Former NBA player Tyler Hansbrough recently opened up about his experiences playing in China, drawing stark contrasts between the physicality of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the NBA. According to Hansbrough, the toughness and relentless grind of the CBA have taught him valuable lessons about resilience and dedication.
Hansbrough, known for his hard-nosed playing style during his NBA days, was taken aback by the level of physicality in China.
“The NBA game has gotten softer, no doubt about it. When I went to China, I felt like I was stepping into the NBA in the ’80s. It was physical. They foul you hard, and they go inside a lot more,” he shared.
This emphasis on a more traditional, physical style of play is a sharp departure from the NBA’s current trend of fast-paced, three-point-heavy gameplay.
One of the key differences Hansbrough noted was the approach to analytics and player management.
“They’re not just heaving up threes and relying on analytics the way the NBA does. Analytics hasn’t really hit China yet,” he said.
Unlike the NBA, where data-driven strategies and load management are prevalent, the CBA prioritizes toughness and endurance.
“There’s no load management or recovery time either. If you suggested that to them, they’d laugh in your face,” Hansbrough remarked.
Hansbrough also highlighted the demanding nature of the training and practice schedules in China.
“It was a grind—two-a-days, film sessions at night after practice. It was exhausting, but it taught me a lot about toughness,” he explained.
This rigorous routine is designed to build resilience and ensure that players are prepared to handle the physical demands of the game. Despite the challenges, Hansbrough expressed gratitude for his time in the CBA.
“In the NBA, there’s so much focus on resting players, but in China, you’re expected to show up and work. It was a whole different culture, and it made me appreciate the game differently,” he concluded.
The experience not only tested his physical limits but also deepened his appreciation for the sport and its varying styles across the globe.
