Nike presents new jerseys for Chinese national basketball team

Li Nan, head coach of the Chinese men's national basketball team, and his 13 players attended Nike's event on Thursday, wearing the new jerseys designed for the coming FIBA Basketball World Cup that will take place in China.

As a former member of the national team, Li was excited about the new jersey. "I myself want to put on that jersey but I'm not a player anymore. I'm still proud to be able to contribute to Chinese basketball as a coach," said Li.

Chinese players wear the new national basketball team jerseys. [Photo: VCG]

The new jersey has three colors, red as the base color, white for the shoulders and socks, and gold for the numbers. According to Nike, the inspiration for the new jersey is a rocket being launched. All jerseys are made of recycled materials – it takes about 20 plastic bottles to make one.

Two NBA legends and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers, Scottie Pippen and Jason Kidd, attended the event too.

NBA legends and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers, Scottie Pippen (L) and Jason Kidd (R), at the event /VCG Photo

As a member of the great 1992 Team USA, Pippen admitted that the rest of the world is getting better fast in basketball and thus, he cannot say that his country will win the championship at the World Cup this time for sure.

Kidd talked about the Chinese national team. He believed that the Chinese players have been improving fast, and they have a good chance to impress the world at home.