Season of superlatives
After failing to win Asia's only direct berth to Tokyo at the 2019 FIBA World Cup at home, Team China is now facing long odds to overcome five much-higher ranked opponents, including Greece and Canada, to win the solitary ticket up for grabs to the Games at an Olympic qualifying tournament, which begins on June 23 in Victoria, Canada.
As head coach of both Guangdong and the national squad, Du Feng is embracing the international challenge as more of an opportunity for young guns to maintain their upward curve.
"This past season some of our young players have made great strides, facing not just confrontations on the court, but also the long, grueling test of their professionalism off the court," said Du, a 39-year-old former national team forward who helped Guangdong win its first seven league titles as a player from 2004-11.
"They did it to stay disciplined and mentally sharp throughout seven months locked up between the hotel and arenas, and they have convinced me that the franchise will stay strong in the future."
A standout young performer in the finals, 23-year-old Guangdong point guard Hu Mingxuan was named MVP of the finals after averaging 13.7 points, 2.7 assists and 3.3 steals over the three games to help the Southern Tigers roar to victory.
Together with 21-year-old Xu Jie and 25-year-old Zhao Rui, Hu has been part of a formidable Guangdong backcourt trio who have compensated for the loss of American import Marshon Brooks and domestic backbone Yi Jianlian, who were both sidelined by Achilles tendon ruptures.
"Congrats to our little buddy on becoming the fifth local player in Guangdong's history to win the FMVP award! Well deserved!" Yi posted on Weibo. "Your improvement has been obvious to all. Just keep working hard and stay committed to the mission."
Although losing to Guangdong in the finals for a second consecutive year, Liaoning could draw plenty of encouragement for next term thanks to the performances of its own young core－guard Guo Ailun and forward Zhang Zhenlin.
