Feature: Rising star Li Tianrong eyeing China jersey after National Games debut

Li Tianrong shone for Shanghai at China's 15th National Games, and aims to improve his skills to one day represent China internationally.

by sportswriters Yao Youming, Liu Yangtao and Xu Dongyuan

DONGGUAN, China, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- After finishing seventh with Shanghai in men's basketball at China's ongoing 15th National Games on Wednesday, Li Tianrong kept taking pictures with his supporters.

"I want to play for China in the future. I will try my best to chase that dream," the 25-year-old National Games debutant told Xinhua.

In Dongguan, Li has been a key player for Shanghai. He scored 29 points to help Shanghai beat Henan in the team's opening game on November 4, as well as averaging 21.2 points in the group stage.

Although Shanghai was not a title contender, his standout performances sent Shanghai fans into raptures.

"Taking on more responsibilities in such a big event is a great experience for me," Li said.

Shanghai head coach Lu Wei said that Li and teammate Li Hongquan are two young talents, and he hopes to enhance the chemistry between them.

After advancing to the knockout stage, Zhejiang players gave Li a tough game. "Li Hongqian and I were always double-teamed in the quarterfinal. It was hard to receive passes during the game," Li noted.

Shanghai failed to reach the semifinals. However, in Li's eyes, he gained a lot of experience in his campaign, which he said was more valuable than the result.

"The game lets me see my weaknesses more clearly," Li said, adding that he is looking forward to improving his skills in order to avoid making mistakes when facing double teams.

"What's more, I think I need to adjust my pace on the court. As you know, we didn't have any international players in the tournament, so I had to pay more attention to organizing in offence."

"In offence, I could only see one or two teammates clearly in my view. I have to be calmer and more focused," Li said.

Li joined Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) side Beijing Ducks in 2015. Two years later, he decided to continue his career in the DME Basketball Academy in Florida.

"Compared to China, I was trained and played in different ways in the U.S.. The training sessions there helped me make huge progress," Li said.

In 2019, Li played in the National Basketball League of Australia, before returning to China and turning out for the Shanghai Sharks.

In the 2024-25 CBA season, Li averaged 14.9 points and 1.8 assists, helping the Sharks to win the CBA Club Cup.

"When I started to play in the professional league, I dreamed of representing China in international competitions," Li said. "I hope my dream can come true in the future." ■