American player Marcus Williams has recently reunited with Wang Xingjiang, owner of the Zhengzhou Dayun, with the goal of taking the team to the top of the National Basketball League.
Back in 2012, Marcus has played for Wang's Shanxi team for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league and led them for a third-place win, the best by far for the franchise.
Talking about Wang, who had earned the nickname "Chinese Cuban" for his frenzy for the game, Marcus said that "he is really a good friend."
"I missed him when he sold the team two years ago. I did not want to play for any other team in NBL but his team, it's been great to see him," he added.
In Nov. 2013, Wang left CBA's Shanxi after his eight-year long stint as the team's owner. Meanwhile, Williams left China a year later and spent more time for his family, especially for his second baby.
Though he got a contract from the Denver Nuggets, he was waived off before the start of the 2014-2015 season. He returned this month, reuniting with Wang upon his invitation.
"I never feel any pity for that. I've played in China for five years, and spent a lot of time away from my family. It's good to stay at home and spend the time with my family, especially with the new baby," the American player remarked.
"I worked out during the whole fall, just in case there is an opportunity that I want to take. I can't always stay still. I've been training very hard and I want to show my best self," he further recounted.
During his NBA stint, he has played 13 regular games for both the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. Asked about his experience with Chinese basketball, he lauded the players' energy and hardwork.
"NBA is NBA, with the best players from the world. The game is a lot faster, and more athletic. Chinese players can really shoot. In America, everyone likes to dunk and fast play, but shooting basketball is something that is very important."
"They (Chinese players) work really hard, and they are very athletic. The fans love the basketball here, that's very important," he enthused.
He added: "There are good players in so many teams. It takes years for the development of basketball, making certain skills become their second nature. It doesn't happen overnight."
Apart form being a good scorer, Marcus also has the passion to help his teammates get better, especially in the CBA.
"Wang wants [the] team to play in CBA in the future, so I want to help him prepare for that," he revealed.
As for the means by which this goal can be attainted, he remarked: "Try to communicate with my teammates, create opportunities for them on the floor, try to win some games and have fun."