China

Kyle Ramos

As the NBA’s global reach continues to expand, one of the newest Kings made an effort to bolster the League’s standing abroad as George Hill took a recent trip to China.

Hill, who inked a deal with Sacramento this past summer, made the trek to China this past week, stopping in three different cities - Quanzhou, Dongguan, Guangzhou.

During his time there, the nine-year NBA veteran worked with local youth to hold training camps and teach the fundamentals to aspiring ball players - all while having plenty of fun in the process.

Hill’s visit also included an appearance on a Chinese TV station and playing some pick-up games in the community, where he was able to show off some major dunkage.

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George Hill Hosts Basketball Camps in China

Colton Gordon

Well known nationally for their on-court talents, Willie Cauley-Stein and Vince Carter went global to display their skills for a philanthropic purpose.

After traveling to China to participate in clinics last year, Cauley-Stein made his return to the country following a brief trip to Vietnam earlier this summer.

Alongside Carter, WCS was invited to Yao Ming’s annual charity game over the weekend in an effort to raise money for the Hall-of-Famer’s longtime charity. Yao started the fund in 2008 after a massive earthquake struck the Sichuan Province in southwestern China hoping to support sports and education in the region.

This year’s game was highlighted by a number of NBA players such as JR Smith, Justin Anderson, Gary Payton II and Trill’s Kentucky teammate Trey Lyles.

Ming spoke before the match Saturday elated with the support the game has received and the attention it draws to a noble cause.

“I hope this game can help bring about change in young players' lives, and that people recognize sports can make a difference, and can be inspirational,” said the determined NBA legend at the foundation’s forum. “Things have changed quite quickly since the foundation was built ten years ago, but we still have plenty of hope. I think we can do much better in future.”

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Willie and Vince Appear in Yao Foundation Charity Game

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Hey Kings fans, just got back to the United States and can’t wait to see all of you soon.

My first trip to Asia was a success! We got a chance to hit some of the most populous cities in the world and it was all such a blessing.

Standing on the Great Wall was pretty unreal. It’s so crazy to think that they built something that huge so long ago and that it’s still solid today. The same goes for the Forbidden City. The fact that it’s still so well preserved is amazing.

Shanghai was really cool. I’ve never seen so many skyscrapers – some buildings you couldn’t even see the top they went so high. The Visit California Dreamers Basketball Clinic was great. It was just super fun to see how it doesn’t matter what language you speak or where you’re from, the game is the same and I had a lot of fun playing with the fans!

Hong Kong was great! It felt a lot like Miami with the humidity and the buildings right on the water. I really enjoyed going up to Victoria Peak and overlooking the harbor. I also got a chance to just take it easy and enjoy the culture.

It’s not like it is back home where people recognize me wherever I go. Most people only stared because I’m so tall, but it was nice to experience a different side of our global culture. Overall, it was my favorite stop on the trip.

I was able to get a lot of good workouts in as well – the heat was intense though! I’m feeling better about my body every day and working hard to keep improving next season.

As of now, I’m thinking I need to take a little vacation in my home state because I haven’t really experienced as much of California as I should at this point.

I want to thank Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta and everyone else on this trip for inviting me and making it all happen. It was an incredible experience!

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Willie’s Blog: China Recap

On our last day in Beijing we went to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The Great wall was really high and steep – and windy! The breeze sort of reminded me of California though, which I liked.

We spent a few hours there and it was really cool to see all of the sights and sounds of a wonder of the world. Amazing that it was built so long ago and how much history it has.

The Forbidden City was pretty awesome. The architecture was magnificent and it was cool to see how all of the emperors lived back in the day. It’s crazy how well preserved it is – you can smell the vintage when you walk through and it was almost eerie seeing all of the thrones and art work.

I was able to get in a good workout in as well. We got up a lot of shots and I’m just focused on doing right by my body and feeling good about my game.

My goal is to make more jumpers than the day before and I’ve broken my record two days in a row. I’m feeling good about my progress this summer and can’t wait to keep working.

We made it to Shanghai and I got to do a basketball clinic with Visit California. It was super fun I really enjoyed it! Even though there was a language barrier between me and the other guys, it didn’t matter once we started playing.

It’s cool to see how they play a little differently over here but we all still have the same fun being competitive on the court. I learned a lot about the culture of the sport. It was also great to watch them imitate our moves. You really see how the game is so much bigger than 30 teams playing eight months out of the year.

Thanks for following along with my journey!

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Willie’s Blog: Beijing and Shanghai

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Willie's China Workout

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Trill Begins Journey in Beijing

Katie Cracchiolo

The Kings Rookie is headed to Asia for eight days with Visit California as part of a state showcase for tourism.

Willie Cauley-Stein will have an opportunity to meet some of California’s key partners in Chinese tourism and business communities while visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong over the eight-day period.

In Beijing, Willie will tour the Forbidden City and Great Wall, as well as stop by China’s NBA Offices to meet staff and see the facilities.

Trill then travels to Shanghai where he will participate in media interviews, "Dream Big" basketball clinics and a California Dreamers Dinner – an event for CEO’s from California’s top destinations to focus on forging a path for Chinese visitors to come and enjoy all that the Golden State has to offer.

He makes his last stop in Hong Kong where he will take part in Nike’s Skills and Big Man clinics with the objective of inspiring local elite players with his basketball journey.

Stay tuned as Kings.com will travel to China with No. 0 to provide an all-access look at Trill’s journey.

One Minute Recap of Team's 2014 Trip to China

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Cauley-Stein to Visit China

While Kings players have been roaming the globe this summer – Greece, Italy, Israel, etc. – Rajon Rondo has spent some of his offseason in China, where was greeted by some of his biggest fans.

Anta, a Chinese athletics company that signed Rondo to a shoe endorsement deal back in 2013, organized Rondo’s tour of China and he was met with nothing but love.

No. 9 took the opportunity to help out at a local basketball camp, teaching basic skills to aspiring players in attendance, and even participating with some of them in friendly competitions.