Updated at 2:49 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Chinese basketball league to hold foreign draft here
Advertiser Staff
The Chinese Basketball Association will bring about 45 people to Honolulu for the league's 2007 draft of foreign athletes, which will be held at the Hawai'i Convention Center Aug. 15-17. The draft, which will be broadcast in China, allows 15 teams to draft up to two foreign players each."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 Ted Liu, director for the Department of Business, Economic Development and 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."
It's the first time Hawai'i will host the draft, which previously was held in Oregon, said Bruce O'Neil, president for the U.S. Basketball Academy. One or two Hawai'i residents may be drafted, O'Neil said. O'Neil is a former University of Hawaii head basketball coach.
The Chinese Basketball Association 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.
