China's basketball team undergoes 'master class'

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China's basketball team have taken time away from the court to attend a special lecture in a bid to improve their mindset during the preparation for the coming Asian games, which begins on Aug. 18 in Jakarta.

The lesson, dubbed "The Master Class," includes speakers such as Chinese Basketball Association President and former NBA star Yao Ming, a man who knows what it's like to perform under pressure at the highest level.

The lecture is aimed at helping the players understand the importance of their mental attitude, which Yao says is just as crucial as their physical approach. The idea is to develop these boys as all-round sportsmen, and the CBA feels that the best way to do this is to invite people who have conquered massive feats in the past.

Chinese property veteran Wang Shi in speech during the lecture. /VCG Photo

In addition to Yao, Chinese entrepreneur and hiker Wang Shi is also invited to speak. The 67-year-old climbed to the top of Mount Qomolangma in 2010 and has reached both the North and South Poles.

Yao hopes people with experiences such as this can inspire this generation of ballers into becoming better sportsmen on and off the court.

"I believe a mature player means having a mature and strong mind to deal with pressure and the ability to stick to the strategy given by the coach. It requires not only training on fitness and skills, but cultivation on invisible strength. So we need something off the court to broaden their careers, so we are trying the master class," said Yao Ming.