Ziyi Xiong ’27 never imagined himself going to high school in America. It was his natural talent and dedication to basketball that not only led him to George School, but on an unforgettable trip back to China with his teammates not even a year later.

Ziyi arrived on campus in August of 2023. A freshman from Wuhan, China, Ziyi traveled across the world for the opportunity to study at George School and play varsity basketball through the Joe Tsai Foundation. In gratitude for Ziyi’s experience so far, the George School boys and girls varsity teams were welcomed to China to share a cultural exchange through the “Bridge of the Future” program. The year, and the trip, have given both Ziyi and his teammates an opportunity to experience new cultures and bond over their shared love for the sport.

Ziyi and Head Varsity Boys Basketball coach Ben Luber reflect on their past year together from recruitment to now, and what is next for the team’s upcoming season.

Q: How did you first get introduced to George School and decide to come here?

Ziyi: I was selected by the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation Social Justice Fund. They usually send five boys and five girls each year to American schools, and I was one of the four boys and two girls who were selected last year. I did not imagine coming to school in America before this opportunity.

Ben: The foundation reached out to me about a prior student that was interested in joining our program, so they had a chance to visit and get to know our team. While that student did not join us, the foundation called saying “we have an 8th grader that’s the best of the best.” I got to talk to Ziyi over zoom, view his film, and saw he was also an amazing student. I thought he’d be a great fit for George School.

Q: What was the adjustment like coming to GS for high school?

Ziyi: It was very easy to be involved with the community at George School. My teachers and classmates were all there to help me.

Ben: One of his classmates, Nicolas Sharareh ’25, and I picked Ziyi up from JFK airport in late August. At that time, he could read and write English, but couldn’t speak it too well. Now he’s fully immersed in the English language and American culture. It’s night and day. He’s grown so much from that standpoint.

Q: Ben, how would you describe Ziyi as a basketball player?

I know he will continue to grow. He trains hard and takes it very seriously. The team loves Ziyi. He works really hard. He loves basketball and hates to lose. You earn your respect amongst your peers by how you approach things every day. He’s a skilled player and hopefully will continue to grow during his time here.

Q: How did the trip to China come to be?

Ziyi: Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited America and wanted to invite 50,000 American teenagers over the next five years to China for a cultural exchange.

Ben: I’ll never forget the email. The organization replied to my evaluation on Ziyi at the end of the year and wrote on the last line. “Would your team have any interest in coming to China?” It was a very straightforward ask. I think when I mentioned it to Ziyi he said “Huh? We’re all going back to China?”

Ziyi: It was amazing. I couldn’t believe it.

Ben: Once we realized how serious the offer was and talked to our families, we were able to make it happen with the support of our Athletic Director Kurt Ruch and Head of School at the time Sam Houser. We are so grateful for the foundation’s generous offer.

Q: What were some of your favorite parts of the trip?

Ziyi: The game! It was an exhibition game against Huipu.

Ben: The game felt like an NBA game. Most families were off from school and work for a dragon boat festival, so many local schools attended and families could attend. It was a time where our George School community and beyond could come out and have some fun.

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the trip?

Ben: I think our whole team visiting China brought our team closer together in a good way. I was proud of our group who were there for the experience and not taking it lightly. All of their good qualities came out on the trip and I got to see them in a different light.

Q: What are you most excited about this season?

Ben: I’m looking forward to this group. We have a ways to go, but keep training to be our best.

Ziyi: Winning the championship.