CGTN interviews Courtney Fortson: China is pinnacle of basketball outside NBA

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The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions have been the top team in China this season, and have the best record after 28 games.

One of the keys to their success has been the play of point guard Courtney Fortson, who leads the league in assists at almost 11.5 per outing to go along with his scoring average of 31.

Fortson's journey within the NBA has been a bumpy ride after short stints with the Huston Rockets and LA Clippers. He ended up with the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the development league and was later named in the Futures All-Star roster for the 2013 NBA D-League All-Star Game.

Courtney Fortson joined the Houston Rockets in 2012. /VCG Photo

"It was very frustrating and I can’t really explain the feeling. It's a special feeling, because you know you are supposed to be there, but it doesn’t happen," Fortson told CGTN's Mike Fox.

In September 2013, Fortson signed with Avtodor Saratov of Russia and he started his first season outside the US.

"When I go to a different country, I always try to immerse myself in the culture. I look forward for the challenges whether they are good or bad. I always received love and admiration from Russian fans," said Fortson.

When Fortson first got to China he was relatively unknown to the Chinese fans, but his brief spell with the Houston Rockets, who are hugely popular in China because of Yao Ming, helped build his name.

The Guangsha Lions have managed to compile the best record in league history at 22-6.

"We take off-the-court communications, everybody seeks the other and likes each other. On the court when we go through adversity, when the team goes on a run we are able to stick through and stay together. I think that is a big factor in our wins," Fortson noted.