CBA Draft finally coming of age

Record number of collegiate players picked in Shanghai

From its embarrassing debut in 2015 to Monday's highly anticipated talent trawl, the Chinese Basketball Association Draft has evolved into a springboard for sending more young hoopsters to the nation's professional ranks.

Initially ignored by most teams for having little value in terms of attracting talent, over the past few years the CBA Draft has become a high-profile stage for young players to demonstrate their commitment to the pro challenge.