[jayasena]

Um... I don't think anyone's saying people of Asian descent can't play football. I think Garvin's point is that kids who haven't played competitive football in junior high or high school aren't likely to make viable college players (with some very, very rare exceptions). Both Ed Wang and Dat Nguyen grew up here, didn't they?

I think basketball is different -- it's a popular sport in China (and much of the rest of Asia) already. American Football... not so much. Perhaps this is the beginning and the sport may catch on but any recruiting benefits are decades away (if ever). I'm guessing the real appeal is in terms of TV audiences.

I believe Star TV (part of the News Corp empire) has some history broadcasting college football in Asia (I remember once watching a Rose Bowl while in Asia many years ago). Wonder what their experience/ROI has been.

[jayasena]

Um... I don't think anyone's saying people of Asian descent can't play football. I think Garvin's point is that kids who haven't played competitive football in junior high or high school aren't likely to make viable college players (with some very, very rare exceptions). Both Ed Wang and Dat Nguyen grew up here, didn't they?

I think basketball is different -- it's a popular sport in China (and much of the rest of Asia) already. American Football... not so much. Perhaps this is the beginning and the sport may catch on but any recruiting benefits are decades away (if ever). I'm guessing the real appeal is in terms of TV audiences.

I believe Star TV (part of the News Corp empire) has some history broadcasting college football in Asia (I remember once watching a Rose Bowl while in Asia many years ago). Wonder what their experience/ROI has been.