From Deseret News archives:
Ex-Ute paved way for China hoops
Even so, former Ute Ma Jian's wait to become a worldwide basketball figure must have seemed an eternity.
In the results-oriented world of big-time basketball, 15 years is a long time.
But at last his dream is being fulfilled.
That's him, commentating on worldwide television during the USA-China Olympic basketball game. There he is on CNN, discussing his role in bringing hoops to China. The Washington Post calls him "an oft-forgotten story in China's basketball history."
Ma Jian, they're saying, is China's basketball pioneer, the first to play for an American college or pro team.
Before Wang Zhizhi, before Yi Jianlian and before Yao Ming, there was Ma.
Now a television commentator in China, he has finally been discovered in other countries, too.
"I'm really proud of myself," he said on CNN, "because, you know think about it I am the one. If you say I am making history, well, maybe that's too big, but I did, actually."
Thanks in large part to Ma, a billion people in China really do care.
"But more important," added Connor, "we understand you speak Mandarin Chinese."
The Utes had signed a promising 6-foot-7 kid from China who didn't speak much English. So they needed Hunt, who served an LDS mission to Taiwan, to translate.
Ma had come to the United States to make his name after starring on the Chinese Olympic team. He was recruited to UCLA by coach Jim Harrick, who advised Ma to first attend Utah Valley State College, where he could upgrade his English and his understanding of American basketball.
But during his stay in Orem, Ma met Utah's coaches and decided to transfer there, instead.
It seemed a good plan at the time. Ma had found a college basketball program where he could learn from a legendary coach, Rick Majerus. In return, the Utes acquired a strong, agile, good-shooting forward.
Ma played fairly well his first year at Utah, starting 27 of 28 games, averaging 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds. But even then, things didn't go smoothly. They seldom did with the demanding, obsessive Majerus. Ma was a foreign star whose game flourished in a free-flowing attack. Majerus built his teams on meat-grinder defense and exhaustive, screen-heavy offense.
Recent comments
Maybe the yewtes should bring him back to he could "pave the way" for...
Bring him back | Aug. 16, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
Unfortunately Majerus' impressive winning/championship legacy at the...
Big Rick Conflict | Aug. 15, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.
Rick Majerus made an attempt to learn a few Chinese words/phrases...
Ultimate Ute | Aug. 15, 2008 at 1:19 p.m.
- China mine disaster recounted 10:02 a.m.
- VMI faces sexism accusations 9:56 a.m.
- Mubarak warns Israel over Jerusalem 9:39 a.m.
- 65 leaders set for climate summit 9:36 a.m.
- Nevada grabs rushing records 9:34 a.m.
- RSL will play for MLS Cup tonight 3:06 a.m.
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime 3:06 a.m.
- Utah Utes whip SDSU 3:05 a.m.
- BYU records with win 3:05 a.m.
- RSL dancing with soccer stars 3:04 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Christian leaders not backing down
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
193 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
153 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
104 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
So, what is your explanation for the success of taking out Syria's nuclear...
Nice picture of the rim being defended, any picture with a jazz player...
They dominated Springville a lot better than TV did, and using TV logic,...
Now we get to be more like Europe. The Euro which started even with the...
It will indeed be interesting to see how Governor Herbert will cut nearly $1...
I'm all for a modest tax increase if it will protect my child's classroom and...
I have appreciated the professionalism of AK. He seems focused in the game,...
Call it whatever you choose, but it was in my opinion a gutsy win! Now, this...
Thank you both for standing up against this horrendous scheme which will...
I, representative of many, would like to purchase less government service....

