2. NBA-Level Talent
The NBA is the biggest stage in the world for basketball. Currently there are 5 players with NBA-level experience eligible to play for Great Britain, a number that is above average. Eleven total British players have had experience in NBA. Yet the game is not very popular. Yao Ming was enough for the China to become completely enthralled in NBA basketball. Ming was a multiple time All-Star but alas, his promising career was cut short due to chronic foot problems. Last year the New York Knicks went on an incredible run with American-Chinese Harvard University alum, Jeremy Lin. The global Chinese population once erupted propelling Lins jersey to the top of NBA sales. China has had two prominent talents in their history, which was enough to grow the sport on their own soil. The Chinese Basketball Association has now become an alternative to the NBA, rivaling the Spains ACB League. Players like Byron Mullens have seen Great Britains growth and want to become a part of it. Mullens has English parents, and a dual citizenship. He plays for the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA; he didnt even make the Great Britain Roster. Joel Freeland was a former pick in the 1st round of the NBA draft. He remained unsigned by his draft team, the Portland Trailblazers, until London 2012. Great Britain was able to battle to a 9th place finish, not bad for a team ranked internationally as 20th. Freeland capitalized on his play, being rewarded with his first NBA contract at the ripe age of 26. Great Britain has the players, now it needs a fan base like Chinas. China, who have had only 6 players in the NBA, and who only have one player of heritage in the league now.