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James brings new NBA enthusiasm to China The young NBA sensation Lebron James stirred up a fresh frenzy of NBA fever in China's capital as he launched the two-day Beijing stage of his 2005 Asia Tour yesterday following a visit to Tokyo in Japan on August 2. "I am so excited, I mean, to play with my fans here on the court," the 20-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers guard said. "I also got excited about this great trip to China, a place I have never been." James is the latest big name added to a star-studded list of NBA greats who have visited China over the past few years. Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers had his debut in Beijing in 2001, and then it was legend Michael Jordan who rocked the capital city last summer. Stars from the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings, featuring Tracy McGrady and Peja Stojakovic travelled to Shanghai and Beijing to play two NBA pre-season Games last October. Recently Frenchman Tony Parker of the 2004-2005 Champions San Antonio Spurs also came to Beijing during a NBA outreach activity. Last night, James was invited to join the awards ceremony of the "Nike 2005 Battlegrounds" where he shared his basketball ideas and skills with young Chinese enthusiasts. He played one-on-one against Chinese kids, commented on to their game and displayed his amazing three-pointer and slamdunk skills. James said he was pleased to find out that he has a huge influence on the Chinese basketball fans just like his all-time idol Michael Jordan did after spending only two seasons in NBA. "I want to share with you my style of playing basketball and I hope what I do in the NBA inspires Chinese young players to have more passion for the sport," said James. The 20-year-old is the youngest player in NBA history to capture Rookie of the Year in 2004 and also the youngest player ever to score 2,000 points. He also joined the US Olympic basketball team at the Athens Games in 2004 as one of the youngest US male players to participate in the Olympics. Coming to China as an ambassador for basketball, James believes the China Tour will create a cross-cultural exchange between NBA and the kids of China. "Basketball is not only a sport, it is also a bridge that connects us together," he said. "I know how important it is to help the kids. "This is a great learning experience for everyone and I also hope I can further help China's basketball development." James represents Nike at a donation ceremony at the Beijing Olympic Centre today before leaving for Hong Kong this evening. "I was touched and inspired by their passion for sports," he said. "This trip has been a once in a lifetime experience for me. Now I am looking forward to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008." (China Daily 08/05/2005 page16)
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