Court of appeal

"Dunking is always the most amazing moment on the basketball court," Yi says.

"It's about courage, confidence and teamwork."

Besides being broadcast online, the show is set to visit more than 200 universities in China this summer, to offer a wider platform to young Chinese basketball lovers, Yi adds.

The producer says that the 3-on-3 game is gaining in popularity in China, which is why the reality show is based on the format.

Last June, the International Olympic Committee approved the addition of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo.

Moreover, in January, the Chinese Basketball Association announced it would stage another national 3-on-3 tournament in the buildup to the Tokyo Olympics, which will be open to amateurs and professionals alike.

The winning team will also have the chance to play at the Games.

CBA president Yao Ming said at a news conference for the Road to Olympics－National 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Beijing this January, that he believes 3-on-3 has opened a new window of opportunity for Chinese basketball, because it is an emerging form of basketball that is new to almost every country in the world.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn