A basketball academy was set up yesterday by the Chinese Basketball Association and Shanghai University of Sport to integrate resources of the two parties to cultivate both talent who can play basketball and people wanting to research the game.

CBA Basketball Academy will offer diplomas from bachelor’s to master’s degree status.

The academy will also play an active role in promoting basketball education in primary, middle and high schools.

Yao Ming, president of the association, said basketball is hugely popular in China but there was a considerable lack of professional talent across all areas of the sport.

Chen Peijie, president of the sport university, said the academy will begin admitting students from September next year.

The academy will also serve as a think tank, providing advice on future basketball development.