China Basketball Association strengthens anti-doping measures

The Chinese Basketball Association has pledged to strengthen its anti-doping measures and impose stricter doping-control rules in the wake of two positive cases, involving a former NBA player, unveiled by the country's anti-doping authorities on Monday.

Former NBA forward Montrezl Harrell, who played for CBA's Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the 2024-25 season, and his American compatriot Troy Gillenwater, who competed for Guangdong Southern Tigers this past season, both tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a psychoactive compound derived from cannabis classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency, during routine in-competition tests by the league in April, according to a statement released by the China Anti-Doping Agency on Monday.

Both Harrell and Gillenwater waived their right to have their B-samples tested, which has effectively indicated their acceptance of the positive results, according to CHINADA.

Harrell, who played 13 games representing Xinjiang from March 14 to April 18, used to play in the NBA from 2015-2023, representing six franchises including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.

He was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in the 2019-20 season with the Clippers.

Gillenwater, a former New Mexico State graduate, has been playing in the CBA since 2019, suiting up for Guangdong in 44 games in the 2024-25 campaign following four straight seasons with Shandong.

The league is taking this matter seriously and is actively working with CHINADA with a further investigation, according to a CBA statement on Tuesday. The CBA also acknowledged that the two athletes involved have the right to request a hearing.

The association emphasized that once CHINADA issues its final decision, the CBA will strictly handle the case in accordance with anti-doping regulations and other relevant rules.

The CBA reiterated its firm opposition to any form of doping violations and stressed that it will continue to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach toward doping in order to safeguard the integrity and fairness of basketball. "The CBA will further strengthen anti-doping education programs, improve related management policies and measures, and remain committed to maintaining a fair and just competitive environment," said the statement.