J. Cole Signs Professional Basketball Contract with China's Nanjing Monkey Kings

Rapper J. Cole has officially signed a professional basketball contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This significant development was initially reported by ESPN and subsequently confirmed by Cole himself in a March 25 interview. The 41-year-old artist, who stands 6-foot-3, brings prior professional basketball experience from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

Contract Details and Confirmation

The signing of J. Cole with the Nanjing Monkey Kings was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday night. Cole, an alumnus of St. John's University, appeared to confirm the signing and discussed his motivations in an interview published on "Talk with Flee" on March 25.

Cole's Drive: Fulfilling a Lifelong Ambition

During the interview, Cole articulated his decision to pursue professional basketball as an attempt to fulfill a long-held ambition.

He stated his goal was to "scratch a last itch," exploring his ability to compete professionally at this stage in his life.

Cole acknowledged that teams in these leagues often view his involvement as a potential source of publicity. He also revealed that the Nanjing Monkey Kings had extended an offer to him the previous year, an opportunity he is now seizing.

"I'm getting older," Cole remarked, suggesting this might be his "last shot" at professional basketball.

He expressed an intention to honor his commitment by playing a few games, though he admitted his physical condition was not optimal due to his recent album release schedule.

A History on the Hardwood

At 41 years old, J. Cole possesses a notable history in professional basketball, showcasing his dedication to the sport alongside his celebrated music career.

• High School: He played basketball during his high school years in North Carolina.
• Basketball Africa League (BAL): In 2021, Cole played three games for the Rwanda Patriots, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds over 15.2 minutes per game.
• Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL): In 2022, he played five games for the Scarborough Shooting Stars, averaging 2.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.

The Chinese Basketball Association is widely considered a higher level of competition compared to his previous engagements in the BAL and CEBL, marking a new challenge for the artist.

Beyond the Court: A Grammy-Winning Artist

While pursuing his basketball dreams, Cole remains a titan in the music industry. He is a multi-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-Platinum recording artist. His latest album, "The Fall-Off," was released in February, further solidifying his status as a major cultural figure.