J. Cole exits CBA after one game

J. Cole is done with the CBA after one game, and he’s sharing why he decided to head back to the U.S.

The rapper played his only game with the Nanjing Monkey Kings on April 11, following ESPN’s Shams Charania’s announcement on April 1.

“J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, per ESPN sources. The multi-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist had committed to playing a few games for the Chinese team last year, and now follows through,” the ESPN NBA insider posted on X.

In his online blog entry, he shared the reason why he won’t be returning.

“Initially I was scheduled to play in at least 3 games for the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the CBA,” wrote in his online blog Inevitable. “The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back.”

During his game against the Guangzhou Loong Lions, his stats read: 0 points, 0-5 FG (0-5 3PT), 1 rebound, 1 assist in about 8 minutes. While he didn’t get a chance to play more games, he reflected on his appearance off the court.

“On top of all that the biggest win is that me and my family got to experience China for the first time,” he added. “The people were kind, the cities are clean and beautiful. It’s a very peaceful place. The high speed train was crazy. Super convenient. I was able to go from Nanjing to Shanghai in like a hour on the train. Distance wise that would be like going from DC to New York in a hour.”

He also was surprised by how many fans loved his music over in China.

“I also didn’t realize there were so many people in China that rocked with my music! Thank you to everybody who showed up and brought an album to sign,” he wrote. “I was blown away. I felt the energy in the game that yall wanted me to hit those shots too! Appreciate it!”

He released The Fall Off in February which is said to be the rapper’s last studio album. Cole will embark on his summer tour in July 11 starting off in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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