And with China putting on the FIBA World Cup later this summer, fans in Beijing hope the home team can find their peak form ahead of the tournament and strive for their best finish at this event since reaching the quarter-finals back in 1994. Damion Jones has more.

FIBA and partner Tencent have invited eight Chinese actors and actresses from each of the World Cup's host cities, to submit videos inspiring fans to share their love for their hometowns, and the list includes Beijing, where anticipation is steadily rising as the weather heats up.

"It is rare to see such a huge basketball tournament take place in Beijing, or in China, since the 2008 Summer Olympics. So I am excited about this year's FIBA World Cup, especially since China have a lot of talented players who can show their efforts on the court, but we also got a lucky draw in the group stage. My age is same as Yi Jianlian, who might be playing in his last tournament, so I am looking forward to watching him show his best form in these games."

"I want to express my best wishes for our country that we will host this major tournament sucessfully. Meanwhile, I hope Chinese basketball can rise up to a higher level, and earn a good result. I also think this event will promote our style of basketball and make it more fashionable."

"I am looking forward to the FIBA World Cup because I live in Beijing, which will host many games, and I want to go watch some of the games. I also hope China can achieve better results, as our best finish was reaching the last eight, so this time we can try to reach the semi-finals."

The 2019 FIBA World Cup tips off on August 31st, with the championship game set for September 15th. DJ, CGTN.