NCAA Division I teams Washington Huskies and Texas Longhorns are set to play the first official USA college regular season game in China on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai Expo Culture Center) in Shanghai.

WSB-TV noted that the game, which notably will not only be an exhibition game but a sanctioned one that will affect both teams' win-loss records, is "the first of perhaps many for US university teams" as the NCAA aims to grow a significant fan base "in the world's second-biggest economy."

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"The opportunity that these young people have to come to this country... (it's) an opportunity that I sadly turned down," said two-time NBA champion Bill Walton, who is going to be one of the game's commentator for ESPN's live broadcast. "It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life."

Walton was referring to the China exhibition game his college squad UCLA turned down way back in 1973.

"I said I didn't want to come," the 1977 NBA Finals MVP said. "I didn't know any better. I was wrong."

Fortunately, he cN still make up for Chinese fans even if he will not grace the court anymore.

Meanwhile, Longhorns coach Shaka Smart expressed enthusiasm about playing in front of Chinese fans and the milestone that his team and the Huskies are about to reach in this game.

"We're excited," said the 38-year-old head coach, as reported by Hook'Em. "When we get back, everyone on our team will have gained some really valuable personal and team experiences, both on the court in the game and off the court as well."

Meanwhile, the University of Washington took it to another level as players were enrolled in a two-week basic Mandarin-speaking course in preparation for the trip. School president Ana Mari Cauce along with other school officials are tagging along on the journey to China visit to express support not only for their team but also for the event itself.

"We're making sure that this isn't just a basketball game," said Cauce.

Reports of a second NCAA regular season game is said to be in the works for November next year, although the teams involved have not been specified.

TagsNCAA tournament, Washington Huskies, Texas Longhorns, Washington Huskies vs Texas Longhorns, NCAA China games, Bill Walton, China basketball news, China basketball news 2015