Get ready, basketball fans! 🏀 China's sensational young talent, Cui Yongxi, is heading to the NBA! After a thrilling journey through workouts with six NBA teams, Cui has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. While he didn't hear his name called at the NBA Draft in Brooklyn, this is just the beginning of an exciting adventure! 🚀
So, what's an Exhibit 10 deal? It's a one-year contract that gives Cui a chance to shine during the preseason. If all goes well, it could be converted into a two-way contract before the regular season kicks off. And even if things don't pan out immediately, he'll have the opportunity to develop his game with the Trail Blazers' G League affiliate. Talk about keeping your eyes on the prize! 🏆
Cui, just 21 years old, impressed scouts during workouts with the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and of course, the Trail Blazers before the draft. Now, he's gearing up to showcase his talents at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas starting July 12. Viva Las Vegas! 🎰
In a candid chat with Tencent Sports, Cui opened up about his whirlwind experience in the U.S. \"My biggest gain was that I learned a lot of new things including training methods, playing styles, and the latest trends in basketball development here,\" he shared. \"After spending time with players here and facing them on the court, I found myself getting closer to matching their pace. Hopefully, I can achieve more improvement in the future.\" 💪
When asked about the differences between young players in China and the U.S., Cui highlighted the early start American players get. \"They have professional trainers working with kids who love basketball,\" he said. \"In fact, they begin playing in a professional system when they're as young as eight or nine years old. I think the gap lies in training quality, including differences in nutrition and the professionalism of college and high-school basketball. It's all different from what's on our side.\" 🌍
Cui's journey is an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, showing that dedication and hard work can open doors to new horizons. We're rooting for you, Cui! Go make some waves in the NBA! 🌊🔥
Reference(s):
Undrafted, China's Cui Yongxi to join Trail Blazers on Exhibit 10 deal
cgtn.com
