J. Cole Concludes Brief Professional Basketball Stint With the CBA's Nanjing Monkey Kings
The multi-platinum rapper ends his run in China after a single game.
Summary
- Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game
- The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure
- Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings
Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist’s time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.
Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole’s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. “The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,” Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the “incredible experience.”
“Also to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn’t able to hit one,” he continued. “A couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I’m fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!”
This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native’s third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.
