China News Service, Urumqi, April 7 (Hu Jiachen, Zhang Jiawei) On the evening of the 6th, the Xinjiang Yilit Men’s Basketball Team (hereinafter referred to as the “Xinjiang Men’s Basketball Team”) concluded the final round of the regular season of the 2023-2024 Chinese Men’s Basketball Professional League (CBA). , and finally entered the playoffs ranked second in the standings with 41 wins and 11 losses.
In the past two seasons, the Xinjiang men's basketball team has missed the playoffs due to various factors. Their regular season performance this season far exceeded expectations. Not only did they have a 12-game winning streak, but after defeating the Qingdao Men's Basketball Team on February 5, they locked in a playoff spot 13 rounds in advance, becoming the first CBA team to lock in this season. Teams qualifying for the playoffs.
New players join old team to build strong lineup
The Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team's success in the regular season this season is inseparable from its lineup construction. Through a series of precise signings, the team's strength has been rapidly improved. In the offseason last year, the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team introduced Jones, the all-around foreign aid from the former Jilin Team; in terms of domestic players, it traded Zhou Qi for Zhao Rui, and also traded for Wu Guanxi, the former core inside player of the Jiangsu Team. In the middle of the season, the Xinjiang men's basketball team strengthened with foreign aid, bringing in former NBA Bucks player Wigginton and former NBL (Australian Basketball League) player Crick. Coupled with the subsequent joining of new stars such as Li Yanzhe and Wang Quanze, the team has a strong lineup.
Abdul Saramu made a three-pointer in the game. Photo by Zhang Jiawei
At the same time, the performance of the team's original team also refreshed the fans. Abdulsalamu was reborn and averaged a "double-double" in the regular season. In the 15th round of the regular season, the "Xinjiang Captain" even got his first career "triple-double", scoring 19 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists; in the 50th game of the regular season, he got his career's first "triple-double". Second "triple double", scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
In addition, Qi Lin's performance has made a qualitative leap since last summer's special training in the United States; Yu Dehao, as a defensive champion, once ranked first in the CBA domestic players' defensive efficiency rankings; Sirzati brought the "newborn calf" "The spirit of fighting on the court... From defenders to centers, the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team has many capable players in every position.
Definitely focus on defense as offensive skills and tactics
Xinjiang men’s basketball head coach Qiu Biao is one of the key factors in the team’s outstanding results. After transitioning from a player to a coach, he is called "Confucian Coach" by fans. For players, Qiu Biao always provides encouragement and guidance, and uses experience to help young players improve their performance on the field.
At the technical and tactical level, the Xinjiang men's basketball team has demonstrated a brand new offensive and defensive system this season. Under the leadership of head coach Qiu Biao, the team adheres to the strategy of "defense as offense", making defense the top priority and emphasizing that every game must be offensive on the premise of good defense.
Xinjiang men's basketball head coach Qiu Biao guides the players during the game. Photo by Chu Xu
"Defense, defense! This is our special skill, and it is what we have to do for a long time." Xinjiang team head coach Qiu Biao once mentioned "defense" multiple times in a post-game interview, which is enough to show that he has this attitude towards the game. of attention.
This season's Xinjiang men's basketball team is widely regarded by people inside and outside the industry as a "strong defensive team" and a "shield" in the offensive and defensive system. The defensive performance of most players is remarkable. Regular season team technical statistics show that the Xinjiang men's basketball team ranks first in the CBA league with a defensive efficiency of 104.8 points lost per 100 rounds.
The championship dream inspires the team to move forward bravely
As a traditional strong team, the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team has reached the finals many times. In the CBA 2016-2017 season, the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team won the first and only championship trophy in team history. Seven years later, the then young player Abdul Saramu has become the core and leader of the team. The home court of the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team has also been "upgraded" from the Hongshan Gymnasium to the Urumqi Olympic Sports Center...
Change breeds hope, and the seeds of "championship" sprout again. In interviews with reporters, many Xinjiang fans expressed their high expectations for the Xinjiang men's basketball team's performance in the playoffs. Chen Hao, a fan who has followed the Xinjiang men's basketball team for ten years, said that although the Xinjiang men's basketball team has had good and bad results in the past few seasons, he believes that every player, like the fans, has never changed their dream of winning another championship.
The Xinjiang men's basketball team cheered together in the player tunnel before the game. Photo by Chu Xu
Xinjiang Men’s Basketball Head Coach Qiu Biao said that the regular season was full of ups and downs, and the players had both high and low moments. Under the leadership of the captain (Abdul Saramu), everyone worked together as a team, encouraged and helped each other, and faced difficulties together, and we were able to achieve second place in the regular season. I am lucky to be able to cooperate with these team members.
During the regular season, the Xinjiang men's basketball team also had shortcomings such as low free throw shooting and unstable three-pointers. Currently, the Xinjiang men’s basketball team is in the midst of a short break and preparations. After the play-offs are over, the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team is expected to face the winner between Qingdao and Guangzhou on April 19 to start the first round of the playoffs. (over)