Pana makes Shang Ping China's first Euroleague player

Greek champion Panathinaikos Athens made basketball history by signing forward Shang Ping, who becomes the first Chinese player to join a European team. Shang (2.05 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association. He is considered to be a physical player and an outstanding defensive presence. There will be less of a language barrier with Shang, who has a command of English after playing high school basketball in New Zealand and college basketball in the Unites States. Shang was a teammate of former Panathinaikos center Aleks Maric at the University of Nebraska in the 2007-08 season. He has spent the past few seasons playing professionally in the CBA. Aside from Qingdao, Shang has also played for Beijing Shougang Ducks and Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons in China. 

Shang’s addition will contribute to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague's continuing growth in China. Last season’s Euroleague Final Four in London was broadcast on China’s national television network CCTV with accumulated audience of some 8 million viewers. Two games were broadcast every week during the season on Guangdong TV and Letv. Chinese fans can also follow the Turkish Airlines Euroleague on Chinese social media pages Sina Weibo and RenRen. 

"I am excited and looking forward to coming to Greece and meeting the coach and my teammates. It was a dream for me to play in Europe, but it came true. When I first heard that there was the chance to play for a European team, especially the great Panathinaikos, I couldn't think it happened to me!", Shang said. "I will do my best for the team and everything my coach asks me to do. Of course, I know how big Panathinaikos is. I have watched many Euroleague games and loved to see the way this team fights. I am proud to be a member of this team and feel as China's ambassador in Europe."