LOS ANGELES LAKERS guard Austin Reaves made a return visit to Hong Kong this week, drawing a crowd of devoted fans and notable local figures at a welcome dinner that blended sports admiration with personal stories of perseverance. The event, held Monday evening, saw Reaves mingling with attendees, signing autographs, and posing for photographs—a display of accessibility that left a lasting impression on those present.
Among the guests was Alex Fong, a former Hong Kong swimming representative and founder of the Hong Kong Swimming School. Fong, who described himself as a “basketball狂热者” (fanatic), was seated at the head table alongside the NBA star. Despite his own athletic pedigree, Fong joined the line of fans waiting for a signature and photo, visibly thrilled by the encounter.
“His journey as a player has been full of twists and turns,” Fong said, referring to a video montage of Reaves’ career that played during the dinner. “He was once overlooked and didn’t get drafted, but he kept pushing forward with an unyielding spirit and eventually became a core player for the Lakers. That kind of fighting spirit is something young people should learn from.”
Fong drew a parallel to his own swimming career, noting that he too faced skepticism early on. “I wasn’t expected to succeed when I first started swimming,” he said. “But step by step, I worked hard and eventually made it onto Hong Kong’s representative team.”
When asked whether his daughter has inherited his athletic genes—particularly an interest in swimming or basketball—Fong said he would respect her choice, but expressed caution. “To become a top athlete, the process is extremely tough,” he explained. “I hope sports can remain a hobby for her.”
The evening was hosted by MC Kayi, whose husband, former Hong Kong basketball team captain Cheng Kam-hing, also attended. Kayi praised Reaves for his down-to-earth demeanor, noting that despite a packed schedule after arriving in the morning, the player personally visited every table to toast guests and willingly accommodated requests for autographs and photos.
“I could tell he was exhausted, but he still went to every table,” Kayi said. “He was so cooperative with the event arrangements, signing and taking pictures with everyone.”
Kayi added that it was a rare opportunity to work alongside her husband—a former Division I basketball player—while their two-year-old son stayed at home. Although she often watches games with her husband, she admitted she doesn’t fully understand the sport. Their son, however, has already started showing interest. “He points at the screen excitedly,” she said with a laugh.
Describing her son as taller and more agile than other children his age, Kayi said she plans to encourage his interest in basketball. But when asked whether her husband hopes their son will become a professional player, she shook her head. “He knows the hardships of being an athlete too well. I don’t think he would want our son to endure that.”
Reaves’ visit underscores the growing global appeal of the NBA and its players, particularly in Asia, where basketball fandom continues to surge. For local figures like Fong and Kayi, the evening was not just a celebrity sighting but a reminder of the universal values of hard work and humility—both on and off the court.
