USA Vs. China Basketball

They came in droves, cloaked in green plastic poncho's, which were handed out by volunteer staff. Trudging through the torrential downpour which lasted nearly 4 hours, the excitement was still shining brightly on their faces.  As soon as they crossed the threshold of Wukesong Stadium, the plastic was peeled off, the jerseys, hats, banners and tickets came out and it was game time. They came to witness what over 1 Billion fans viewed from their living room. Faces painted, flags flying, they came to witness history.  In the end the US team proved to be too much for an overmatched Chinese squad as they won 101-70.  However, this game was about more than the final score.  This was a chance for the Chinese basketball team to make a statement, and a chance for the US team to continue asserting their dominance.  It was also a chance for Chinese fans to prove their love and passion for a game that continues to build a global brand and appeal.   

Kobe and Lebron soared high above the rim, flushing dunk after dunk, much to the delight of the Chinese fans.  In China, the fans are rabid about their basketball, and their love of the NBA. Lebron is a household name, as is Kobe Bryant.  A country with approximately 1.3 billion people, and a growing economy has the NBA salivating at the thought of expanding to a much more global game. In addition to branding, the NBA is also developing international players at a frenzied pace, and China, which boasts having nearly 300 million basketball players, knows they are a resource for the future.   

There was energy in the air throughout the entire evening.  From the opening tip, to Yao scoring the first basket on a deep three pointer, to Lebrons first flush, fans chanted, "China, clap clap, CHINA, clap, clap"  while still cheering for every slam dunk, or acrobatic maneuver the U.S. team displayed.  They were there to cheer on the homegrown 7 footer, Yao Ming, and they were there to cheer for some of the most athletic players in the world.  They were also there to display their pride in their country, both where it has come from and where it potentially could go.