In 2024's final episode of CGTN Sports Scene's exclusive "Talk Sports" series, the reigning Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP), Xinjiang Flying Tigers captain Abdusalam Abdurexit, shared with Damion Jones his thoughts on his career and expectations for the team.
After averaging 19.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, Abdusalam was named MVP for the 2023-24 season, while Xinjiang finished the campaign in second place with 41 wins. Although they lost to the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the CBA Finals, the Flying Tigers had a strong season.
Abdusalam suffered an injury in the first game of the 2024-25 season and missed half of the opening stage. He continues to adjust his form, but Xinjiang doesn't seem to have too much to worry about because the rest of the team, especially its young players, have stepped up to keep the Flying Tigers near the top of the league standings.
"In the first stage, we were missing key players like Zhao Rui, Wu Guanxi, and Zhu Xuhang, and I also missed several games," Abdusalam said. "So with those challenges, achieving the results that we did was truly not easy. But at the same time, we saw many young players step up. They are all extremely talented, and their contributions helped the team achieve those results under very tough circumstances, so I think it is really remarkable."
Xinjiang beat the Beijing Ducks 108-97 for its 18th win on Monday night, staying undefeated on its home court in Urumqi.
Having served as captain of the Flying Tigers since 2020, Abdusalam has grown into a respected leader with a clear understanding of his duties.
"Actually, my mentality has not fluctuated too much, and now that I'm the captain, I feel like my role has shifted from being someone who speaks out, to someone who listens," Abdusalam added. "Both on and off the court, the work is equally important to me, including in the locker room, and during training sessions. Every team has members from all over the place, including foreign players, and my responsibility is to help us become more like a family and brothers."
Xinjiang won its first CBA championship in 2017 and is looking to return to the league's pinnacle. The Flying Tigers have some of the most-loyal fans in China backing them, and as the team's captain, Abdusalam has a message for the supporters.
"I want to thank all the fans who support us. Thank you for injecting energy into this team. We will continue to work hard, and live up to your expectations, and strive to achieve great results," he concluded.