The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league has improved a lot with faster, tougher players, it's getting more similar to NBA, said Charles Ganies in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Friday.

Ganies plays power forward in Shanxi Zhongyu since 2010. Together with Marcus Williams, the duo played a leading role in the team, helping Shanxi maintain the third place this season with 9 victories against 4 defeats.

"I think CBA is a very serious league, and they are trying to learn a lot of things from NBA, that is the model," said the insider player, who won the nickname "Paint Monster" for his outstanding defence and scoring capacity.

Having played for Xinjiang, Tsingdao and Shanxi, Ganies scored an average of 29.1 points and 14.2 rebounds last season with Shanxi Zhongyu.

"Shanxi as team is good, good young players, good chemistry and good coach," the bearded man with his 203cm height and 108kg weight covered by tattoo, said he would like to stay in China after the uneasy coming days.

"The first year was tough when I came to China in 2008. Here is different weather, different rules of game, and the food and communication are the most difficulties, I don't like chopsticks," said Ganies.

"But now I would like to stay in China if I can get contract and get in court, I do have a Chinese family and Marcus (Williams), and there are my teammates, Tian, Double. They are all good guys."

When asked who is the best foreign player on the court, "Marcus," Ganies said instantly.

"I have known Marcus for a long time, he is like my little brother," the 31-year-old American said highly of Williams, who was one of the reasons for him to stay with Shanxi.

The only open quarreling was during the game when Shanxi vs Tianjin, in which the team had a low performance, and Ganies yelled to Williams when he was replaced.

"I was mad at myself," Ganies replied, "I just want to win, we have the wish to win and the championship is the goal that we will make it."

Gaines registered 27 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists this season.

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