Ex-Cat Kyle Fogg talks about another TBT title, his Chinese adventure and building schools

Fogg rolls to another TBT championship

Already with three straight summertime The Basketball Tournament championships and over $500,000 in winnings, Kyle Fogg figured he'd sit this this out.

The general manager of the Guangzhou Long-Lions kind of hoped he would, too. That's because Fogg was his investment, a star guard who was halfway through a two-year, $2-million contract the Chinese pro team gave him.

"He was like, 'You need to be careful,'" Fogg said.

Fogg had been thinking the same thing. His overseas career has kept ascending since he left Arizona in 2012 — as he put up big numbers in pro leagues in Finland, Belgium, Germany, Spain and now China — and, well, he didn't really need to play this summer's TBT for his share of the $2 million winner-take-all prize.

"I wasn't gonna play because I didn't want to risk getting hurt," Fogg said. "But one of my teammates was like, 'Hey, man, we're gonna give it one more go.' And you look bad if a former MVP doesn't play."

Actually, a two-time former MVP.

Fogg was given the TBT's top honors in 2016 and 2017. When Overseas Elite won a fifth title on Aug. 3, Fogg played another key role. He had 38 points in the Overseas Elite's semifinal win and another 10 in the final before a crowd in Baltimore and a worldwide ESPN audience ... that included a nervous but proud boss back in Guangzhou. Fogg took home $147,000.

"He was extremely excited when I went," Fogg said. "He watched us as much as he could."

When it was over, Fogg headed home. To his two homes: First to Tucson to work out, visit friends and relax at Ventana Canyon. Then to Southern California, where he came out of Brea Olinda High School without a Division I scholarship until he attracted one of Lute Olson's final offers in 2008.

Now, Fogg's success is such that he can command looks from NBA teams. The guard said he worked out with a few of them over the summer before the Long-Lions exercised their option to bring him back for a second season.

The Star talked to Fogg last week about his successes and future plans. Here's what he said:

• Both he and Guangzhou management were happy with each other.

"I was pretty confident that they'd bring me back. I definitely do workouts in the summer or check out things like that (NBA opportunities) but I'm pretty happy with where I'm at. The money is very good over there and I love the situation.

"You have a driver and a trainer who works with you. We stay in a hotel, the Hilton, and it's a great city. It's warm and the people are great."

• But even for a guy who has played all over Europe, China was something else to get used to.

"It's much different. There aren't as many people speaking English, which makes it tough but people are really respectful, especially of elders. There's a lot of good, honest people, which is nice. The team and the fans were great too so, overall it was a great experience but definitely different as far as the food and culture.

"They definitely have some crazy food out there. Luckily, I have my translator with me so he'll tell me what things are, but if you don't have that you eat whatever. You have no idea what it is.

"A couple of noodle spots are incredible. I know the owner at one of them. And there's an amazing buffet at the Hilton so that makes things a lot easier."

• The talent level varied.

"The imports are all pretty much extremely good. The Chinese players who are on the national team are very good as well and the regular guys are OK, but not as good as they were in Spain. On my team, we were fortunate that we all got along really well. Some teams will have a little trouble."

• But he faced some jealousy when he returned home this summer and suited up for TBT powerhouse Overseas Elite.

"Honestly, everyone says 'they're not that good.' Every year, guys are talking trash and we just don't say anything. When we hear it, it motivates us more and it's fine after that. But there's definitely some resentment.

"I know we've definitely got some guys who could play in the NBA for sure — (former St. John's forward) D.J. Kennedy, Errick McCollum (brother of the Trail Blazers' C.J. McCollum). There's no way there are 450 guys in the NBA that are better than them. They're definitely high-level."

• The Overseas Elite may call it quits after going 25-0 and winning a combined $7 million over the past four summers.

"There was definitely pressure this year because a lot of teams (in sports) have won three in a row but four in a row hasn't really been done.

"I said 'this is it' last year and other guys said that so who knows. But I think this time might be the last one. Four in a row, that's pretty crazy."

• It was "crazy" to play in the TBT with the "Elam Ending," where the game clock is shut off at the four-minute mark and a target score is set by adding seven points to the leading team's score.

One week ago today, the best ongoing dynasty in organized American basketball won their 4th straight TBT championship! Take a look back at how @overseaselite improved to 25-0 all-time and upped their total TBT winnings to $7 MILLION! #TBT2018 pic.twitter.com/9yhoaG4wvp

— TBT (@thetournament) August 10, 2018

"It's cool because every game finishes with a game winner but it's tough for the team that's winning because no matter what happens, another team has a chance to beat you."

• He's won over $500,000 at TBT money over four years, but isn't keeping his share this year.

That $7 Million #FridayFeeIing! #TBT2018 pic.twitter.com/PhdIqQe1td

— TBT (@thetournament) August 10, 2018

"This year I gave a huge chunk to my mom so she can retire when she wants and another chunk to Pencils of Promise (a charity that builds schools in areas of need around the world). We're working on our fourth school in Guatemala and will be able to fund that. I'll match whatever anyone puts in."

• The Guatemala school will cost $35,000, and Fogg needs another $16,000 total, counting his match. No doubt the TBT winnings make it easier for Fogg to pitch in.

"I really do believe the more you help others and give, the more you can get back. Of course, we were born in America and we were able to chase our dreams. I think it's only right if I can help."

Listen to an interview with Kyle Fogg here

The Wildcast, Episode 118: Kyle Fogg recaps first year in China, TBT championship, and charity work