BEIJING - After Bilbao Basket confirmed the signing of Chinese international Yu Jiahao on Friday, the 22-year-old center is now set to pursue a new dream after four seasons with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league. Once a port city watching mariners set sail, Bilbao will now witness a new explorer take on uncharted waters.

"I hope to be a pioneer, gradually getting used to the environment and pace of the Spanish league, adapting to the team's tactics, and putting down roots as soon as possible," said Yu, the first CBA player to join the Spanish Basketball League in recent years.

Aim high and refuse to be boxed in 

Averaging 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 30 minutes per game in the 2024-2025 season, Yu was voted to the CBA All-Star team for the first time since joining the Golden Bulls in 2021, and is determined to step out of his "comfort zone" to find a better version of himself.

"I want to improve myself. Playing abroad is about developing more comprehensive skills, taking on more responsibilities, and integrating into different systems," said Yu, who will head to Spain after fulfilling his duty with the national team in the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In his view, European basketball emphasizes coordination and rhythm on both offense and defense - contrasting with the CBA's style of often relying on star players, which he believes offers more room for growth.

"My court vision, paint finishing, and outside shooting should fit right in. As training ramps up, the timing on those cuts and passes with teammates will click," he added.

According to his agent, Yu is expected to start the next season on loan with Segunda side Cantabria before moving to the top flight.

"As a global stage, the Spanish League is never short of competition. I just need to focus on training," he said.

A second overseas experience

Unlike most Chinese players, Yu's development path has been highly international. In high school, he attended Sierra Canyon School, a basketball powerhouse in California, where he played alongside the sons of NBA superstars like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

Yu believed the experience in the U.S. would help him adapt quickly in Europe.

"I've seen the lives of many top professionals, and since my parents were both basketball players, I know what it takes to be competitive and where to hold myself to high standards," he said.

Yu's mindset has evolved between his two "steps out." "This time, it's more targeted. In high school, I was young and less mature. After years in the CBA, I now know exactly what I want and where I need to improve," he reflected.

According to his agent, if Yu chooses to stay in the CBA, he could earn a more lucrative contract than in the Spanish Basketball League. But for Yu, "it's not about the money, expanding my horizons and improving myself matter more."

The move to Spain presents challenges both on and off the court. "In Europe, there are only one or two games a week, allowing more recovery time and reducing injury risks," he said. "It also gives me more personal time outside of training and games."

Yu has his own plans. "I enjoy music and painting," he said. "When I trained in France before, I visited the Louvre. Europe is known for its galleries and museums, I plan to see them on my vacations."

Reaching higher

Yu had trials with NBA teams and entered the NBA draft in the summer of 2022. Although he wasn't drafted, Yu remains determined to improve himself and get close to the most challenging league in the world.

"I'll never give up on reaching higher. But I need to take it step by step, first proving myself on the European stage," he said.

Yu's national teammate Yang Hansen joined the Portland Trail Blazers after being selected as the No. 16 pick in the NBA draft last month. Another Chinese player, Cui Yongxi also had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Yu believes more young players from China will head to the international stage to develop their skills and push their limits.

"We must get better every day if we want to compete as a better team for China on the world stage," Yu said.