China’s next generation have an “incredible platform” to pursue their dreams, former NBA executive Greg Stolt has said as a basketball scholarship was hailed for allowing children to target academic and sporting goals simultaneously.
Stolt, who also played professionally in France, Japan and Australia, on Thursday praised the opportunities offered by the Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship (JTBS) at a training session for local pupils in the mainland Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Officials running the programme – which subsidises children to study and play at US boarding schools – explained on the sidelines why it could prove a game-changer in China.
“It’s often referred to as ‘retire at 12’, where young basketball players face a difficult decision, whether they want to continue school or pursue a higher level of basketball,” said Yang Kun, senior programme director of JTBS. “The Chinese education system, unlike in Hong Kong or the United States, separates sports from academics.
AUBL executive Greg Stolt (centre) hosts the training session in Hangzhou. Photo: AUBL
“Our platform means children don’t have to choose so early, because the core values of the scholarship are to provide a different pathway for children in China to pursue their basketball, academic and even their life goals.”