Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) president Yao Ming attended the first session of 2023 CBA Media Day on Friday. 

Hot topics including the men's World Cup, naturalization of players, the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and others were addressd. 

The main goal for the Chinese men at the 2023 FIBA World Cup co-hosted by Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10 is to enter the knockout stage and qualify for the Paris Olympics, according to Yao. 

Regarding the roster, particularly the possibility of having naturalized players at the quadrennial event, Yao said CBA has always had an open mind about naturalization, noting that laws and regulations in China as well as FIBA rules should be followed in the process. 

CBA Vice President Xu Jicheng briefed the media about the inaugural Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony scheduled to take place on April 9 in Tianjin Municipality in northern China, home to China's first indoor basketball venue. Twenty-four individuals and one group will be honored for their contribution to the sport in China. 

(With input from Xinhua)