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Chinese Player-Translator, Jesse Eisenberg, World Cup Woes

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Saiyuan Bian fell in love with basketball as a kid growing up in China. He thought the game could take him to the moon. It hasn't taken him quite that far, but it has taken him around the world -- and brought him closer to NBA players like Damian Lillard. (Courtesy Saiyuan Bian)
Saiyuan Bian fell in love with basketball as a kid growing up in China. He thought the game could take him to the moon. It hasn't taken him quite that far, but it has taken him around the world -- and brought him closer to NBA players like Damian Lillard. (Courtesy Saiyuan Bian)

Saiyuan Bian, a basketball player from China, has had dreams of playing pro basketball since he was a child. This week on Only A Game, Bian's journey to the pros as a player-translator. Also, actor Jesse Eisenberg reveals the true cause behind the Phoenix Suns' 1993 NBA Finals collapse. And, reflections on U.S. Soccer's elimination from the 2018 World Cup with former coach Bruce Arena. Join us!

Subscribe to the Only A Game podcast on Apple PodcastsNPR One or Stitcher.


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From China To The U.S. And Back: A Basketball Player-Translator's Journey To The Pros

From an early age, Saiyuan Bian had dreams of making it as a pro basketball player. But before he could do that, he had to take another job — as a translator.

This program aired on June 9, 2018.

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