made history in Tokyo this summer. But few people know that Yang Shuyu only began to formally contact three-a-side basketball this year. Faced with a new challenge, she strives for a higher goal in a new field with her teammates with her persistent pursuit of her dreams and unremitting efforts.
When did you first get introduced to three-a-side basketball? Is it a whole new challenge for you?
In fact, I've always played futsal basketball before. In 2017, I attended the Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp, during which I was named to the Best Team. I'm just starting out with three-a-side basketball this year, and it's definitely a whole new challenge. Because whether it is body, technology, rules, etc., three-a-side basketball is different from futsal basketball. At first, I was very uncomfortable, but after slowly contacting and understanding, through continuous training and the help of coaches and teammates, I gradually integrated into the system. It was also a great experience for me.
On this road of basketball, what role did my sister play?
My sister is my family, my guide on the road of basketball, and the person I admire, we work together and make progress together.
Who are the favorite female basketball players?
Maya Moore, a very good and great basketball player, is well worth learning.
What is the ultimate dream in basketball?
Stand on the world's highest podium with the Chinese women's basketball team and enhance the influence of the Chinese women's basketball team in the world.
According to the current level of Chinese women's basketball, will others think that your dream is too lofty?
If you care too much about other people's opinions, it is not called a dream.
If you imagine the future, what are your plans for your future? For example, what will Yang Shuyu look like in ten years?
I don't think much about distant things, because a lot of them are unknown, so I'm always down to earth now, and I'm going to get through every training and competition in earnest first. Regarding academics, now after training, I am taking online classes, studying sports training, and because the knowledge I have learned and the profession I am engaged in are directly related, a lot of knowledge can even help me improve my sports performance on the court. The current plan is to strive for four years of successful graduation, achieve excellent results, and strive to guarantee or be admitted to graduate school.
What kind of challenges have you encountered in the process of chasing your basketball dreams? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me was two injuries, in 2013 and 2016. Fortunately, I have been encouraged and helped by my family, coaches, and teammates, and I have always been grateful. These two injuries also made me realize that the most important thing for an athlete is the body, which needs to be protected at all times, such as stretching, relaxation, and strength training after training, and every link must be controlled.
Jordan: Shoulder to shoulder legend, the heart is higher than the sky
Over the past three decades, Michael Jordan's excellence as an athlete and his pursuit of greatness have inspired people around the world, and this spirit has been passed down throughout the Jordan brand and its athletes. In the future, Yang Shuyu and jordan brands will jointly fulfill their long-term commitment to promote the development of basketball in China.
As the first female athlete signed by the Jordan brand in China, how is she feeling now?
When I heard the news that the Jordan brand was going to work with me, my first reaction at the time was, why me? Because there are a lot of good female athletes. But on second thought, why can't it be me? Although my career has only just begun and the future is full of unknowns, I have the confidence and courage to meet the challenge.
In your opinion, what is the most impressive and attractive trait of the Jordan brand?
The brand embodies the innovative spirit of constantly breaking through and constantly refreshing everyone's cognition. Jordan's basketball shoes have always been the brightest and most special pair on the court, and now they are not only the coolest pieces on the field, but also a symbol of fashion and culture, which are what attract me.
What kind of image does Michael Jordan look like in your eyes? How to define the athlete spirit in your heart?
In my heart he has always been one of the greatest basketball players. I think the slogan of "heart higher than the sky" put forward by the brand this year is very in line with the athlete spirit in my heart: as an athlete, no matter how brilliant the achievements of the predecessors are, how strong the opponents are, as long as I still stand on the field for a second, I will not give up to surpass and break through until I stand at the highest peak.
What are some ideas for future collaborations with the Jordan brand?
In addition to basketball, they will combine their hobbies and explore and develop some new content in the fields of sports and culture. In addition, I also hope to give back to the society and help children, so I am looking forward to participating in the "Spread My Wings and Fly" project.
What's your favorite pair of Jordan shoes? Remember your first pair of Jordan sneakers?
My favorite is the Air Jordan XI! Because I thought it was cool when I first saw these shoes, when my sister gave me a pair of black and red colors, I was really happy.
Myself: The ambition to fly high
Yang Shuyu on the pitch is always full of fighting spirit and full of vitality. Her short, curricious hair has won her the love of many fans. Similarly, once with long flowing hair, she is also a positive and cheerful girl.
What is your personality?
I feel like a very cheerful person, and I will show a very positive side to both the people around me and others.
Does exercise have an effect on personality?
Sports have changed me a lot. Before I was exposed to basketball, I was a more introverted and less talkative person, but after I started playing basketball, I slowly became cheerful and more confident.
How do you view fierce competition? Nowadays, some young people will feel that they can't see the reward for their efforts, or they can't chase excellent people, they are a little lost, and they may also "lie flat", what do you think?
I certainly don't choose to give up, because I firmly believe that there are always more ways than difficulties. I will try to find a suitable method to turn the challenge into a more relaxed problem to solve, and I believe I can do it.
What would it be if you were to describe your current state in three words?
Gratitude, focus, anticipation. Thank you all, because what I get is not something I can do alone; focus on the present, because many things are unknown, I need to stay focused, down-to-earth to complete every training and competition; looking forward to the future, I need to learn and improve there are still many places, and I have the confidence to do everything well.
Everyday: Diverse life Unleash individuality
Yang Shuyu, who is only 19 years old this year, like most girls of the same age, has a wide range of hobbies. At the same time, she likes to release her personality expression, and she also has a high popularity on her social media platform. Like to contact new things, try different areas, Yang Shuyu in life presents everyone with another different her.
Will you be in a big contrast with you on the field in life?
There will be a little bit. In life, I like to try things that I have never been exposed to, such as surfing, skydiving, bungee jumping and other exciting projects.
What kind of music do you usually like to listen to?
Lyrical, slower songs, which I prefer. Can't imagine it, haha.
You love to draw and share them on social media platforms, what do you think your painting style is?
Whether it is when I was a child or now, I have always regarded painting as a hobby, and painting can also keep me focused. There is no specific type or style of painting, I will also pay attention to some of the painting gods, try to learn their painting style.
Seeing you often post all sorts of photos, and even researching photos and video clips, would you want to be a life blogger?
It's really fun and I'd love to try it if I have free time.
What do you like to eat?
Spicy! chafing dish!
What games do you like to play?
Occasionally, I play mobile games, but more like to play console games (PlayStation5, X-Box, Switch).
What is your favorite animal?
Kittens, puppies.