From Court to Campus: NBA & CBA Pros Inspire Young Ballers at DCB

Last November, the Dulwich College Beijing campus echoed with the sounds of basketballs bouncing and the cheers of aspiring athletes as we hosted two phenomenal events that left a lasting impact on our students thanks to two events organised by our Dulwich Community Programmes (DCP).

CBA Prodigy Basketball Exclusive Clinic with Zeng Lingxu

CBA Prodigy Zeng Lingxu hosted an exclusive clinic for our young ballers. The session was not just an exhibition of Zeng's exceptional skills but also a unique opportunity for our student-athletes to gain insights into his remarkable journey. Zeng shared his experiences of balancing academics and basketball in a special speech titled From a Top University to the CBA: My Basketball Journey.

This event was made even more special with the on-site training provided by Zeng Lingxu himself, assisted by the skilled trainers from the Five-Star Basketball Academy, a valued partner of DCB elite basketball programs. The collaborative effort aimed to enhance the skills of our young athletes, offering them a firsthand experience of elite-level coaching.

The kids were not only treated to top-tier training but also had the chance to interact with a CBA Prodigy, gaining inspiration and valuable lessons from his journey. Zeng's dedication to both academics and basketball served as a motivational force for our aspiring athletes.

“Shoot for S.U.C.C.E.S.S”: Dave Hopla Shooting Clinic

The excitement continued with the "Shoot for Success" Dave Hopla Shooting Clinic! Considered one of the most accurate basketball shooters globally, Dave Hopla brought his legendary skills and elite coaching to our very own DCB community.

For three action-packed hours, the former NBA shooting coach and now professional shooting instructor worked closely with our young athletes, sharing his unparalleled expertise. The clinic included a captivating speech, a showcase of Dave's exceptional shooting prowess, and personalised coaching sessions. Dave even divided the children into three groups based on their ages, ensuring tailored guidance for each participant.

As the cherry on top, signed basketballs and copies of Dave's books were awarded as prizes to the standout performers. The gym buzzed with joy and excitement as the children left with not just improved skills but also cherished mementos of an unforgettable day.

Activities such as these exemplify DCB’s unwavering commitment to holistic education, extending beyond the confines of the classroom. By providing our students with opportunities to cultivate their passion for sports, we aim for these experiences to contribute not only to enhanced basketball proficiency but also to broader personal growth.   

Special thanks to Jason Janda and Ave Huang from Five-Star Basketball Academy, Head Coach of the DCB Varsity Boys Team and Head Coach of the DCB JV Girls Team, for their assistance during the clinic.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, parents, and coaches for making this event a slam dunk success. We look forward to more thrilling basketball adventures at Dulwich College Beijing!