Chinese are not all small and dainty. Think Yao Ming.
My father-in-law sits glued to the TV watching the NBA playoffs and now the finals. And he has to stretch to make 5'2" tall.
But basketball is loved in China. It also serves as a means to bring Chinese from all over the world together....well, Chinese who are interested in basketball that is.
Beijing hosted the 3rd annual Beijing Basketball games not long ago.
Chinese from Taipei, from Indonesia, and from many other countries came to watch and interact with bball fans in the home country.
Seven foot six inch Yao Ming has a lot to do with this popularity. He was the top draft pick in 2002 and has consistently improved as a player in the NBA.
The NBA has a lot to do with this for marketing itself to China. I remember people saying "How could the NBA possibly appeal to a bunch of little Asian guys?" How wrong they were!
In the 2004 Athens Games, China placed eighth for the second time. We can be sure they have their eyes on a higher placement in the 2008 Beijing games.
Many are predicting that before long, bball will surpass soccer as the number one sport in China.
What do you think?
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