Have you ever had a dream that seemed real, only to wake up and realize that it was just a dream?

That recently happened to me. It was a few months ago. I was home in my native country, the United States. I had returned from China after spending more than five months playing in the CBA.

My bags were barely unpacked, yet I had begun training long and hard for the next basketball season after that dream. I worked out - six days a week, eight hours a day. I was determined to get my body right - in top basketball shape. I had to be ready. Ready just in case another one of my basketball dreams came true.

You see, when I was a child, I dreamed that I would make it to the NBA and would play for my hometown of New York City. And I did both.

So, you can imagine how happy I was when another one of my basketball dreams became a reality.

When I signed the contract, making it official that I would play for the Beijing Ducks, I was so excited - and the people of Beijing seemed more excited than me!

Beijingers have shown me nothing but love since I came here about two months ago. That's why I look at you all as my extended family.

I'm so blessed and grateful you have embraced me as one of your own and made me feel right at home.

In fact, so much about Beijing reminds me of where I grew up. I was raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. Coney Island is home to the world-famous Nathan's restaurant and its hot dog eating contest.

My hood is also less than an hour from Chinatown, which is located in Manhattan - the heart of New York City. Millions of Chinese people come from practically every province in China to live in Chinatown, including many families from Beijing.

My fondness and appreciation for the Chinese culture began at home.

But it has only grown since I started living in Beijing. I love it here. Learning about the culture and connecting with the people and doing things that I did as a kid like riding the subway and shopping on the local streets brings back so many of my great childhood memories.

I'm a strong believer that where one is in life is the right place and time of where one is supposed to be.

Here, in Beijing, is where I belong right now. This is a new era in my life, and I look forward to helping the Beijing Ducks win.

My wish is that you support us like you support the Beijing Guo'an soccer team at Workers' Stadium. The fans there are amazing.

So, come, pack the Shougang Arena like the Line One train and cheer for us at our first home game of the new season. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm on Sunday. It's the Beijing Ducks versus Jilin.

Are you ready for a new era of basketball? We sure hope so because we plan to dish out nothing but excitement this season.

After all, playing for and representing the Beijing Ducks is definitely a dream come true for my teammates and me! Love is love.

Sincerely yours, Starbury

China Daily

(China Daily 11/17/2011 page24)