The 4th pick in the 1996 NBA draft, All-Star point guard Stephon Marbury never imagined in his wildest dreams, he would reach iconic status on the other side of the world. CGTN's Richard Nta talked with Marbury about his decision to play and reside in China as he entered his 13th year living in Beijing.

RICHARD NTA Beijing "Welcome to Stephon Marbury's world, his country, his team, the Chinese dream. We'll speak to the man behind the scenes."

In 2010, in pursuit of more than just fame and fortune, the NBA All-Star took his talents to China at the tail end of his playing career and found fulfilment and appreciation in his adopted nation.

STEPHON MARBURY Head Coach, Beijing Royal Fighters "I came here to Beijing, we won the first championship with the Beijing Ducks, we won right here in this building in 2012. After we won the championship, they immortalized me. They built this statue, then I said NO WAY I can leave China after this."

Stephon Marbury went on to reveal to me an honor he received after winning three championships in 4 years – something bestowed on only a select few.

STEPHON MARBURY Head Coach, Beijing Royal Fighters "Having a Green Card creates huge access. Recognition from the government and them showing the respect and the honor for, you know, what was accomplished in playing basketball."

Looking back, Marbury said he never thought he would be here for 13 years, but never regrets making the decision.

STEPHON MARBURY Head Coach, Beijing Royal Fighters "I played nine seasons here, coached. I've been living here, I love China. Been a great experience, leaving the NBA, coming here."

Now head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters, in China's professional CBA league, he also spoke about some of the biggest misconceptions about his new country.

STEPHON MARBURY Head Coach, Beijing Royal Fighters "A big misconception is how people don't know how nice the Chinese people are. They are really good people."

After spending 12 years in Beijing, the global ambassador of basketball aims to give back to China, Africa, and the rest of the world through his promotion of universal access to affordable athletic footwear.

STEPHON MARBURY Head Coach, Beijing Royal Fighters "I was talking to people, telling them a humane story. It's not about selling the shoes; it's about giving people the opportunity to purchase something at an affordable price."

At his favorite place in Beijing, a New York-style pizzeria, Marbury said his daily life revolves almost exclusively around training, working out, and home. I watched him greeting the staff and other customers with ease as comfortable here as any true Beijinger. Richard Nta, CGTN, Beijing.