Get ready, basketball fans! J. Cole, the Grammy-winning artist known for his introspective lyrics and impressive basketball skills, is heading to China. He’s officially joining the Nanjing Monkey Kings, a prominent team in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
A Familiar Court
This isn’t Cole’s first foray into professional basketball. The 6’3″ rapper has previously played for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in Canada’s CEBL. He even participated in the NBA Celebrity Game back in 2012. His passion for the game is clear, and now he’s taking it to a new international stage.
Footage of Cole attending a recent Monkey Kings game has been making the rounds on social media, confirming the exciting news. While the exact number of games he’ll play hasn’t been specified, it’s reported that he’s committed to playing a few matches.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The Nanjing Monkey Kings are no strangers to high-profile players, having previously featured NBA veterans like Willie Cauley-Stein and Tacko Fall. Cole’s presence is expected to significantly boost the CBA’s global profile. Zhen Wang, the team’s general manager, expressed excitement, noting that Cole’s involvement could open doors for Chinese players to train and play in the U.S., especially given Cole’s minority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets.
Cole himself has hinted at this move, mentioning the possibility of playing in China for the Monkey Kings while promoting his latest album, ‘The Fall-Off.’ He described it as potentially his ‘last shot’ to play professionally and expressed a desire to ‘go out there and have fun with it.’
A Rapper’s Basketball Journey
Cole’s journey from Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he played basketball in high school, to the global stage of the CBA is truly remarkable. His stats from previous stints, though modest, highlight his commitment: averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds for the Rwanda Patriots and improving to 2.4 points per game with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.
This move signifies more than just a celebrity appearance; it’s another chapter in J. Cole’s multifaceted career, blending his passion for music with his love for the game of basketball.
What do you think of J. Cole’s move to the Nanjing Monkey Kings? Are you excited to see him play? Let us know in the comments!