Basketball: China beats Australia 68-66 in Asia Cup warm-up

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By CGTN's Wang Meng

A 68-66 win for China's Blue team in the first of three exhibition games against Australia suggests the new reforms for basketball in the country are taking a step in the right direction.

China's Blue team is coached by Du Feng, who led the squad to a silver medal at last month's inaugural BRICS games in Guangzhou.

The tournament was among the first for the national squad, since splitting the squad into two separate teams -- with separate schedules. A second national team, China Red, is coached by former national team star Li Nan.

Chinese basketball player in action against Australian counterparts. /VCG Photo

Center Hu Jinqiu is one of the youngsters selected by Coach Du to play, and the 20-year-old hopes to improve his abilities and be a mainstay on the national squad. "The opponents pressured us during the game, and we made some mistakes. I hope we can fix those problems, by adapting to Australia's style in the next games. However I gained more experienced, and learned a lot from playing in the game.”

Zhou Peng, the team's captain, returned to action ahead of next month's Asia Cup. He and Li Gen bring veteran leadership to the squad, based on their experience from last year's Rio Olympics.

Coach Du Feng on the sidelines. /VCG Photo

Du Feng must decide which 12 players should make up his squad for the upcoming tournament, if he needs veterans, or youth, and what combination would be best suited to battle teams like Australia.

"I think it is not important whether we win or lose exhibition games. I hope the young players can show their value in the game, apparently I controlled the playing time for veterans, allowing the youngsters more time on the court. I will test them, and see their abilities executing our system. They must represent the team, and finish the most important mission this year," said Du.

Chinese player slam dunks. /VCG Photo

Australia will make its debut at this year's Asia Cup. Some players selected for this team have represented the national squad on the world stage before, and they are looking forward to showing their ability in Asia.

Du Feng’s team will play two more games against the Aussies in Jinlin and Dongguan this week, and then Du will have to decide on the 12 players he will take to the Asia Cup.

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