As Lin Comes in, Udoh Exits Beijing After Three Years

Just weeks after Beijing celebrated the return of Jeremy Lin to the Shougang Ducks, it’s been announced that the city will be losing another beloved foreign basketballer – Nigerian-American Epke Udoh has signed with Vitrus Bologna, one of several EuroLeague teams who had been expressing interest.

The abrupt signing comes just several months after Udoh signed with The Beijing Royal Fighters mid-season in March of this year. Prior to his short stint with the fighters, he had played for a couple years with the Ducks alongside Lin. At one point, the duo helped to snag eight consecutive victories for that team. They’re synergy is no coincidence – both players got their NBA debut the same year with the Golden State Warriors in 2010.

Though local fans have been supportive, it seems the issue, at least in part, may come down to compensation. When Udoh first signed with the ducks, he was the top paid foreign player in the league. But when the CBA lowered the pay cap for foreign players last month, he decided it was time to move on.

Beyond the pay issue, Chinese sports blogs suggest that Royal Fighters coach Stephon Marbury couldn’t manage to fit Udoh in the team in a way that worked.

Meanwhile, both Beijing teams will be taking in a couple of players who earned their stripes in the CUBA, China’s university league. Twenty-four-year-old Li Weihao, formerly of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, will be bringing his towering 2.05 meters and celebrated dunking skills to the Fighters, while Beijing Normal University is sending up Liu Chang, known for his strong offense, to the Beijing Ducks.

READ: The Show Must Go On: Your Guide to Catching the Tokyo Summer Olympics

Images: Sohu