Beijing Ducks imports inspire first home win

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Host team Beijing romped over Qingdao 111-105 on Sunday. That victory not only gives fans their first home win of the season but also gives the capital team's faithful a glimpse of their new imported duo's effectiveness.

Justin Hamilton and Aaron Jackson's combined total of 58 was over half the home side's points tally for the evening, and they believe this is just the start of a successful association with the Ducks.

Two defeats in the opening three games are not what the three-time CBA Champions are used to.

Four days ago, the Ducks lost out by a single point to Shandong having spent large parts of the game on the back foot.

Nevertheless, fans made their way to the Shougang sports center last night hoping that their team can start to get it together.

Some fans think that the Beijing Ducks count more on domestic players and lack for support from foreigners, but that doesn’t mean that the importance of local players is any less important to them. In fact, most of the fans quite appreciate the Chinese players’ performance, but think that, sometimes, they feel too anxious about the foreign imports.

Justin Hamilton is in action during the match against Qingdao. /VCG Photo

According to them, Hamilton always loses the ball and can't play well in the confrontation. Jackson dribbles well but lacks the ability of attack.

The new-look Beijing Ducks team was left feeling a lot of pressure after being defeated by Shandong on Thursday. This game against Qingdao was quite important, especially for their new foreign imports, who are still hoping to put on a show for their fans.

Hamilton is now playing in his fifth country after signing for Beijing. The big center has experience in the NBA and the Euro league, but his average of 19.7 points prior to tip off had a few fans questioning the value of the new signing. A team high of 31 against the Eagles would have restored some faith, even with the championship winning duo of Morris and Marbury being a lot to live up to.

Jackson has spent large parts of his career in Russia where his responsibilities at CSKA Moscow were more evenly shared. Here in China's capital he has to deal with being the focal point of the side.

The new pair, along with their team, had to deal with injuries to some of the key Chinese members of the squad, but as they return to full fitness, the US ballers will aim to continue to show they can be as effective as the previous overseas talent, just don't expect a statue any time soon.