On June 28, 2024, the Chinese basketball world experienced a disappointing moment: 21-year-old basketball star Cui Yongxi was not selected in the NBA Draft. This incident not only dealt a blow to Cui Yongxi personally, but also reflected the challenge of Chinese basketball on the international stage. Since Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin in 2016, no player in the Chinese basketball world has been selected in the NBA draft for eight years. Choi Yong-hee's performance in the CBA league is impressive, averaging 15.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.3 blocks per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
Although Choi Young-hee failed to be selected in the NBA draft, his basketball journey is not over. He plans to participate in the NBA Summer League and continue to train himself in high-level competitions, which is not only a further improvement of his personal ability, but also a positive attempt for the future development of Chinese basketball. Cui Yongxi's perseverance and continuous efforts have set an example for Chinese basketball players and brought a ray of hope for the future of Chinese basketball.
However, Choi's experience has also triggered a deep reflection on China's basketball training system. Why is it difficult for Chinese basketball talent to gain a foothold in the NBA? Is there a problem with our basketball development system? These questions point to the core of China's basketball development. Chinese basketball needs more international vision and cooperation, and needs to cultivate more players with international competitiveness. This requires not only the efforts of individual players, but also the support and reform of the entire basketball system.
The development path of Chinese basketball is full of controversy and uncertainty. On the one hand, some people believe that Chinese players should pay more attention to the improvement and development of the domestic CBA league, and on the other hand, some people believe that only by entering a top league such as the NBA can the level of Chinese basketball be truly improved. The collision of these two views reflects the confusion and exploration of Chinese basketball on the road of development.
Chinese basketball needs to establish a more scientific and systematic training system, from primary school to university, and then to professional leagues, to form a coherent talent training chain. Chinese basketball needs to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international basketball, learn advanced basketball concepts and training methods, and enhance the international competitiveness of players. Chinese basketball should provide more development opportunities for players, including participating in international competitions, training camps, etc., to increase players' international experience.
As the cornerstone of Chinese basketball, the CBA league needs to continuously improve the competitive level and market value of the league to attract more outstanding players and coaches. The development of basketball needs the support of all sectors of society, including the government, enterprises, media and fans, to jointly contribute to the rejuvenation of Chinese basketball. Basketball is not just a sport, it's a culture. Chinese basketball needs to cultivate a positive and never-give-up basketball culture to inspire more people to love basketball.
Chinese basketball is expected to achieve a qualitative leap in the near future and return to the pinnacle of international basketball. Cui Yongxi's story is the embodiment of the spirit of Chinese basketball and the hope for the future of Chinese basketball. We look forward to seeing more rising basketball stars like Cui Yongxi on the international stage in the near future.