World Cup a benchmark for reforms

Yao Ming expects his reforms of Chinese basketball to start paying off by 2019 when China hosts the FIBA World Cup.

Since becoming president of the Chinese Basketball Association in early 2017, the eight-time NBA All-Star has introduced a number of measures designed to reinvigorate the CBA and the national team.

Eight Chinese cities will host the World Cup from Aug 31-Sept 15 next year, when Yao hopes to see a marked improvement from the national team.

"Hosting the World Cup will inject a cardiac stimulant into Chinese basketball and make the sport develop in all aspects," said Yao at an unveiling ceremony for the tournament's mascot finalists in Wuhan.

The 37-year-old, though, cautioned that the reforms were still in their infancy.

"Before we choose the road for development, we need to make sure what fits us most and what prerequisites we need," he added.

Of all his changes, the creation of two national teams, each with an independent coaching staff and roster, to alternately represent China at international events through 2018 has attracted the most headlines.

The move aims to better encourage up-and-coming talent and, in turn, create more competition for places as the squads work toward merging for the FIBA World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Yao also said that some university players have been allowed to play in the CBA All-Star Game because the CBA hopes to whip up basketball fever in Chinese schools and select more young players.

"Basketball faces stiff competition from sectors such as electronics sports in attracting the young generation," he said.

"That's why we will encourage Chinese basketball to continue its cooperation with the education and entertainment sectors to create a platform where kids can enjoy learning different things simultaneously."

Xinhua