HOOPS & DREAMS

There's an old saying in the West that you should never meet your heroes, they'll only disappoint you. Fortunately, Wang Hedi didn't grow up in the West.

He grew up in Leshan, Sichuan province. It was there, around 15 years ago, as a primary school student, he found himself flicking through a basketball magazine. Inside was the story of a man who would become a sporting legend, LeBron James.

Like the young student, James was born in a small city, in his case Akron, Ohio. Raised by a single mother, James defied the odds by rapidly rising to prominence, from high school success to entering the NBA at the age of 18, before being crowned "King "of the court.

The tale of James' early resilience and triumph deeply moved Wang, who began eagerly tracking his newfound hero's career, only to be further inspired by the fearless manner in which James played.

"The forceful and aggressive way James slams the basketball through the hoop is visually striking, and it really pumps me up," Wang says.

This devoted fan, much like his idol, grew to venture beyond the confines of his hometown, emerging as one of China's hottest young acting prospects.

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago, Wang found himself not only living his childhood dream after being invited to participate in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb 16 — scoring 18 points in just 21 minutes, setting a new record for the highest points scored by a Chinese celebrity in the process — but finally got to meet his hero, exchanging first a handshake, then an embrace before finally procuring the highly sought-after autograph of basketball royalty, King James himself.

"That was undoubtedly a dream-come-true journey for me," Wang said during a break at a recent photo shoot in Beijing.

The 25-year-old's display on the NBA court, transitioning from a substitute player to the second-highest scorer for Team Shannon — named after head coach, legendary NFL tight end, Shannon Sharpe — delighted a multitude of Chinese basketball fans, especially when he sunk a spectacular four-point shot to cap his stellar performance.

"Wang really stood out in the game. He became the game's best sixth man," said Su Qun, Tencent Sports' basketball commentator.

While not so proficient in English, Wang sees basketball as a means of cultural communication.

Team Shannon comprised celebrities and sports stars that included NFL linebacker Micah Parsons, Canadian YouTuber and television host Lilly Singh, US actor Quincy Isaiah and Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA.

"At the first team meeting in the locker room, the native English speakers quickly got acquainted. They sang songs I hadn't heard, and with the language barrier, I couldn't join in the conversation, which initially made me feel a bit reserved," Wang recalls.

"However, when we hit the court for warmups, communication improved through the passing of the ball and by using basketball gestures with them. After scoring during the game, I exchanged high-fives and chest bumps with teammates, and we started to bond."

Later, he arranged to meet up and shoot some hoops with a few of his newly made friends.

Wang's passion for the sport began in primary school, when he enrolled in extracurricular basketball classes every Thursday. Initially, Wang signed up for the badminton class, practicing on the school field with the teacher.

"The area where we practiced badminton was right next to the basketball court, and badminton doubles can only be played with four people. I saw basketball, which is five-on-five, as more lively and high-spirited. I was instantly attracted to it and started playing basketball instead," he says.

From that point on, the game became a regular part of his school life.

"Back then, I was regarded as quite skilled among the players in my circle. Teammates were willing to pass me the ball, relying on me to score, and I would always imagine myself as a basketball star," he adds.

"Competitive sports require determination, a sense of belief and a winning mentality."

His confidence on the court has extended beyond the sidelines and into his everyday life.

During his time as a student at Sichuan Southwest College of Civil Aviation, Wang developed an interest in hip-hop culture.

Actively participating in the school's talent competitions and performances, he caught the attention of the school's publicity teacher, leading to a photo shoot for the cover of the school's magazine and promotional materials.

In 2017, at the age of 18, he traveled alone to Changsha, Hunan province, to participate in a talent show as an amateur participant and was the only one not contracted to an entertainment company.

Despite having no prior professional performance experience, his confidence and grit, combined with his open communication and expressive nature, won favor with the judges.

Ultimately, he secured the championship and won the opportunity to become the male lead in the TV series Meteor Garden (2018).

This would prove to be his big break.

In the summer of 2022, the online fantasy drama Love Between Fairy and Devil, in which Wang played the male protagonist, was aired. The series quickly went viral thanks to its well-executed special effects, innovative character developments and its portrayal of love characterized by independence and mutual respect.

As a result, Wang was propelled to the status of heartthrob, amassing over 20 million followers on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo.

In the fantasy drama's fictional world, Wang's character Dongfang Qingcang is a powerhouse, characterized by solitude and reticence. He relinquishes his ability to experience happiness and love in his pursuit of strength.

Yet, in reality, Wang is always enveloped by a circle of friends, exuding liveliness and cheerfulness.

He does not hesitate to proclaim, "I love everything about myself", and he effortlessly forges new friendships on every reality show he has been a part of.

"I find his confidence and relaxed attitude more attractive than his handsome appearance," says Su Gege, a fan of Wang. "Instead of succumbing to self-doubt and dwelling on negative things, he just boldly pursues what he desires. It's a state of being that I aspire to attain."

Wang grew up in a loving one-child family where his parents operated a barbecue restaurant for a living.

"My family provides me with positive values and a healthy framework, within which I can freely develop," Wang says.

During every winter and summer break of his childhood, he would assist his parents in preparing food at their restaurant. After gaining fame, every time he returns to Leshan, he can still be found helping out in the kitchen.

From an outside perspective, two years ago he became a highly sought-after celebrity, but he personally doesn't consider that as a turning point.

"I'm not inclined to use my popular works as milestones in my acting career. I find growth in every project I take on," he says.

During a recent visit to Leshan, he took great pleasure in hanging out with his childhood friends.

He continues to apply the principles of friendship from his childhood to make new friends today.

"I won't try to read people or flatter them. Treating others sincerely is important; it's not that complicated," Wang says.

Wang Yu contributed to this story.