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 A Great Experience and Spectacular Event
Posted By: Aaron Nelson |
 Steve Nash poses for a picture with Jackie Chan at a charity game in China. (Aaron Nelson/Suns Photos) |
A visit to the Great Wall was scheduled but had to be cancelled due to poor weather and a long ride (two hours each way). The tour lasted a couple of hours and we then returned to the hotel to grab lunch and get ready for practice.
We left for practice at 2 p.m. Our workouts were held at an academy for the Chinese National Teams (all sports). It would be similar to the USOC Training Centers in the US, but their athletes will come to live in the dorms (some at a very young age) to prepare themselves to win an Olympic medal. Practice lasted about two hours and consisted of stretching/warm-up, shooting drills, some offense strategies, and finally a one-on-one game among several of the players (video footage to come). Baron Davis and Steve had a great battle, with Carmelo jumping in at the end.
We arrived back at the hotel around 4:30 and had a 6 p.m. bus to the Yao/Nash Charity Gala. The Gala consisted of dinner (local cuisine), a variety of entertainment, a live auction, and introduction of the players from both teams. The event raised a couple million dollars (US) and with the actual game the next night, raised just about $3 million.
Several Chinese stars were in attendance, although no one I recognized beyond the players. It was really funny to see several of our players nodding off toward the end of the event, including myself. It wasn’t because of boredom, but rather a combination of things that left us somewhat sleep deprived.
Following the Gala, we all went back to the hotel and went to bed. No nightlife on this night because everyone finally hit the wall with the time change, no naps, and a late night the night prior.
The next morning, we had an 8 a.m. breakfast in which I met Steve and LB. We had a bus leaving at 9 a.m. for a joint shoot around/practice with the Chinese National Team. The practice lasted about an hour and we headed back to the hotel to shower and leave for a noon team lunch at one of the nicest restaurants in China called LAN. LAN is a $52 million dollar establishment with about 50,000 square feet. It consisted of various rooms with different themes. LAN was designed by a famous French designer, although I can’t recall his name. Lunch consisted of a 10-course meal and although I didn’t partake in every course, I was stuffed!
After lunch, we had about an hour and a half to get ready before our 5:30 p.m. bus to the game. You may have heard, but traffic in China is beyond ridiculous. I have seen LA, Houston, and New York traffic, but nothing like this! Even city buses were so crammed, it looked as though individuals barely had enough room to breathe. It took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the venue. The game was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. but obviously started much later since we arrived there at 7:15pm. I got everyone taped and off they went for the start of the game. Movie star Jackie Chan threw up the honorary jump ball. The game consisted of two 10-minute quarters between the two teams followed by a quarter in which Steve played for the Chinese team and one of their players, Sun, played for our team. The last quarter consisted of mixed squads from both teams. Needless to say, there was no real winner. The Nash All-Stars trailed by three points at the end of the two quarters, but we never played a regular second half.
Following the game, we jumped back on the bus which took us to a private post party hosted by the NBA for everyone from the event. That turned things into another long night, but we all had fun!
One more day and it is off to the USA!
Aaron Nelson Blog: Part Three | Photo Gallery
Comments
Liu - China Dalian
I saw the charity game by TV, it was fantastic and also exciting. I like Steve and all Suns's player. Looking forward to the new season, believe Suns can give fans many enjoyable matches.
Best wishes!
kristel - philippines
nash... and all suns player i want to see you!!=(
but i don't have enough money to go there..
come here in philippines!=)pls.......
sarah elizabeth - Phoenix
sounds like you had an awesome time! :)
wish i could have met mr jackie chan
Alexis - USA
I love the phoenix suns and their style of game. It's awesome that Steve Nash (among others) is always willing to do charity events for a good cause. He's pretty much my hero and role model.
one down ryan - philippines
i wish one day, steve nash and the rest of phoenix suns will go here in philippines. my nation is a basketball fanatics.
allen - Philippines
phoenix suns fan base is building up smoothly in our country. hope Suns get to do some charity event here, too. We also have a lot of deprived children/families here that needs some help too. We may not be a big-market country for nike/adidas ,but, basketball will always be our #1 sport. We'll be patiently waiting for you, beloved SUNS!
cesar arellano - Philippines
I am a suns fanatic from the Philippines. I wish that someday I could watch suns games in person. Kudos to Nash's civic and charitable works. Kudos too to the great suns team. 2007-2008 season is ours!
Lori Ann - Sedona Superfan
WOW !!! What a thrill for China and all the super-hoopsters. Thanks for sharing the incredible photo gallery shots with us --- kinda' like taking a trip and never leaving the farm !!? Priceless !!! ......Thanks again, Aaron !!! SUNS IN '08 !!!
Amy - Hangzhou China
It was so incredible to meet steve in Beijing.I even took a photo with him in the hotel lobby.How can i send him the photo as a memento?Thanks.
Albert - Philippines
Philippines is no longer an LA Lakers country but a PHOENIX SUNS nation. Goodluck SUNS this will be our year for sure!!!!!Let's get Nashty..
phillip - arizona
You think they put on a good performance in china wait until the season starts steve and the ARE BACK!!!!!
phillip - arizona
You think they put on a good performance in china wait until the season starts steve and the boys ARE BACK!!!!!
Jay - Vancouver
Wow. I didn't know the Suns had a big following in the Philippines! Kamusta!
Mike - Fargo,ND
I think Rush Hours 4 should have Li, Carter, Steve Nash and LB in it! What do you think Hollywood??
Andy - Philippines
Suns fans are spready like fire in our country! I'm gonna start a fan club or group in the Philippines. Hey pinoy-fans, let's keep in touch. Go SUNS!
dan - USA
Suns going all the way this year!
Antoinette - Phoenix, AZ
Sounds like an awesome time in China! Can wait for the season to start, Go Suns!!
Ray - Hawaii, USA
i hope the suns come here to play in the islands. im tired of seeing the lakers and gs warriors every year. COME ON DOWN TO THE ISLANDS. SUNS
Julia - Shanghai, China
sooooo sad i missed the game, i was working.
How eager i am to see Steve Nash. He is my favorite player.
Brian - Holbrook, AZ
I think the phoenix suns should travel around to the smaller towns in arizona since we all love the suns so much just because we live in a small town dont meen we are not suns fans seems like its all about phoenix and tucson
denish - rambazar,pokhara,Nepal
Steve nash is the best . Play your best. hope the suns win this time.
vOsh - philippines
SUNS rulz!!!!this season will be ours.Let's whip the Spurs!!!!
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