Kyle Anderson’s transition into finally playing for China at the FIBA World Cup 2023 is truly touching. He was originally born in New York and spent over 20 years without having any knowledge of having relatives in South Asia. It was after his mother, Suzanne decided to pursue the possibility that they finally found their lineage.

In 2018, accompanied by CloseUp360, they released a documentary – Kyle Anderson’s “Chinese Destiny”. It detailed the emotional journey Anderson’s family went on to find their long-lost relatives in a small village. The process was in many ways heartwarming. As soon as he met his relatives, felt welcomed and the love of his community, he wanted to represent them.

In 2023, Anderson became an official citizen of the country. He played his first tournament later that year, all because of the help of Yao Ming.

Kyle Anderson credits Yao Ming for his transition to playing basketball for China

In his prime, Ming was a force to reckon with. As Shaquille O’Neal recalls it, he was the first to ever block hit shot thrice in a game. Standing at 7’5″, his NBA career was legendary. However, while he gained an advantage with his towering size, it also came at the cost of his fitness. Ming could only play in the NBA for eight seasons, averaging 19 points and 19.2 rebounds in 486 games.

In contrast, Kyle Anderson has enjoyed far better longevity. He is currently in his 10th season and has played 629 games, 143 more than Ming ever managed. Despite a longer career, he hasn’t played international basketball to the degree that Ming did.

Yao Ming was the pride of China. He was the basketball anchor that empowered the entire nation. He participated in three Olympics over his decorated basketball career. Combining all three Olympic trips, Ming lasted for 19 games with China. His best campaign was in 2004 in Greece, famous for the upset Team USA faced that year. He averaged 20.7 points and 9.3 rebounds. China lost in the quarter-finals to Spain, one of the finalists that year.

Anderson’s process of representing China was of course more complex. Not only did it come later in his career, but he needed to clear a lot of formalities before he could don their jersey. Thankfully, Yao Ming, who wrote the CBA guidelines was there to help in his process to get naturalized.

“Yao being the bridge between me and Team China and making the transition very smooth. Words of encouragement, some knowledge. He’s helped me out tremendously,” said Anderson during his documentary.

During the FIBA World Cup 2023, Anderson stepped on the floor of international basketball for the first time. He wasn’t able to will China into the latter stages. They only played three games. Anderson averaged 10.3 points during the tournament as their lone NBA player. However, he will have another opportunity. He is eyeing to play the 2024 Paris Olympics for his country.

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While winning the gold is an improbable possibility, Anderson is motivated by the prospect of making his country feel proud. Can they do it? Only the Olympics will reveal that.

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