{"id":1886201,"date":"2026-04-15T09:23:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T06:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1886201"},"modified":"2026-04-15T09:23:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T06:23:16","slug":"j-cole-concludes-brief-professional-basketball-stint-with-the-cbas-nanjing-monkey-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1886201","title":{"rendered":"J. Cole Concludes Brief Professional Basketball Stint With the CBA&#8217;s Nanjing Monkey Kings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-tw-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-post-body col\">\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Sports\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/04\/15\/J-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"J Cole Ends chinese basketball association CBA nanjing monkey kings Pro Career After 1 Game visa issues\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Prince Williams\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]'>\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Prince Williams\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game<\/li>\n<li>The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure<\/li>\n<li>Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association\u2019s Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist\u2019s time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.<\/p>\n<p>Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole\u2019s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. \u201cThe work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,\u201d Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the \u201cincredible experience.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn\u2019t able to hit one,\u201d he continued. \u201cA couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I\u2019m fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native\u2019s third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702188\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Zenith Expands Its G.F.J. Collection At Watches and Wonders 2026\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6704125\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Dodgers-Mets Game Is the Most Expensive Series in MLB History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702367\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Skate Business Gospel According to Tyshawn Jones\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    J. Cole\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-footer\" class=\"post-footer row\">\n<div class=\"col-shopping-break\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-comments\">\n<div id=\"comments\" class=\"post-comments none \">\n<header>\n<div class=\"heading\"><span class=\"comment-count\">0<\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"comment-dropdown-tooltip\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Sports\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/04\/15\/J-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"J Cole Ends chinese basketball association CBA nanjing monkey kings Pro Career After 1 Game visa issues\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Prince Williams\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]'>\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Prince Williams\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game<\/li>\n<li>The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure<\/li>\n<li>Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association\u2019s Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist\u2019s time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.<\/p>\n<p>Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole\u2019s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. \u201cThe work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,\u201d Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the \u201cincredible experience.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn\u2019t able to hit one,\u201d he continued. \u201cA couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I\u2019m fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native\u2019s third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702188\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Zenith Expands Its G.F.J. Collection At Watches and Wonders 2026\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6704125\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Dodgers-Mets Game Is the Most Expensive Series in MLB History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702367\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Skate Business Gospel According to Tyshawn Jones\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    J. Cole\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Sports\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Sports\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/04\/15\/J-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"J Cole Ends chinese basketball association CBA nanjing monkey kings Pro Career After 1 Game visa issues\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Prince Williams\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]'>\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-1-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Prince Williams\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game<\/li>\n<li>The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure<\/li>\n<li>Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association\u2019s Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist\u2019s time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.<\/p>\n<p>Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole\u2019s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. \u201cThe work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,\u201d Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the \u201cincredible experience.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn\u2019t able to hit one,\u201d he continued. \u201cA couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I\u2019m fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native\u2019s third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702188\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Zenith Expands Its G.F.J. Collection At Watches and Wonders 2026\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6704125\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Dodgers-Mets Game Is the Most Expensive Series in MLB History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6702367\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>The Skate Business Gospel According to Tyshawn Jones\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    J. Cole\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Sports<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time>Apr 15, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             591<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game<\/li>\n<li>The artist cited an unexpectedly lengthy work visa process as the reason for his early departure<\/li>\n<li>Cole originally signed a deal earlier in April to play at least three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rap megastar J. Cole has officially concluded his professional basketball stint with the Chinese Basketball Association\u2019s Nanjing Monkey Kings. After taking his talents overseas to join the Chinese club earlier this month, the artist\u2019s time on the court has been cut short, capping off another unexpected crossover between global hip-hop and international sports.<\/p>\n<p>Initially scheduled to lace up for a minimum of three games with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole\u2019s run was derailed by logistical hurdles. \u201cThe work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,\u201d Cole confirmed in an official statement. Despite the abrupt exit, the rapper remained appreciative of the opportunity, thanking the Nanjing club and the CBA for the \u201cincredible experience.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks but wasn\u2019t able to hit one,\u201d he continued. \u201cA couple more games and maybe those shots would have started to fall! Either way I\u2019m fulfilled and grateful! Shit, I feel like I dropped 20 !!! And my knees felt like I played 40 minutes!\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>This recent endeavor marks the North Carolina native\u2019s third time taking the floor in a professional sports league. He previously suited up for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League back in 2021, followed by a 2022 run with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The overseas hoops venture directly trailed a busy musical stretch for the two-time Grammy winner, who just released his latest studio album, The Fall-Off, in February.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Text By<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\">Sophie Caraan<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    J. Cole\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/2026\/4\/j-cole-ends-chinese-basketball-association-cba-nanjing-monkey-kings-pro-career-after-1-game-visa-issues&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F04%2F15%2FJ-Cole-Ends-chinese-basketball-association-CBA-nanjing-monkey-kings-Pro-Career-After-1-Game-visa-issues-tw-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;] Sports Apr 15, 2026 591 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Text By Sophie Caraan Editor Assistant Mai Vo Share this article Prince Williams\/Wireimage Sports Apr 15, 2026 591 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Summary Rap megastar J. Cole announced the end of his professional basketball tenure in China after playing just one game The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,39],"class_list":["post-1886201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-hypebeast-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1886201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1886201"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1886201\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1886201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1886201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1886201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}