My joy coaching the young stars of China

You probably think you know what my highlight was of the 2012 CBA All-Star Weekend. Yes, I really enjoyed playing in the All-Star Game and was glad my team, the North All-Stars, won. I always get hyped battling the best and brightest players.

And, yes, I did love seeing the excited fans at the great show the CBA put on in Guangzhou, including the main attraction, the All-Star Game. That really put a smile on my face.

But this year, what I will remember most about All-Star Weekend is coaching the 2012 North Rookie All-Star team.

I made my head-coaching debut! Did you see my team the North rookies play against the South? And did you see me on the sideline? I thought I was looking good in my suit and latest Starbury sneakers.

Anyway, I have coached before back home in the United States. But I never had the opportunity to do so in front of thousands of people while every media outlet in China had a front-row seat. To top it off, the game was nationally televised on CCTV-5.

A win and bragging rights were on the line for these talented pro basketball players. Many of them believing balling in the rookie game could assist in earning a coveted spot on the Chinese national team.

Most people in China already know that my hope one day is to coach the Chinese team and help it win an Olympic medal.

So, coaching under some of the brightest lights and on one of the biggest stages during All-Star Weekend was a good test for me.

I am just so glad that my rookie team won!

I truly believe the young Chinese players in the CBA have amazing promise and are destined for greatness. They work hard and play even harder. The best part is they know how to play the game of basketball. Plus, they are students of the game.

This weekend I had a conversation with a reporter who asked me a question that stuck with me. He wanted to know if there is a difference in coaching and playing, and if so, what it is? I responded, "Yes and no".

I further explained my answer. If something in the game is not going right, experienced players make the adjustment.

On the other hand, regardless of how experienced a coach is, he cannot put on a team jersey and play. Instead, the coach draws up a play from the sideline, and hopes his players follow through by scoring or getting a defensive stop.

Of course, that is a big challenge. However, because I am a scoring point guard and used to making adjustments when playing, I think coaching was a bit easier for me.

Do not get me wrong. Coaching is hard work. You are constantly thinking and planning. You are always trying to out-think your opponent to get the win. I am not a chess player, but from what I hear, it is the same logic.

Another thing, when players listen and accept their roles, coaching is not as hard.

I think my rookie team won because of the three hours we spent together and the young stars did everything they were asked.

That was so rewarding, and I will never forget the experience for as long as I live.

Hopefully, I will be blessed with more experiences and opportunities. Opportunities that I wish will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future in China, not only on the basketball court but off the court as well. That is my prayer.

Love is love.

Yours truly,

Starbury

Stephon Marbury can be reached at sports@chinadaily.com.cn