A New Chapter in China

Acclaimed rapper J. Cole is reportedly set to embark on a new athletic endeavor in China. According to reports from Shams Charania, the artist has inked a deal to play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings within the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), effectively fulfilling a promise made last year.

Following the announcement, the 41-year-old musician reached out to his Chinese fanbase through the social video platform Douyin.


A Look at Cole's Athletic History

This move marks the latest step in J. Cole's evolving basketball journey. His professional experience includes:

  • 2021: Representing the Patriots Basketball Club in Rwanda as part of the Basketball Africa League. During this stint, he played three games, averaging 15.2 minutes with totals of 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
  • 2022: Joining the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, where he appeared in 5 games, averaging 2.4 points in 9.9 minutes of play.
  • Other appearances: He has participated in the NBA Celebrity Game and served as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K23 Dreamer Edition.

From High School Courts to Professional Leagues

Before his recent professional ventures, Cole’s experience was largely limited to his high school varsity team and a notable, though unsuccessful, walk-on attempt at St. John’s University, where he also assisted the Red Storm’s women’s team.

Reflecting on his past decision to prioritize music over basketball after being cut during his college tryouts, Cole shared his perspective in an interview with Sports Illustrated:

«That was the moment where I decided that basketball was a pipe dream. It wasn't what I wanted to spend my next three or four years chasing. And that music was absolutely what I wanted to do. It was a hard decision, and that's assuming I make the team. Knowing my personality, not only would I have made it, but I would have done my best to be something of a player and get clock. I'd have been like a Jamario Moon, one of these guys that worked his whole life just to get to the league. I just got that type of spirit that does not quit.»

While his shift toward music proved to be a highly successful career path, the rapper is now returning to the hardwood to test his skills in the competitive environment of the CBA.