In Hong Kong, outdoor basketball courts are among the city's most familiar public spaces. The rhythmic thud of a ball hitting concrete blends seamlessly with the calls of street vendors and the iconic ding-ding of trams, forming a soundtrack that is uniquely Hong Kong. At Wan Chai's Southorn Stadium—long regarded as a sacred ground for the sport—an eclectic group of young players from across the world has made this place their home court.
They are the Hong Kong Bulls.
Founded in 2023, the team has made an impressive mark in just two years. And like many teams, its name carries meaning. "Golden Bull" is not only a nod to the colloquial nickname for Hong Kong's HK$1,000 banknote, but also a symbol of prosperity—an aspiration for a booming basketball scene. The golden bull on the team's crest reflects a shared vision for the growth of basketball in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, while the surrounding ocean hues evoke vitality and the courage to face the unknown.
Diversity is at the heart of the team's identity. E.J. Anosike (E.J.), Dong Jian, Michael Ertel II (Michael Ertel), and Ng Wai-tsun are our guests on this episode. E.J. and Michael Ertel come from the US, Dong Jian arrives from the mainland, while Ng Wai-tsun is a homegrown Hong Kong talent. Standing side by side in jerseys emblazoned with "Hong Kong Bulls," they mirror the city itself—a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. As they put it, the team is "like a melting pot," where understanding deepens day by day. Differences in culture have done little to divide them; if anything, they have drawn them closer. "We get along really well," Dong says with a smile.
In many ways, the Hong Kong Bulls embody the evolving nature of modern basketball, where styles and influences converge across borders. Their arrival in the NBL has not only elevated the league's competitiveness and entertainment value, but has also brought Hong Kong's basketball story onto a broader stage. Yet their ambitions reach further still. As a sporting ambassador for the city, the team hopes to showcase Hong Kong's unique charm and contribute to its role as an international hub for sports, culture, and entertainment.
E.J. believes that sports, music, and entertainment are deeply interconnected. "A lot of my friends in the music world want to come visit Hong Kong," he says. "Basketball is a bridge—it connects communities and the world." Michael shares that sentiment, expressing his admiration for the city: "Hong Kong is one of the greatest cities in the world. The basketball culture here is strong, and the potential is huge."
What binds these players together is something deeply familiar to Hong Kong—the enduring "Lion Rock Spirit." Even when facing opponents of CBA caliber, they never back down. "No matter how strong the opponent is, we're not afraid. We just focus on showing what we can do," Dong says firmly. Ng sums it up simply: "We approach every game with a winning mindset."
In them, one can see the qualities long associated with Hong Kong—resilience, determination, and an unwavering will to give everything, regardless of the odds. Though their playing styles differ and chemistry takes time to build, their belief in the team remains unshaken. "With time, we'll keep improving—month by month, game by game. The future is bright."
Yet every story carries moments of parting. Just as this video was nearing release, news broke that Michael Ertel has left the team due to strategic adjustments. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points per game in the NBL regular season and played a pivotal role in securing the championship, earning Finals MVP honors. Though his journey with the Hong Kong Bulls has come to a pause, the resilience and fighting spirit he forged with his teammates will remain embedded in the team's DNA.
On April 7, at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, the Hong Kong Bulls delivered a commanding 131–93 victory in the NBL playoff semifinals, sweeping the series 3–0 to secure their place in the Finals. As the curtain rises on the championship stage, this team from Hong Kong once again stands on the threshold of glory.
There are many games still to play. And their Hong Kong story is far from finished.
(Reporter: Zoey Sun | Videographer: Jack Wang, Felicia Li | Video Editor: Jack Wang, Felicia Li, Zoey Sun | Editor: Zoey Sun)
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