The NBA game in the USA is broadcast live to different stations around the globe. In China the games are shown to over 300million basketball enthusiasts, making it the most important single TV broadcast. And because it has invaded the Chinese consciousness, NBA basketball superstars are also widely known in this country of over a billion people.
In the recent Olympic games, basketball particularly, the Chinese national team met Team USA composed of NBA stars in the opening toss-up. The popularity of the NBA stars provided the excitement and packed the Olympic Stadium to the rafters - all 18,000seats were booked in advance.
When players of the contending teams were introduced, Yao Ming of the Chinese quintet and Kobe Bryant of Team USA, received the most cheers of the awesomely partisan crowd.
The game then started with the first five of each team on the floor, the crowd responded with almost iconic shouts and cheers for their favorite players. They could not actually decide whom to cheer and be disappointed if a basketball fails the net. The fans looked dazzled whom to side with as they seemed confused - to reserve their cheers to the National Team or with Team USA.
The majority of the audience maybe waving the
Chinese National Flag, but were also dressed in NBA jerseys. How then can you distinguish the preference of the crowd?
In the end, the sellout crowd had no choice but to cheer for both, the distinction have been totally erased and what ensued was just pure fun for a milestone happening within their midst.
Team USA had found a second home - a home away from home, China.
by:
The Flagman
