He is known as the basketball godfather to most; Stephon Marbury is now the Head coach of CBA’s Beijing Royal Fighters. The Coney Island native retired from basketball in February 2018 after his 22-year career. Marbury’ long list of accolades includes a 2x NBA All-star, 3x CBA Champion, 1x CBA MVP and 1x CBA Finals MVP. His fair share of hardware can be found at The House of Marbury Museum in Beijing. Over the last decade The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has emerged as a premier league globally. Honing NBA talents such as Stephon Marbury, Jeremy Lin, Lance Stephenson, Tracy McGrady, and Jimmer Fredette. China has become a historical landmark for basketball as they previously hosted the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It’s only a matter of time until the CBA looks to expand into other parts of Asia. Marbury has become an ambassador for China Basketball and has set his expectations high this upcoming season.
STARBURY
The House of Marbury Museum
“Culturally for Chinese people to get the opportunity to be able to experience the world game, I think is very important ”
During his 8 year career in China Marbury played with Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, Foshan Dralions, Beijing Ducks, and Beijing Fly Dragons. In the 2011-2012 season Marbury guided the Beijing Ducks to their first ever CBA Championship title, beating crosstown rival and 7-time Champs Guangdong Southern Tigers. Marbury then went on winning back -to-back CBA championship titles. To express their gratitude that made Stephon Marbury his own Statue at the MasterCard Centre (Beijing). At the ripe age of 42 Marbury looks to enter another chapter in his life as a coach in the CBA. The Commissioner gave Marbury the creative freedom to recruit players to play for his team. . The Dragons recently acquired Former Seton Hall Centre Angel Delgado. Under the guidance of Marbury the Fly Dragons will embraced an up-tempo style of play, become defensively sound and inherit a culture of winning.
CHAMPS
Stephon Marbury Win 1st CBA Title
“We gon work like champions, we gon train like champions, and we gon play like champions !”
Marbury has become a public figure in China after being there for almost a decade. From growing up in Coney Island and being the hometown hero, Marbury has had an unpredictable journey. Coming to China presented Marbury with an opportunity to resurrect his basketball career and bond with a new world. Now being in a coaching position Marbury will continue to help advance the sport of basketball throughout China and be an inspiration for the future generation of athletes globally. The CBA season will kick off November 1 with a match-up between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Guangdong Southern Tigers. Who would of thought that a kid from Conley Island would be embraced in the highest populated country in the world? Mr China Basketball.
ICON
Stephon Marbury Museum (Beijing, China)
“The people have done so much for me as far as helping me rebuild my spirit and my soul, and allowing me to be able to move forward in a life. It’s not just about basketball.”
Figure: Stephon Marbury (@starburymarbury)
Special Thanks: @Slamonline, @fiba, @bleacherreport
Produced by: TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)