Guo Haowen of China looks on in practice at the NBA G League Elite Camp at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., June 21, 2021. /CFP
Chinese point guard Guo Haowen of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)'s Shanghai Sharks announced Thursday that he won't attend this year's NBA Draft and explained his decision in a statement on Sina Weibo.
Having trained in the U.S. for over a month, Guo said he felt the difference in playing ability between international players and himself, and called that his biggest takeaway from the experience. "I gave careful consideration to this together with my family and my agent, listened to suggestions from the Shanghai Sharks and decided to withdraw from the 2021 NBA Draft," said Guo in the statement.
Guo Haowen (#37) of China shoots in practice at the NBA G League Elite Camp at Wintrust Arena, June 20, 2021. /CFP
Guo went to the U.S. in May and his original plan was to train with local players. He was excited to practice with Jalen Suggs and Evan Mobley – both potential top-3 selections in the draft. "Suggs and Mobley were very serious on the court, even in practice. They were so aggressive defensively, like they wanted to press you into the corner," said Guo, according to Tencent Sports.
Guo said that experience set a new target for his basketball career.
Having felt the atmosphere in Los Angeles, Guo decided to enter the NBA Draft one year early. "Whether I am drafted or not, I will accomplish a lot during the process," said Guo.
Guo participated in the draft combine in Chicago and admitted he was not doing very well there. "It's a big year for the draft but mainly because I was not ready," said Guo. "The NBA has deeper 3-point line, tougher physical contact and faster pace in training sessions. I need to work hard and improve myself to adapt to all of those in the future."
Guo Haowen of China poses for a portrait ahead of the NBA G League Elite Camp at Wintrust Arena, June 19, 2021. /CFP
According to Tencent Sports, Guo had interviews with nine NBA teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. He received a lot of advice from the front offices of those teams as well.
Guo, 21, played for the Sharks last season. His 2-meter height is his biggest advantage, as it provides him better court vision as an orchestrator. However, he needs to put on more muscle to enhance his defense and refine his shooting, especially from beyond the arc, to raise his skill set.
Guo said he will continue to play for the Sharks in the 2021-22 CBA season.