J. Cole’s Basketball Stint in China Cut Short by Visa Complications

J. Cole’s recent foray into professional basketball in China proved to be a brief but memorable experience. The rapper, who has previously showcased his skills on the court in Rwanda and Canada, was slated to compete in at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings this spring. However, logistical hurdles regarding his work visa ultimately limited his time on the floor to just one appearance.

The 6’3″ artist, known for his lyrical prowess and dedication to the sport, explained the situation in a recent blog post. Following a busy week of media appearances—including sessions with Apple Music’s Nadeska Alexis and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony—Cole traveled to Hong Kong to await the necessary documentation. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic process for securing a work visa in mainland China took significantly longer than anticipated, forcing him to return home after playing only eight minutes.

Despite the truncated schedule, Cole expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. “I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn’t able to hit one,” he noted, maintaining his characteristic optimism. “A couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall!”

Beyond the game itself, Cole was deeply moved by the warm reception he received from local fans. He admitted he was “blown away” by the support, noting that he had not fully realized the extent of his fanbase in China. He expressed his appreciation to those who attended the games and brought albums for him to sign.

This latest chapter continues Cole’s commitment to the sport he played throughout his high school years. Having previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in Toronto, the 41-year-old remains undeterred. He hinted at a potential return to the Nanjing Monkey Kings once he concludes his current tour, stating, “I told the team that if I could stay in shape I would be down to play for a longer amount of games next year.”

This article originally appeared on Rolling Stone.