17-of-19 from the Field! Dominating an NBA Lottery Pick, Hu Jinqiu Proves He's China’s Top Big Man

In the opening round of the 2024-2025 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, no domestic player made a bigger statement than Hu Jinqiu. The Guangsha Lions’ big man put on a clinic, going 17-of-19 from the field in just 37 minutes, racking up 37 points and 9 rebounds (6 of them offensive) in a 113-102 victory over the Shandong Heroes. His efficient and explosive performance was punctuated by two perfect three-pointers, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor as well.

Perhaps even more impressive was how Hu completely dismantled Shandong’s new import player, Marquese Chriss, an NBA first-round draft pick (eighth overall) in 2016. Chriss, who was expected to dominate in the CBA, had no answer for Hu’s versatile game, especially in the post. In one game, Hu Jinqiu effectively introduced Chriss to the realities of CBA basketball with a performance that felt like a welcome party to the league’s latest NBA import.

Considering the current landscape of Chinese basketball, with national team star Zhou Qi frequently sidelined by injuries, Wang Zhelin showing signs of decline, and young talents like Yang Hansen still developing, Hu Jinqiu has a strong case as the top big man in China. His ability to not only dominate in the paint but also stretch the floor with a reliable three-point shot puts him ahead of the pack in terms of versatility.

Hu’s 100% shooting from deep in this game was the latest example of his growing range, though unfortunately, he’s often relegated to a traditional center role with the Chinese national team, where he’s forced to battle larger opponents in the post. Hu’s skill set was better utilized back in 2021 under former head coach Du Feng, who ran a dual-tower lineup with Hu and Zhou Qi in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The result? A convincing 79-63 win over Japan, where the Hu-Zhou duo proved to be too much for the opposition.

As the national team gears up for upcoming competitions, such as the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November against Guam and Mongolia, Hu Jinqiu will undoubtedly be a key player, assuming he stays healthy. There’s also hope that rising talents like Guo Haowen, who scored 20 points in his debut for the Nanjing Monkey Kings, will get more opportunities. Both Hu and Guo are players with distinctive skills and potential to make significant contributions for Team China.

Meanwhile, Sun Minghui, another player who’s been overlooked by the national team in recent years, also had a strong outing in Guangsha’s opening game. He posted 21 points, 11 assists, and 4 steals, showcasing his playmaking ability and knack for pressuring the ball. His strong start to the season raises the question: Why has the national team consistently ignored him? In contrast, Zhu Junlong, a national team favorite known for his defense, had a quiet game offensively, with just 2 points, but made his mark on the other end with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a +26 plus-minus, the second-highest on the team.

Hu Jinqiu’s performance highlights a broader trend within Guangsha’s domestic roster, which has consistently been one of the best in the CBA. In recent years, Guangsha’s championship aspirations have often been hampered by injuries and underperforming foreign players. However, with a healthy Hu Jinqiu leading the charge, this year could present a golden opportunity for Guangsha to contend for the title. Yet, standing in their way is the reigning champion Liaoning Flying Leopards, who are chasing a fourth consecutive championship and remain the team to beat.

Hu Jinqiu: China's Top Big Man

What truly sets Hu apart from his peers is his combination of size, mobility, and shooting ability. At 6’11”, Hu can play both the center and power forward positions, and his soft touch around the rim makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. His footwork in the post is precise, and he knows how to use his body to seal defenders and finish with ease. Despite facing a former NBA lottery pick in Marquese Chriss, Hu’s superior fundamentals and composure under pressure were evident.

Chriss, known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability in the NBA, was repeatedly outmaneuvered by Hu, who seemed to anticipate every defensive adjustment. Whether it was on pick-and-rolls, face-up drives, or post-ups, Hu made quick decisions and consistently found high-percentage shots. This ability to outthink and outplay a more physically gifted defender highlights Hu’s basketball IQ, which has been a key component of his success.

Hu’s shooting from deep is also becoming a major asset. While Chinese big men are typically asked to anchor the paint and provide interior scoring, Hu’s ability to hit from three-point range adds a new dimension to his game. His 2-of-2 performance from beyond the arc in the game against Shandong is proof that opponents can no longer leave him unguarded on the perimeter.

This development is particularly significant given the direction of modern basketball, which increasingly values big men who can stretch the floor. Hu’s evolving shooting touch allows Guangsha to space the floor more effectively, opening up driving lanes for guards like Sun Minghui and creating mismatches when opposing bigs are forced to close out on Hu.

National Team Implications

Hu’s performance raises important questions about how he’s utilized on the Chinese national team. Under the previous head coach Du Feng, there were glimpses of what Hu could bring as part of a twin-tower lineup. In the aforementioned 2021 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against Japan, Hu and Zhou Qi played together in a high-low formation that maximized both of their strengths. Hu’s ability to stretch the defense while Zhou anchored the paint made the Chinese offense much harder to defend.

However, under current head coach Djordjevic, Hu has often been asked to play as a traditional 5, battling larger, more physical centers in the paint. While Hu is certainly capable of holding his own, this role limits his versatility and effectiveness. As a mobile big man with shooting range, Hu should ideally be deployed in a way that takes advantage of his unique skill set.

The upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers will be another opportunity for Hu to shine on the international stage. Assuming he remains injury-free, Hu is expected to be a core piece of the team. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Guo Haowen, who has the potential to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the national team. His performance in the CBA opener suggests that he’s ready for a bigger role at the international level.

Meanwhile, Zhu Junlong’s role as a defensive specialist for the national team remains secure, even if his offensive contributions are limited. While Zhu is not known for his scoring, his ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game without the ball makes him a valuable asset. However, the same cannot be said for Sun Minghui, who has repeatedly been overlooked by the national team despite his consistent performances in the CBA. His 21-point, 11-assist game in Guangsha’s opener is a reminder that he can contribute at a high level and deserves another shot with Team China.

Guangsha’s Championship Aspirations

With Hu Jinqiu playing at such a high level, Guangsha is undoubtedly one of the teams to watch this season. In recent years, Guangsha has often been derailed by injuries and inconsistent performances from their foreign players. However, if Hu can stay healthy and maintain his current form, there’s no reason why Guangsha can’t make a deep playoff run.

The biggest obstacle in Guangsha’s path is, of course, the Liaoning Flying Leopards. The defending champions are aiming for a fourth consecutive title, and with stars like Guo Ailun and Han Dejun leading the way, Liaoning remains the gold standard in the CBA. That said, Guangsha’s domestic roster, featuring Hu, Sun Minghui, and Zhu Junlong, is as talented as any in the league.

The key for Guangsha will be consistency. If their foreign players can contribute and stay healthy, Guangsha has the potential to challenge for the title. Hu Jinqiu’s continued development as a versatile, modern big man will be crucial to their success. With his ability to score inside and out, rebound, and defend, Hu is not only the best big man in China but also the foundation on which Guangsha’s championship hopes rest.