Last summer, Kyle Anderson’s journey to embrace his Chinese heritage led him to suit up in red on the international stage. While Anderson only got the green light to play for Team China at the FIBA World Cup 2023 after obtaining Chinese citizenship through naturalisation last July, his quest to trace his ancestors in China had been going on for quite a while.

Anderson’s Chinese heritage comes from his great-grandfather, who was from Shenzhen, Hong Kong. Growing up, Kyle’s mother, Suzanne, would get a lot of questions about her ethnicity, but she had no answers. However, her true quest to get to the bottom of it started after Kyle’s grandmother got sick. Suzanne wanted to show her a picture of her father, who had never even seen his face. This is how it started. Suzanne got to work, and with the help of CloseUp360, they were able to locate their relatives 8000 miles away in the Xinmu New village in Shenzhen, Guangdong, five years ago. The trip was nerve-wracking for Kyle, who was visiting them for the first time. However, the homely atmosphere and the hospitality made him feel at ease, like he was around family.

The feeling was mutual. His long-lost family members welcomed him with open arms. They even travelled 45 minutes to watch him play for the first time with his new team. That’s what family does. They show up. And Kyle felt every bit of their love. “Just knowing my family is in the stands gives me a sense of relief in the game that they have my back,” said Anderson on the documentary “Chinese Destiny.”

Speaking about being able to play for the national team and honor his great-grandfather, Kyle stated, “To represent Team China, it’s a dream come true.” It was CBA president Yao Ming, a former NBA All-Star, who welcomed Anderson to the men’s national team last July. While China could only play three games in the World Cup, Anderson contributed with 10.3 points per game. However, he will have another opportunity to shine at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Kyle Anderson is making waves overseas

Signing with Team China has proven to be one of the best things for Kyle. Known as “Li Kaier” in China, Anderson is now a household name in the NBA’s largest overseas market. “Not only just being able to play international basketball in summer-time and becoming a part of FIBA, but to represent China where I have an ancestor, it feels like a full circle for me to play for China over one hundred years later,” said Anderson. It was rewarding financially as well, since he inked an endorsement deal with Nike, an official sponsor of Team China.

This Chinese NBA Star Has Played 143 More Games Than Houston Rockets Legend Yao Ming – but Much Fewer Games for China

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Born in New York City, the 30-year-old was drafted in the NBA as a first-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. After spending four years in Texas, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018. Cut to 2022, the forward then signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This season, he is averaging 6.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists with the team. The Minnesota Timberwolves are dominating the rankings in the West with 39 wins in the 55 games they have played this season.

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