When Yao Ming admitted in front of the camera that "the current performance of the Chinese men's basketball team has not met my expectations", countless Chinese basketball fans have mixed feelings in their hearts. The Chinese men's basketball team, which once dominated the Asian basketball world and terrified opponents, has now slipped to eighth in Asia. Into the Olympics? This seems to have become an unattainable dream for the current Chinese men's basketball team. But in this context, a young figure stood up, and he was Cui Yongxi.
Cui Yongxi, this name has begun to emerge in the Chinese basketball world in the past two years. Born in Nanning, Guangxi in 2003, he came from Dongguan Basketball School in Guangdong Province step by step, joined Guangzhou Dragon and Lion Basketball Club in 2022, and quickly gained a foothold in the CBA League. In the same year, he was named the best new player and was named in the second team of domestic players, an achievement that a young player can be proud of.
But Choi Young-hee's ambitions clearly don't stop there. In 2023, he made a surprising decision - to participate in the NBA Draft. After the glory of predecessors such as Wang Zhizhi, Yao Ming, Battle, Sun Yue, and Yi Jianlian, there have been no Chinese players in the NBA for several years. Can Choi Yong-hee regain the glory of Chinese basketball and become the new face of NBA China?
This decision is undoubtedly fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Some people question whether Choi Yong-hee is still lacking compared to his predecessors? But in my opinion, this kind of courage and determination is exactly what Chinese basketball needs most at the moment. Yes, he may not be perfect enough, but who can be perfect at the age of 20?
In preparation for the draft, Choi Young-hee participated in an elite training camp in Orlando. In both games, his performance was not impressive, but it did not affect his eligibility for the NBA draft. The important thing is that when he takes this step, it is already a victory. Choi Young-hee is currently back in Orlando for special training and making final preparations for the upcoming draft.
Here we might as well make a bold assumption: if Cui Yongxi can successfully enter the NBA, what kind of incentive will it be for Chinese basketball? Imagine how exciting it would be to see Chinese players again in the NBA in the near future.
Of course, even if he fails to make it to the NBA, Choi Young-hee's attempt will be a valuable asset in his career. After all, not every effort will lead to success, but every effort must lead to growth.
Looking back on the history of Chinese basketball, we have had glories and lows. But now, we are at a new beginning. Cui Yongxi's NBA draft journey is not only his personal challenge, but also an important test for Chinese basketball. We look forward to him coming out in the draft, and we look forward to him writing a new chapter for Chinese basketball in his future basketball career."
No matter what the outcome is, Choi Yong-hee is already our pride. He tells us with his actions: dreams still have to be had, what if they come true? Let's cheer for Cui Yongxi and Chinese basketball!
In the world of basketball, there is never a shortage of passion and dreams. From Wang Zhizhi to Yao Ming, and now Cui Yongxi, Chinese basketball has been moving forward. Although the road was tortuous, we never gave up. Because we believe that one day, Chinese basketball will once again stand on the world stage and show our style.
Choi Yong-hee's NBA road is not destined to be smooth sailing. But the courage and perseverance he showed are exactly what our time needs most. Let's accompany him on this extraordinary journey and witness him grow from a rising CBA star, to a possible NBA player, to a leader who can lead the renaissance of Chinese basketball.
In this process, each and every one of us is a witness and a supporter. Every shout and applause we give is the greatest encouragement to Cui Yongxi and Chinese basketball. So, whether you are a basketball fan or just an occasional sports follower, please cheer for Cui Yongxi and Chinese basketball this summer.
His success is our success; His dreams are also our dreams. Let's look forward to that exciting moment together, when Cui Yongxi heard his name called at the NBA draft, it will be a new beginning for Chinese basketball and the starting point of our common dream.
Chinese basketball, come on! Choi Yong-hee, Chong Duck! Are you ready for this summer of passion and dreams? Let's wait and see and witness history.