As someone interested in both basketball and Chinese culture and language, I was naturally attracted to this book and found it a very engaging and fascinating read. There are not many books like this out there, and this is a rare glimpse and fun ride into the world of the CBA in China.
I enjoyed "getting to know" the characters such as Joe the translator, Michael the Nigerian center, Kobe the upcoming Chinese player, the wacky and eccentric Boss Wang and of course coach Bob Weiss.
The contrasting experiences of Bonzi Wells and coach Bob Weiss in China described in the book are excellent examples of unsuccessful/successful cross-cultural adaptation to China and other contexts. These examples should be highlighted for foreign athletes headed to the CBA who seek to make a successful transition to the league and life in the middle kingdom.
NBA coach Bob Weiss (brought in as a “foreign expert” to help the team) maintained his sense of humor and flexibility in a situation of constant change, drama and turmoil (much due to the eccentric and erratic owner of the Brave Dragons, “Boss Wang”). He and his wife seemed to embrace their time in China, caring for the players, learning some of the language (the book mentions coach Weiss speaking in Mandarin at a press conference much to the delight of the Chinese present) making Chinese friends, and exploring the city on their own.
In contrast to Weiss, Bonzi Wells (the highest profile foreign player in league history) wasn’t able to adapt to life in China, clashing with the owner, isolating himself in his hotel room, and choosing not to return to the team after the New Year vacation. I was especially interested to read about the Wells story since I knew about him from his days at Ball State (I grew up not far from his hometown of Muncie, Indiana).
Along with the entertaining story of the Brave Dragons, the book provided interesting cultural and historical insights. It was interesting to read that basketball was first introduced to China in Tianjin (at the YMCA), a city that I spent more than three years teaching and studying in; I’d love to visit the old gym the next time I travel there. Another example included discrimination faced by a Taiwan player by his mainland teammates and coaches of the Brave Dragons. I hadn’t heard much about this kind of treatment towards Taiwanese in Mainland China, and would like to know how often this occurs in Chinese society today.
Yardley also provided some interesting glimpses into the CBA such as claims of fixing matches by owners and referees and the enormous salaries that foreign players can earn. I got the impression that Chinese owners/coaches stress constant drilling and practice much more than their American counterparts, some even implying that this is the reason why Chinese athletes retire relatively so early.
I’d recommend this book for anyone interested in basketball, China or even cross-cultural relations/adaptation.
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Daniel
I highly recommend this book if you are interested in China and/or like NBA basketball.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2014
