From a college team player to a CBA (China Basketball Association) player in a professional basketball club, Qiao Wenhan fought steadfastly to realize his basketball dream.

Qiao Wen-han graduated from the College of Management and Economics in 2016. He could have had a regular job and lived an unexceptional life as most people would have done, but he followed his heart and set foot on a rough road to become a professional basketball player.

After graduation, Qiao joined the Beijing Eastern Bucks of the National Basketball League (NBL) to start his professional basketball career. In August 2017, the 26-year-old Qiao was picked by Nanjing Tongxi Monkey King, and finally entered the CBA as he wished.

Qiao plays one on one with Kevin Durant.

Qiao had already built a reputation for himself when he was at Tianjin University (TJU). With an average of 30.7 points per game in his career in CUBA (China Undergraduate Basketball Association), he became the all-time leading scorer in the Men's Basketball Team of TJU. He participated in the 2011 Kevin Durant China Tour in Tianjin, won championship and MVP and earned an opportunity to play one on one with Kevin Durant.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for him before he entered the CBA. He has taken part in the tryouts for three consecutive years since 2015, determined to bet his precious youth on an uncertain future. After his first loss, Qiao was offered a chance to play in the NBL, and he took it without hesitation. He said it was good as long as he could play basketball, no matter where he was. With 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, he became the local leading scoring player in the NBL.

Qiao began the long stage wait once again after being selected into the CBA. In the rookie season, Qiao averaged only 2.8 points in 14 games, but he was still grateful. It wasn't until last season that the 29-year-old Qiao got his chance to make a mark.

Against Zhejiang Team, he scored 19 points and 6 rebounds; 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists against Xinjiang team and a career high 23 points in CBA against Shenzhen Team. Eventually, he led Tongx Club to defeat Shanxi Team, which was at the top of the ranking.

It is not easy to become a professional player, let alone a famous one. Wherever he is, Qiao holds to the belief that he will make every second count on the field. “Even if I was given one minute to play, I will go to all length for each and every second，”Qiao stated.

By the College of Management and Economics

Editor: Eva Yin