By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
Ping Shang is still a mystery for European basketball fans, which can be answered only on the court. However, Eurohoops got in contact with him with the help of Qiang Sheng, journalist of hupu.com, and tried to get some clues about what we can expect.
So let him introduce himself: “As you know in China there is a one child per family policy. I am the son of former players Ma Min and Shang Guchen and I learned from the them the basics of the sports. In my teens we decided that the best for me will be to attend high school abroad, in New Zealand (Avondale high school), where the style of basketball was similar to China: A lot of running and one on one. Then I left for USA in order to improve myself. The truth is that I wanted – like many others – to follow the footsteps of Ming Yao. He was my idol, he was an NBA player I wanted to be like him. Unfortunately I didn’t had the chance”.
What happened in the States: “In Illinois Central Community College (Division II) I had my best career. My stats were great (14.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 14.9 mpg), because my coach trusted me. He liked my style. Of course it was not easy and I had to adapt. At first all my opponents were stronger and faster. I had to be stronger too. In my second seasons I suffered from injuries and I didn’t had the minutes I wanted, so I decided it was time for a change. I had to chose from four possible destinations. I went to University of Nebraska (back in 2007-08 season), because the coach had promised me the chance to be enough time on the court and also because it was a Division I school. Our best player at the time was Aleks Maric and to be honest this is the season from which I have the best memories from my stay in the States. I know that Aleks was also a Panathinaikos player, I haven’t any contact with him since then and I would be glad to meet him again, if he was still a player of the team. We have played well together. But in Nebraska I didn’t have the minutes I was expecting, so I left again for Emporia State, where I had a good season and a diploma in finance. One day, when I retire, I will use that diploma, maybe in international business, since my English are good. However, we still have time until then”.
He become a professional basketball player in China: “When I concluded my studies in the States, I returned to my home country. I have played for three professional teams and I have gain something in my game from all three, from every coach and every teammate. For example, in my last team, Qingdao I was a teammate of Tracy McGrady, who is a huge start, but in every practice and in every game he was spending time in order to tell me how I can be more useful to the team, what should I do in order to help. He was like a second coach to us. When the season ended and I was informed about the interest of Panathinaikos, I went crazy. It was my childhood dream to play in Europe. I couldn’t believe that I would have that chance. I like the European style. It’s much more team oriented, every one works in order to create a good shot, or in order to have a good defense”.
Can he stand up to the expectations of being the first Chinese player in Euroleague: “I feel that I am ready. I will do my best in order to become ever better. After all, I will be learning from the bests. I will hear everything my coach and my teammates have to say to my. I will try to give a strong presence in the paint. I did that also in college. I like to play physical and also I can run the court. In the offense I am a post player. I have seen many Euroleague games (ed.note: the last Final Four was broadcasted in China by CCTV and over 8 million viewers watched it). Of course, I have seen games of Panathinaikos. It’s an honor to be a part of the team which is among the most successful clubs in European history. The expectations and the challenges are huge. I will do my best, I will use the pressure in order to be better. I am proud to be the ambassador of China in Euroleague and I would like to thank Panathinaikos for that chance. It’s a great team with million of fans. I can’t wait to arrive in Greece (ed. note: probably in the 20th of August) and I will try hard in order to be a part of my new family”.