J. Cole explains why he played only one game for Chinese professional basketball team
Award-winning rapper J. Cole was initially supposed to play at least three games for the Nanjing Monkey Kings, a professional basketball team in China. But the 41-year-old’s playing time in China’s professional basketball league was seemingly cut because of circumstances beyond his control.
Cole touched on his trip to China and why he played just one game for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in a post on his personal blog. He explained that the visa process in Hong Kong to enable him to play basketball in mainland China took longer than expected.
“Initially I was scheduled to play in at least 3 games for the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the CBA. The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,” he said.
Despite the setback, Cole expressed his gratitude to the Nanjing Monkey Kings as well as the Chinese Basketball Association.
“I want to say thank you to the Nanjing club and to the CBA for allowing me to have that incredible experience. Also to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket!” he wrote.
“I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn’t able to hit one. A couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I’m fulfilled and grateful! Sh*t, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! ???? And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes! ????”
READ ALSO: J. Cole reveals his first reaction to the lawsuit Cam’ron filed against him
The 41-year-old then shared his experience in China and praised the hospitality that he and his family received.
“On top of all that the biggest win is that me and my family got to experience China for the first time. The people were kind, the cities are clean and beautiful. It’s a very peaceful place. The high speed train was crazy. Super convenient. I was able to go from Nanjing to Shanghai in like a hour on the train. Distance wise that would be like going from DC to New York in a hour,” he revealved.
Cole also said that he “didn’t realize there were so many people in China that rocked with my music!”
“Thank you to everybody who showed up and brought an album to sign. I was blown away. I felt the energy in the game that yall wanted me to hit those shots too! Appreciate it!” he added.
“I told the team that if I could stay in shape I would be down to play for a longer amount of games next year after I’m done with tour. I’m wildin???? ???????????? we’ll see. DREAMER”
