While most young Chinese hoopsters dream of competing in the United States' National Basketball Association (NBA), a deal inked yesterday has opened up a new road - to Europe.

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) signed a partnership agreement with the European Basketball League in Beijing, offering China's players a new international alternative and the prospect of improved coaching and management standards for the domestic league.

"Euroleague would definitely like to include some players from China," Chief Executive Officer Jordi Bertomeu told China Daily. "Everybody notices the fast developing Chinese basketball and also their group of talented players like Yao Ming. I think they have already shown how good they can be in international appearances.

"Now we are opening the door to China and we have been working on this for years. We will try to invite some Chinese players to Europe in the near future."

European basketball has shown its power at recent major tournaments. Spain were winners at the World Championships in August last year in Japan and the event's runners-up Greece conquered the United States in the semifinals.

According to the landmark agreement, China will have a series of warm-up matches in Spain and Turkey this summer and a Four-Nation Challenge will be held in China in October with CSKA Moscow of Russia and Benetton Treviso of Italy joining the tournament.

The Euroleague will hold a series of events including workshops and training camps such as referee clinics with the involvement of FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and Euroleague referees.

"This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for basketball fans on both sides to enjoy some great and competitive games either at home on TV or live in the arena, and it is also a great opportunity to bring the best possible knowledge and training opportunities to China, the best hoop market in the world," Bertomeu said.

CBA chief Li Yuanwei welcomed the partnership.

"We always look for opportunities to learn and develop from other advanced international leagues and organizations, and the Euroleague is a totally suitable one," he said. "Drawing on the excellent resources of the Euroleague, in such areas as basketball skills and management, is very important for China as the Beijing Olympics approaches.

"I think going out to Europe is quite a good choice for Chinese players and importing some European players to our league is also great for CBA club owners."

National team player Zhang Yunsong said European teams were ahead of the pack thanks to their solid style of play.

"I have played against European teams many times, their games are amazing and they are more formidable than the US," said the 26-year-old point guard. "They have great outside shooters and quick inside big men. I am sure teaming up with them will be very helpful for us."

A group of European players are currently excelling in the NBA, including Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki of Germany, France's Tony Parker, who plays point guard for 2005 champions San Antonio Spurs, and last year's top pick Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors.

The Euroleague was created in 2000 to manage the pan-European league and cup competitions.

A total of 24 teams in 13 countries compete in the league, including powerhouses like FC Barcelona, Maccabi Tel Aviv, CSKA Moscow, Panathinaikos of Greece and Benetton Treviso of Italy.

Both FC Barcelona and CSKA of Moscow beat NBA opponents during the NBA Europe Tour ahead of this season - FC Barcelona downing Philadelphia 76ers and the Moscow side halting Los Angeles Clippers.

In the past two years the Euroleague has grown steadily - 36 broadcasters screen it in 130 countries, and last season 1.3 million people watched games live.

(China Daily March 15, 2007)