The American rapper Jermaine Lamarr Cole, widely known as J. Cole, is now set to play in the Chinese Basketball Association after signing a contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings.
And no, this is not an April Fools’ joke.
Recently reported by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the 41-year-old rapper is once again making a return to professional basketball after playing a few games with a Chinese team last year.
A Full-Time Rapper, Sometimes a Part-Time Baller
Cole began his professional basketball journey in 2021, specifically in the Basketball Africa League, where he suited up for the Patriots Basketball Club.
Despite producing critically acclaimed albums such as 2014 Forest Hills Drive and The Off-Season, his performances on the hardwood have not quite matched the polish of his work on stage.
After three games, Cole recorded 5 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds in 45 minutes, marking the end of his first stint in professional basketball.
He later had another opportunity in 2022, this time in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, where he played for the Scarborough Shooting Stars. His numbers saw slight improvement in terms of opportunity, appearing in five games, but his averages dipped to just 2.4 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 0.2 steals per game.
Following the release of his latest album this year, titled The Fall-Off, one thing remains clear: J. Cole has shown that anyone can chase the dream of playing professional basketball, but true greatness—and lasting impact—still belongs to those who dominate the hip-hop landscape.
Can J. Cole Actually Hoop?
The short answer is yes. J. Cole was a hooper even before he made his mark in the music industry, having played competitively in high school and even in college. That alone means he has an understanding of competitive hoops, from floor spacing to defensive rotations, and everything else. Importantly, he has the size at 6-foot-3 to go along with that experience as well as the discipline it takes to excel in the game.
Furthermore, J. Cole’s stints in the BAL and CEBL proved he can handle the physicality of professional play without being a liability on the court. While his scoring averages are modest, his value lies in being a high-IQ role player who provides a massive marketing boost and a tireless work ethic, proving that his presence on a roster is earned through legitimate skill rather than just celebrity status.
