BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- High-profile trades and signings in the summer have reshuffled the landscape as the 30th season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League approaches.
One of the most notable moves was center Zhou Qi's transfer from the Guangdong Southern Tigers to the Beijing Ducks. Despite battling injuries, the 28-year-old dominated last season, averaging 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in under 28 minutes per game. Zhou's presence significantly bolsters Beijing's frontcourt, while guard Chen Yingjun, who departed the Guangzhou Loong Lions after seven seasons, further elevates the Ducks into title contention.
Beijing's offseason recruitment didn't stop there. The team signed experienced international players Anunwa Omot, Eugene German and Richard Solomon. Omot, who impressed with 24 points for South Sudan against USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics, strengthens the team's three-point shooting in the absence of Zhu Yanxi, while former Fujian Sturgeons top scorer German adds much-needed backcourt depth. Solomon, known for his reliable play, has already made an impact in preseason games.
With this reinforcement, alongside national team players Zeng Fanbo, Zhai Xiaochuan and Fang Shuo, and under the guidance of Hall-of-Fame coach Xu Limin, the Ducks look poised to reclaim the CBA title they last won in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Beijing Royal Fighters also bolstered their roster by signing Shen Zijie and Zhu Songwei. Coach Ming Lulei's goal of reaching the top eight seems conservative, given the team's new formidable paint trio of Shen, Zou Yuchen, and Jared Sullinger, along with Zhu's mid-range game. Rising star guard Liao Saning, after a productive summer of overseas training, adds another threat for the team this season.
Defending champions the Liaoning Flying Leopards face a tougher rebuild, having parted ways with fan favorite Gu Ailun and letting championship player Eric Moreland join Guangdong. With veterans Li Xiaoxu and Han Dejun entering their 18th seasons, and injuries to key players Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin, Liaoning may struggle early on. However, with the arrival of Marial Shayok and Wang Lanqin, the team remains in the mix for another title.
Despite Zhou's departure, the 11-time champions Guangdong Southern Tigers are still contenders, thanks to China's top scorer Hu Mingxuan and former NBA talents Darius Bazley and Will Barton.
Several changes in the new season aim to enhance competition. The regular season has been reduced from 52 to 46 rounds, while the playoffs will maintain the 3-5-5-7 format. Teams are allowed four overseas players, with a maximum of two on the court in the first three quarters, and only one in the fourth quarter.
A mid-season club cup has also been introduced, spanning the 2024-2025 seasons. The group stage kicks off during the first league break in November, followed by the finals during the second break in February 2025. With Beijing, Liaoning, and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers drawn into the same group, fans are in for a thrilling contest. ■