NBA player pilgrims to China to find his roots

(Photo: Sohu)

NBA player Kyle Anderson transferred this summer to the Memphis Grizzlies from the San Antonio Spurs, and today, he is in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, tracing his roots, Sohu News reported. He says he is a one-eighth Chinese descent.

According to the family, Anderson’s great grandpa Li Chongxin, the grandpa of Anderson’s mother Suzanne, is a Chinese. Li moved from Jamaica to the US around the 1920s.

Anderson’s uncle Donald, a businessman in China for several years, emailed Suzanne indicating he found leads of their ancestry in Shenzhen’s Pinghu after years of searching.

On August 1, Anderson accompanied his mother Susanna and his girlfriend in a root-seeking journey to Pinghu. Despite the long-distance flight, everyone was eager and full of excitement.

Anderson’s mom said she suspected her son’s Chinese ancestry for years. She had seen many relatives coming in and out of their home in the 1970s who had Asian faces.

Some fans believe this young basketball phenomenon can be naturalized — after all, he has real Chinese ancestry. Last season, Anderson averaged 7.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists playing with the Spurs. It is clear he is a player with solid potential.

Another nib of good news. Last month, Anderson signed a $37 million, four-year contract with the Grizzlies.

(Photo: Sohu)