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OK, so Tony Bland would like to see some cool ancient swords.

Otherwise, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds and coach Michael Cooper say they're keeping their trip to China simply about basketball and business.

The T-Birds, the NBA-Development League champion in their first season in the league, will play the Chinese National Team in two exhibition games. The first is today in Ningbo City, followed by a game in Macau on Saturday. Today's game will be broadcast live on NBA TV.

Since this trip is sort of a reward for winning the D-League title, Cooper seems obliged not to let the games get lost in translation.

"This is not a vacation," said Cooper, whose team arrived in China on Tuesday. "We're representing the NBA, the Development League and Albuquerque. We're being professional and separating business from pleasure."

That doesn't mean players won't enjoy Chinese food and revel in the surroundings.

"I want to get up at 4:30 (a.m.) every morning just to experience the culture," said Bland, a returning guard from last year's team. "I want to see Tai Chi on the streets and guys practicing with swords. There are things you can't experience in the states."

Forward T.J. Cummings, one of five returning players from the 2006 squad, played professionally in China for the Liaoning Panpan Hunters in 2004-05.

Cummings said he might get recognized, though he doesn't know if he was a big enough deal to receive the red carpet.

"I think it will be cool to go back," Cummings said. "We'll play it by ear."

On the court, the Yao Mingless Chinese team should pose a threat.

But nothing the T-Birds can't handle, Cooper said.

"They'll pick and roll, run around, they'll shoot the 3 and be ready to compete," Cooper said. "But they'll have to be ready for us."

This trip has prolonged Albuquerque's training camp. Other D-League teams began Saturday, but the T-Birds started Nov. 6 to prepare for China.

Competing against China's best isn't the only responsibility of each Thunderbird. Making the team is another.

Twelve guys are fighting to squeeze into a 10-man roster, which will be finalized Nov. 21, General Manager Billy Widner said.

The T-Birds are allowed two designation players from their three NBA affiliates - Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns - which can boost the roster to 12.

Even the players from last year's team must scramble for a spot.

"It's still kind of like (training) camp for us," Bland, who played for the T-Birds last season, said. "We're going to have to work hard this week."