Rising star Cui Yongxi deserves credit for pushing for dream amid low point for Chinese basketball

Despite going undrafted in the NBA Draft after meticulously preparing for months, the determination of 21-year-old Chinese player Cui Yongxi to compete in the NBA exemplifies his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of basketball.

Cui's journey began long before draft night. Leading up to the selection process, he had the opportunity to work out with six NBA teams: the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks. These experiences not only broadened his horizons but also provided him with a firsthand understanding of the intensity and competitiveness that define the NBA.

"Now I know the level my peers are at," Cui said, reflecting on the rigorous training sessions and the high caliber of talent he encountered. His insights reveal a young athlete who is both introspective and determined to elevate his game to meet these standards.

Cui's perseverance has been rewarded with an Exhibit 10 contract from the Trail Blazers. This contract, while not guaranteeing a spot on the regular season roster, offers him a platform to showcase his skills during the NBA Summer League. The Summer League, scheduled from July 13 to 23 in Las Vegas, will feature 30 teams playing a total of 76 games. For Cui, every minute on the court is an opportunity to prove himself.

Historically, Chinese players in the NBA Summer League, like Zhang Zhenlin and Zeng Fanbo in 2022, have struggled to secure significant play time. Cui might face a similar challenge. If Cui wants to earn more minutes, he must deliver exceptional performances consistently. The NBA is unforgiving, and success hinges on a player's ability to quickly adapt, perform and fulfill a team's needs.

Cui's stats in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) reflect his potential. Standing at 2.01 meters with a 2.06-meter wingspan and weighing 93 kilograms, he averaged 15.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game last season. His shooting accuracy, with a field goal percentage of 45.5 percent and a three-point percentage of 36.4 percent, highlights his scoring capability.

However, transitioning to the NBA requires more than impressive statistics. It demands understanding the team's requirements and carving out a niche within the squad. Many players mistakenly focus solely on showcasing their strengths without aligning to the team's strategy. For Cui, recognizing and executing the team's needs will be crucial. This adaptability can earn him the respect and trust of his coaches and teammates, paving the way for more opportunities to shine.

Cui is among the brightest talents among China's new generation of basketball players. His participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and subsequent strong performance in the CBA demonstrate his readiness for the next challenge. As he steps into the NBA Summer League, he carries not just his aspirations but also the hopes of many Chinese basketball fans eager for a new icon in the NBA, during a time when the national team is in an embarrassing situation of not having any major international competition in two years.

The road ahead is undoubtedly tough, but Cui's determination and willingness to step out of his comfort zone are commendable. During a time when the Chinese national team faces significant challenges and the gap between Chinese basketball and the world's elite continues to widen, Cui's possibility of competing overseas is crucial. His perseverance and pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration for future generations of Chinese basketballers.