SYDNEY, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The chief executive of the Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) has stressed the league's role in unlocking talent and building friendships.
"We think college basketball and university sports have so much potential in Asia," said Jay Li, CEO and co-founder of the AUBL, in an interview with Xinhua. "The campus culture of sports is there. It's just historically, there has been a lack of good competition.
"That's why we have created this... to be a very important piece of the whole global basketball talent ecosystem," he added.
The second edition of the AUBL will be held in Hangzhou from August 2 to 9, featuring 12 teams.
The league also aims to strengthen relationships between the participating colleges.
"I think it's a very meaningful project for the region," Li said. "The teams competing are from very prestigious institutions. The players will be able to forge friendships on-and-off the court. Sport is great for international diplomacy and that's a positive factor for society." ■
