From L to R: Zhanrg Zhenlin, Wang Shaojie, Zhu Mingzhen and Xu Jie. /VCG
The list of participants for the latest training camp of the Chinese men's national basketball team was released by the Chinese Basketball Association on Wednesday. If one word should be picked to describe the list, it's "young".
The list goes as follows:
Hu Mingxuan, Xu Jie, Du Runwang (Guangdong Southern Tigers)
Qi Lin (Xinjiang Flying Tigers)
Zhang Zhenlin (Liaoning Flying Leopards)
Cheng Shuaipeng, Yu Jiahao (Zhejiang Golden Bulls)
Shen Zijie, He Xining (Shenzhen Aviators)
ang Shaojie (Beijing Royal Fighters)]
Liu Chuanxing (Qingdao Eagles)
Wu Guanxi, Li Lutong (Jiangsu Dragons)
Jing Hanyi, Yuan Tangwen (Sichuan Blue Whales)
Fu Hao, Zou Yuchen (Bayi Rockets)
Fan Ziming (Guangzhou Loong Lions)
Feng Mingzhen, Wang Xinrui (Zhejiang Lions)
Mi Aili (Shanghai Sharks)
Zeng Fanbo (Beijing Ducks)
Zhu Mingzhen (Peking University)
Wu Yonghao (Montverde Academy)
Wu Guanxi of the Jiangsu Dragons. /VCG
The average age of selected players is only 20.7 years old. The oldest one, Wu Guanxi, is one month away from 26 years old. They will assemble between September 1 and 20 to train together as part of the national team's preparations for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in 2021 and the FIBA Asia Cup qualification games.
As the head coach of the national team, Du Feng said that though there are major events for the national team and the new CBA season is happening soon, it has been a tradition for the team to assemble every year. Moreover, it can be a good chance to learn more about the young blood athletes shouldering the future of the national team.
Du also shared what will happen during the three-week-long camp. "There will be three stages. In the first one, players will need to adapt themselves to the standard of the national team. Then in the second stage, group-to-group games will be arranged for them. The third stage is for them to learn general tactics and for coaches to learn more about players," said Du.
Li Nan, head coach of the Chinese men's national basketball team. /VCG
Du emphasized that high standards will be made for players in the training camp. "I hope that every young man will see himself as a member of the national team and take this opportunity to truly gain something."
Since the Chinese national team failed to secure direct qualification for Tokyo Olympics in last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, Chinese basketball could go through a long period of darkness in the following years, but this list can give a new push to the team. If the young players can bring some sparkle during the training camp, then there is still hope for the future. Besides, the country's basketball chief Yao Ming has repeatedly said, the reform of Chinese basketball will continue and go even deeper.