Q&A

How do you assess the impact of the Ducks championship-winning journey on the city of Beijing?

The city has grown. Basketball has given the city a sense of urgency in growing in a positive way. Sports with Guo'an (CSL soccer club) and Beijing (Ducks) excite and motivate people.

How long will you play for Beijing?

I am not going anywhere. Beijing is my home. This is where I will retire. I hope one day my jersey will be hung in Wukesong (MasterCard Center) and Shougang Gymnasium (the Ducks home court in regular season). That will be completion for me.

How far Beijing is away from building a dynasty in CBA?

It's a work in progress. That's been my only focus since I came here, not winning one but winning several. They (the fans) are seeing the foundation and the commitment, which will change the culture of the CBA, in that there is another team trying to do it other than Guangdong (eight-time league champion).

What do you think about CBA's future development?

The league is going to be one of the prominent leagues on the planet, it just takes time. It's still young and immature and it's only going to get better. The CBA is growing to a place where you will not talk about playing basketball in the NBA any more. I am happy to be part of it. It's a great opportunity.

Do you think there will be more Chinese players in the NBA?

Why go to the NBA when they can play in the CBA? Why don't you guys just have players like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian stay here and continue to make the CBA big?

(China Daily 04/15/2014 page19)