Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole's brief but headline-grabbing stint in the Chinese Basketball Association has come to an end. After suiting up for just one game with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Cole has returned to the United States.

The news of Cole's signing with the CBA team broke on April 1st, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting the multi-platinum artist had committed to playing a few games. This marked the latest chapter in Cole's well-documented pursuit of professional basketball, following his previous appearances in the Basketball Africa League (2021) and the Canadian Elite Basketball League (2022).

Cole made his debut for the Monkey Kings on Saturday, April 11th, in a 95-81 loss to the Guangzhou Loong Lions. However, his time on the court was cut short. In a post on his blog, "Inevitable," Cole explained that a prolonged work visa process limited his availability. "Initially I was scheduled to play in at least 3 games," he wrote. "The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back."

But don't count the rapper out of international hoops just yet. Cole left the door open for a potential return, telling the team he would be open to playing more games next year after he completes his upcoming summer tour. "I told the team that if I could stay in shape I would be down to play for a longer amount of games next year after I'm done with tour," he shared, signing off with "DREAMER."

The tour he references is in support of his February album, "The Fall Off," which some speculate could be his final studio release. The tour kicks off on July 11th in Charlotte, North Carolina. For now, Cole's focus shifts from the hardwood back to the stage, leaving fans to wonder if another overseas basketball adventure is in his future.