J. Cole shocked fans by withdrawing from a Chinese basketball game after a scoreless game.
J. Cole ended his short career with the Nanjing Monkey Kings after playing just one game in the Chinese Basketball Association, announcing his departure a few days after a scoreless debut. The rapper mentioned the work visa delays and called the experience fulfilling.
J. Cole stepped onto the court in China to pursue his basketball dream, but left a few days later with something more personal.
The Grammy-winning rapper has officially ended his short-lived career with the Chinese Basketball Association after just one appearance for the Nanjing Monkey Kings, surprising fans who had been expecting a longer period. His only appearance came in Saturday’s 81-95 loss to the Guangzhou Long-Lions at Wutaishan Sports Center, but the anticipation gave way to a quiet stat line.
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Two days after his debut, Cole confirmed on social media that his time with the team was over. He thanked the team and fans while acknowledging that the experience meant more than just basketball.
“I want to express my gratitude to Nanjing Club and CBA for allowing me to have this incredible experience. Also, thank you to my teammates, they are very cool and they really want me to score a goal!” Cole wrote.
He added, “I played 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got some good looks, but couldn’t hit a shot. Play a few more games and maybe those shots will start to drop off! Either way, I’m satisfied and grateful! S###, I feel like I dropped 20 minutes! And my knee feels like I played 40 minutes!”
Kerr, 41, was initially scheduled to play in three games but said delays related to his work visa were a factor limiting his participation. He arrived in China on April 2 but missed the team’s first three games before finally adapting.
Still, the hip-hop star sees the trip as a cultural triumph. He described his first trip to China as eye-opening, praising the country’s infrastructure, environment and fans’ warm reception.
“Above all, the biggest victory is that my family and I experienced China for the first time,” he said. “The people are friendly and the city is clean and beautiful. It’s a very peaceful place.”
He also highlighted China’s transportation system, noting, “The high-speed rail is crazy. It’s super convenient. I can go from Nanjing to Shanghai in an hour by train. In terms of distance, it’s like going from Washington to New York in an hour.”
“I didn’t realize that so many people in China were shocked by my music! Thank you to everyone who came and signed the album. I was shocked,” he said.
Cole made it clear that it was time for him to return to music.
He is about to embark on a world tour in support of his album The Fall-Off. He also said he could return to court in a professional capacity.
“I told the team that if I can stay in shape I will play longer matches after the tour next year. I’m wild??? We’ll see. Dreamer!” he wrote.
