It's done! A sensational debut in the CBA! Hello, top-tier rap superstar!

They really gave him a chance, but he still couldn't score.

Jermaine Cole (J. Cole) made his CBA debut, playing about 8 minutes as a substitute. He attempted 5 shots, all from three-point range, missed every one, scored zero points, and only contributed 1 rebound and 1 assist.

Ultimately, the Tongxi team lost 81-95 at home to the Guangzhou team. Guo Haowen put up a futile 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

For the Guangzhou team, Xu Xin recorded a comprehensive stat line of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Returning to Cole, he stands 1.91 meters tall, primarily a rapper with basketball as a hobby, and is already 41 years old. Indeed, expectations shouldn't have been high. However, once stepping onto a professional court, poor performance inevitably invites criticism. Furthermore, to register him, the Tongxi team chose to cancel the registration of Jaylen Hands, who averaged 15.3 points, 4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1 steal per game this season.

Cole actually understands his level doesn't meet CBA standards, but he isn't afraid of embarrassment, believing participation itself is a success. He also feels his playing in the CBA can help more people learn about China.

Of course, failure on the basketball court won't hinder Cole's status as a top-tier rapper in the US and worldwide. He won Grammy Awards in 2020 and 2024 and has received 17-18 nominations. Reportedly, after finishing this CBA season, he will launch a tour concert in July, seamlessly switching gears with remarkable energy.

Truthfully, the Tongxi team didn't expect Cole's arrival to help them much on the court. Their main hope was to leverage his influence to boost the team's visibility and explore other potential collaborations. Notably, Cole is a minority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets.

In summary, purely from a commercial perspective, the Tongxi team's signing of Cole is undoubtedly a success. One gained exposure, the other continued his basketball dream—both parties achieved mutual benefit.

The Tongxi team currently ranks 17th in the league with a record of 13 wins and 24 losses, having essentially lost hope for playoff qualification.