Class is back in session for prodigious young hoopsters

A pioneering basketball program designed to give young Chinese talent the chance to pursue their hoop dreams the American way is back - bigger and better than ever.

After the success of last year's pilot program, 50 places are now up for grabs for the Basketball Pioneer Project's next nine-month term, beginning in October, at the United States Basketball Academy in Eugene, Oregon.

Of the nine Chinese teens on last year's program, seven have won admittance to US high schools.