Buzzer sounds on scholarship selection camp

The most recent Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship Camp concluded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sunday, after putting total of 56 young players, 17 of whom were girls, through their paces in a series of physical tests, technical drills and team scrimmages.

The scholarship, launched in 2021 with the aim of nurturing the next generation of Chinese basketball talent, while promoting youth sports and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, marks its fifth anniversary this year.

The recently concluded camp will determine which of the aspirants will be this milestone year's beneficiaries of the scholarship, through which eligible teenagers with a passion for basketball are sent to boarding schools in the United States and are provided comprehensive financial support — including tuition and boarding — throughout their high school education.

The scholarship, according to basketball professionals, enables aspiring youths to receive high-level training, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones while enhancing their competitiveness and self-discipline.

During the camp's closing ceremony, Alibaba chairman and scholarship founder Tsai expressed gratitude to all parties involved.

"First of all, I want to thank the Chinese Basketball Association for its consistent support, which has always been our strongest backer.

"Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices made by parents. Sending children of such a young age overseas must be heartbreaking, and this certainly requires sacrifice. But, I can confidently assure you, please don't worry. Your children have the spirit and genetics of athletes, and they will adapt well.

"Whether in basketball, academics or daily life, they will perform excellently, so there is no need for concern."

He also shared his hopes for the young players and the future of the program: "Basketball should not only teach you how to win, but more importantly, how to confront difficulties, take responsibility, trust your teammates and earn their trust.

"This trust will accompany you in the future. After this training camp… I hope you will carry what you have learned into every arena and every stage of life ahead."

The camp was led by the former head coach of China's men's national basketball team Wang Fei, who was joined by Olympic medalist and China Basketball Hall of Famer Liu Qing and a coaching team from the Gillion Basketball Academy in the US. Together, they delivered intensive sessions covering foundational fitness, specialized techniques and offensive-defensive systems, providing participants with an international-standard basketball training experience.

Another China Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Song Xiaobo, who has served as a judge for the scholarship for five consecutive editions, said: "I believe Joe Tsai's philosophy is truly admirable. These children may not necessarily become professional athletes in the future, nor is there a requirement for them to play in the NBA. Only a small number of players eventually become professionals, but opening one's eyes to the world is what matters most."

Regarding selection criteria, she explained: "We have specific metrics across various areas, including technical performance and physical testing, but the key thing is that the children must work hard, love the game and be willing to invest in themselves."

Initiated by Tsai and officially supported by the Chinese Basketball Association, the scholarship operates independently and has, to date, selected and cultivated 28 outstanding young players, two of whom have advanced to NCAA Division I schools, and two who entered professional basketball through the CBA draft.

Among the four current student cohorts, seven have received NCAA basketball scholarship offers, and eight have been selected for China's national youth teams and various training camps.

Application for the 2026 Scholarship ran from Aug 11 through Oct 19.The list of scholarship recipients for the 2026 cohort is expected to be announced in May 2026, and they will embark on their journey to the US later in the year.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn