For Immediate Release: August 7, 2007
DBEDT Release News 07-17

Convention Center Hosts Chinese Basketball Association's 2007 Draft of Foreign Athletes, August 15-17

HONOLULU--East meets West in Hawai‘i this year as the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) holds its 2007 draft of foreign athletes at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, August 15-17. CBA rules allow two foreign players on each team. "This is an important milestone in Hawai‘i's efforts to position our state as the best bridge between Asia and the United States," said Theodore E. Liu, Hawai‘i's Director of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. "With this event, we can emphasize that professional sports are growing more global in nature and that Hawai‘i is the ideal place for cross-cultural exchanges." "Hawai‘i's unique location and vast resources are ideally suited to meet the growing needs of professional sports organizations," said Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona. Jr. "We hope this event serves as a precursor to Hawai‘i's increased involvement on the global stage." The Chinese Basketball Association was established in June 1956. It is a non-governmental organization in charge of basketball at the national level. The first CBA league was launched in 1995, with 12 teams participating. The 15 teams currently in the CBA are the Beijing Ducks, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Liaoning Hunters, Jilin Northeast Tigers, Shandong Lions, Shanxi Kylins, Henan Dragons, Guangdong Southern Tigers, Bayi Rockets, Jiangsu Dragons, Yunnan Bulls, Shanghai Sharks, Fujian Xunxing, Zhejiang Cyclones, and Dongguan New Century.

A few CBA players have reached the National Basketball Association, such as Yao Ming (Houston Rockets), Wang Zhizhi (Miami Heat), Yi Jianlian (Milwaukee Bucks), and Mengke Bateer (Cleveland Cavaliers). The United States Basketball Academy (USBA) is the exclusive partner of the CBA and has a ten-year relationship with all of Chinese basketball. USBA has run the four draft camps and drafts for the CBA, and no foreign player can enter the Chinese Professional League except through the USBA. The USBA is recognized internationally as the leader in providing innovative training and education to assist basketball players and coaches in reaching their fullest potential. The Academy was founded in 1993 by Bruce O'Neil, former Head Basketball Coach of the University of Hawai‘i. Non-Chinese athletes that have played more than one season in the CBA include:

• Ernest Brown, Liaoning Pandas 2004-05, 2006-07
• Babacar Camara, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2005-06, 2006-07
• Alex Carcamo, Shenzhen 2000-01, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2001-02
• Lorenzo Coleman, Xinjiang Flying Dragons 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07
• Peter Cornell, Zhejiang Horses 2003-04, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2004-05
• Brandon Crump, Shaanxi Kylins 2005-06, 2006-07
• Carlos Dixon, Jiangsu Dragons 2005-06, 2006-07
• Jason Dixon, Guangdong Southern Tigers 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07
• Ed Elisma, Shandong Lions 2003-04, Henan Dragons 2004-05
• Terrance Green, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2005-06, 2006-07
• Rod Gregoire, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06
• Simeon Haley, Jiangsu Dragons 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05
• Stephen Hart, Shanghai Sharks 2001-02, Jiangsu Dragons 2002-03
• Chris Herren, Beijing Ducks 2002-03, Jiangsu Dragons 2003-04
• Garth Joseph, Shaanxi Kylins 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05
• Justin Love, Beijing Aoshen Olympian 2002-03, 2003-04
• Tuck Mack, Shandong Lions 2004-05, 2006-07
• Gabe Muoneke, Beijing Aoshen Olympian 2003-04, Zhejiang Lions 2006-07
• Anthony Myles, Dongguan Leopards 2005-06, 2006-07
• Reggie Okosa, Shanghai Sharks 2005-06, 2006-07
• Olumide Oyedeji, Beijing Ducks 2003-04, 2004-05
• Chris Porter, Fujian Sturgeons 2005-06, 2006-07
• Laron Profit, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2002-03, 2003-04
• Kit Rhymer, Henan Dragons 2005-06, Fujian Sturgeons 2006-07
• Soumaila Samake, Zhejiang Horses 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07
• Alex Scales, Jiangsu Dragons 2002-03, Shanghai Sharks 2004-05
• Shawnell Scott, Jiangsu Dragons, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2004-05
• God Shammgod, Zhejiang Horses 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, Shanxi Dragons 2006-07
• Mark Strickland, Zhejiang Horses 2002-03, 2003-04
• Damon Stringer, Shanghai Sharks 2000-01, Shaanxi Kylins 2001-02

2006-2007 is the CBA's 12th season. The 30-game season began on October 7, 2006. The Guangdong Southern Tigers were the defending champions, but were upset by the Bayi Rockets in the finals.

For more information on the CBA, please contact Bruce O'Neil, USBA, (541) 736-7513, otto37@juno.com.