Exclusive Column

Ni hao, my Beijing people! Let me be the first to share some great news!

The world has taken notice of us thanks to an epic start by our CBA team, the Beijing Ducks.

Recently, two premier newspapers in the United States - The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal - featured stories on me and the success of the Ducks.

As of Sunday, we remain undefeated at 10-0 and have the best record in the league. Our last three victories came against Bayi Fubang - also known as the Army team - Zhejiang and Jiangsu, respectively.

It may be hard to believe, but the Ducks' victory over the Army team was the first ever in the 16-year existence of the CBA.

I think we won that game, as well as all our others this season, because my teammates and I are committed to one vital message: Play hard, play smart and play together. We each have a role we accept and respect.

Playing this way has led us to the best start in Ducks history. We have a10-game winning streak. We broke what many considered a long-standing curse, a 15-game losing streak against the Army team. Now, we are marked with a bull's-eye on our backs, and, we are the team everyone in the CBA desperately wants to beat.

What a situation to be in. I am just happy that I am a Duck and am part of this incredible journey.

I am also experiencing a milestone in my own career. In 15 years of playing in both the NBA and CBA, this is the first time my team has started the season with 10 straight wins.

I am convinced those 6-hour-a-day practices six days a week for a month before the season are paying off.

When my teammates and I are playing in a game on what I call the dance floor, it's like watching poetry in motion. We are up for the challenge because we know each possession is big. Each quarter is even bigger. The grandest of all though is getting the victory. Thankfully, we have always been the victors this season.

We know we could not have remained undefeated or experienced such an amazing basketball start if it were not for the love and support of the Beijing people. I am glad they are enjoying our success as well. They are true fans. They're very supportive and knowledgeable, they understand the game of basketball, and that's what's up. We are counting on their continued support, even though our next game is on the road.

Next Sunday, we play Qingdao at home. That will be a special day for me. Had my dad, Don E. Marbury,lived, he would have celebrated his 73rd birthday. I sure wish my father were here to cheer on the Ducks. Since he is not, I just hope my teammates and I continue winning and writing this storybook chapter in the history of the Beijing Ducks basketball organization. The capital of China deserves it. Love is love.

Sincerely yours,

Starbury