Shang Ping was born in Haerbin, China, where both of his parents played professional basketball.

“My parents got me started playing basketball when I was eight years old,” Ping said. “They were professional basketball players in China so everyone in my family plays basketball.”

The difference in cultures and languages between China and the U.S. proved to be a challenge for Ping.

“It was tough at first,” Ping said. “I was struggling to speak English and I did not know anyone but after about three months I started to adjust to the culture.”

The playing style of basketball is different in China compared to the fast paced style of the United States.

“We do not play basketball the same way in China,” Ping said. “We relied more on teamwork like the European basketball style.”

Ping has used basketball as a means to fund his U.S. education.

“I have been playing basketball in the U.S. to get a scholarship,” Ping said. “I have also learned a lot about the culture here and I have made a lot of friends.”

Ping feels that there is a lot of pressure on him to perform well because his parents are professional athletes.

“We play different style in China but I feel more pressure to play here,” Ping said. “My parents are watching me and they want me to do well.”

Ping attended Avondale high school in New Zealand, which was ranked fourth in the nation in basketball during his senior year. He averaged 20 points and nine rebounds at the high school level.

After graduating high school, Ping attended Illinois Central Community College. He was named Most Valuable Player of the Midwest Junior College Showcase as well as a preseason All American during his freshman year, in which he averaged 14 points and seven rebounds.

In his sophomore year, Ping was plagued with injuries and only averaged seven points and four rebounds.

Following his two seasons at ICCC, Ping transferred to the University of Nebraska where he played in 21 games. He averaged three points and one rebound at Nebraska.

After one year at Nebraska, Ping transferred to Emporia State.

“I thought I would have more playing time here,” Ping said. “My teammates here are like my brothers and they have helped me adjust.”

Ping is 24 years old and is a senior economics major.

“I want to be like Michael Jordan,” Ping said. “He was a successful basketball player but after he retired he has been a successful business man.”

Despite only playing with Ping for one season, his teammates feel that they have helped him succeed.

“He came into the MIAA shoving and pushing people,” said senior guard Alex Pyle. “We had to tell him that he could not do that in this league and we had to help him adjust.”

His teammates also benefit from knowing Ping as a friend.

“He is a great guy,” Pyle said. “He is one of the friendliest guys I have every met and he is real supportive.”

Ping takes a lot of pride in playing basketball.

“I do not play basketball just for myself, I play for my country,” Ping said. “It just feels great to be able to play this game.”

And for Ping, basketball is more than a hobby.

“I am just a tall Chinese guy who is living his dream,” Ping said. “I love this game.”

Matt Pierce/The Bulletin