QINGDAO, China, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tracy McGrady began training with his new team at Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong province on Thursday, and the club is pleased with his professionalism, said Sheng Xishun, manager of Qingdao Double Star Eagles, which has recently sealed a one-year contract with this seven-time NBA All-Star.
After playing at NBA for 15 years, McGrady, 33, is now seeking a new chapter in China and becomes the highest profile player in the CBA. His partnership with Chinese basketball star Yao Ming during their days with the Houston Rockets made him popular in China.
He was welcomed by over 1,000 fans at the airport after reaching Qingdao on Wednesday.
McGrady leaped into training immediately after a health inspection, according to Sheng.
"Tracy was supposed to take the medical test on Thursday morning. To save time, he just had pizza in the car. He is very amicable," said Sheng.
"After the lunch, I thought he might want to take a nap, but he asked to start training right away," he added.
Having done some strength training, shoot-arounds, and free throws, McGrady joined the team and started to play with his new teammates.
"Tracy worked very hard. We are pleased with his professionalism," said Sheng.
McGrady will not attend the 2012-13 CBA preseason games. He will play with Qingdao Double Star Eagles during the regular season, according to the club.
Qingdao ranked eighth in the 17-team CBA last season. The new season will kick off in November.