LAWNDALE, Calif. — As the coronavirus spreads, there are many Americans who are leaving China including a professional athlete back home in Southern California.

Since athlete Pooh Jeter is not playing basketball at the moment, he's selling shoes and clothing at a store he owns in Lawndale called Laced. But customer service is not his usual line of work.

Jeter has been with the Chinese Basketball Association for several years, and this is the first time he’s ever seen the entire league come to a stop.

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“I’m for sure worried. I’m worried definitely only because I’ve been playing pro ball for 14 years," Jeter said. "Eight of it has been in China, so I’m worried about my friends and family that’s out there.”

After a team meeting, it was decided Jeter should come back to California. The choice was made just after the Lunar New Year.

His family was with him celebrating, and they all just got back to America this week. He's now keeping his phone very close since he's not sure when he will play again.

“We’re just waiting, waiting on a call to see when to return or whatever the situation may be so we just got to be patient," he said.

Jeter has never been to Wuhan, which is ground zero for the coronavirus.

Earlier this week, hundreds of American citizens from that very city landed at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley.

Experts are keeping a very close eye on them—all the while the number of cases keeps climbing.

“I know they’ll find a solution soon," Jeter said.

Usually Jeter's father would be taking care of the store while his son plays overseas. This extra time with loved ones is something not everyone is lucky enough to have.

“I just feel like we need to pray for everybody in China," Jeter said.

From hoops to hoping for the best, Jeter is home in the U.S. but not getting too comfortable. When his phone rings, it’s back to the game.